Physical Dependence vs Psychological Dependence

When analyzing whether or not legal issues caused by substance abuse is a psychological dependency versus a physical dependency, evidence suggests it is a symptom of psychological dependency. They need to do something illegal to get the substance of choice is a psychological dependence of that substance. Classifying something as being either wholly physical or purely psychological indicates a misunderstanding of behavior as well as the brain and body connection. This erroneous belief is pertinent to the disease model of addiction in that it purports that “addiction is not a choice” because people with substance use disorders do make decisions regarding their substance abuse. Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions.

However, they can be very upsetting, and may even lead you back down the road to relapse. The restlessness that occurs when someone is not using substances. Depression, feelings of hopelessness, and lack of interest in regular activities. About 50% of all mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder had elevated levels of depressive symptoms over 18 months, while rates were … Paper presented at the meeting of Addiction, Trauma, and Co-Occurring Disorders, San Diego. The self-help groups have the advantage of being free which makes it possible and easy for the recovered alcoholic to maintain their abstinence by weekly attendance at AA meetings for extended periods of time. Individual psychotherapy can be very useful but only if there is a strong additional component of group psychotherapy or attendance at a self-help group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Addiction Therapy Programs

Even less problematic discomforts, such as sweating and teary eyes, are both attributes of physical addictive dependence versus psychological addictive dependence. Sinha R, Fox HC, Hong KI, Hansen J, Tuit K, Kreek MJ. Effects of adrenal sensitivity, stress- and cue-induced craving, and anxiety on subsequent alcohol relapse and treatment outcomes. Specific trauma, stressors, people, locations, and events can be triggers. However, you can still choose to not take the substance while dealing with these triggers — with addiction, it’s almost impossible to not take the substance when in these situations. Your brain and body don’t like not having caffeine in them, so they turn up the pain.

The inability to stop using drugs even after health problems arise is another symptom of psychological dependency versus physical dependency. Here at Sana Lake, we offer several programs that can help each patient individually. Intense cravings are universal to all addiction physiological dependence on alcohol and are based on altered brain chemistry. Recovery is achieved through psychotherapy, counseling, and substituting the addictive behaviors for healthy alternatives. Many substances, such as caffeine, nicotine, anti-depressants, can cause physical dependence.

Putting Substance Abuse and Its Effects Behind You

The exact symptoms of addiction can vary from person to person, but typically, those suffering from addictions experience both physical and mental symptoms to an extent. These associations are so strong they can activate your brain’s reward system in the same way it would react to the substance of your choice being in front of you. That’s why just being around these people, places, or things can create intense cravings and urges to use substances. It’s important that any form of substance abuse treatment focuses on identifying triggers and teaching you healthier ways of dealing with them.

In cooperation with RECO Intensive, we can guide your journey from the first step toward sobriety to a strong and supportive sober lifestyle for the future. Reach out to us today to find out more about sober living in Delray Beach, Florida. Addiction may not be “cured,” but it is effectively managed with an individualized treatment program. Restoring control, confidence, and self-worth start by taking meaningful action toward those goals.

Physical Dependence vs Psychological Dependence

While psychological and physical dependence can overlap with addiction , they can also occur on their own. An example is an individual taking prescription opioids exactly as directed by their physician. Over time, this person may develop a tolerance to the drug and if they were to stop using the drug abruptly, they would experience physical withdrawal symptoms. When discussing substance abuse and addiction there is a lot of lingo that gets thrown around. Many terms are used interchangeably but they are not always used in the correct context. When you’re experiencing psychological addiction, your thoughts may be consumed with when you’ll use drugs or alcohol again, or how you’ll get more of the substance you’re abusing. Awareness of the negative consequences stemming from your substance abuse do not deter you from using.

It is important to understand that physical and psychological dependence are intertwined and both play a significant role in maintaining addictive behaviors. If you feel that you or a loved one are struggling with dependence on drugs or alcohol, give us a call today. We are experts at addressing both the physical and psychological parts of addiction and will work with you in your journey towards a clean and sober life. Many substances can cause physical dependence, psychological dependence, or both. However, for many people, a combination of both physical and psychological dependence is common. Whether someone is suffering from the effects of physical or psychological addiction, holistic addiction treatment is the best course of action. Addiction treatment centers use various evidence-based techniques to teach people to manage cravings, overcome withdrawal, and build a life outside of substance use.