Psychological addiction is closely linked to physical addiction in that it is also driven by increased dopamine production in the brain. Neurobiologic advances from the brain disease model of addiction. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). As we navigate the complexities of human behavior and dependency in relationships, let’s approach the topic with compassion, understanding, and a willingness to learn. If you’re struggling with any form of dependence, remember that you’re not alone, and help is available.
What is Psychological Dependence? Definition, Symptoms, and Examples
Physical addiction happens when the body becomes used to a drug or alcohol. To truly recover, it’s important to understand the difference between physical and psychological addiction. Some addiction therapists believe that psychological dependence is more challenging to overcome and may require extensive aftercare.
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Certain psychoactive substances can even lead to psychological dependence without causing significant physical dependence. In contrast to physical dependence, psychological dependence primarily affects behavior and the mental and emotional aspects of addiction. While substance types can influence the development of physical dependence, psychological dependence can arise from a broader range of substances and behaviors. Treatment for physical dependence may involve Psychological vs physical addiction managing withdrawal symptoms and gradually reducing the reliance on the substance.
Addressing Psychological Dependency
Physical dependence, as explained by the Sana Lake Recovery Center, is characterized by tolerance and withdrawal. These two aspects of addiction have distinct characteristics and impacts on behavior and the body. These changes can impact normal brain function and contribute to the body’s reliance on the substance to function properly. Tolerance refers to the body’s adaptation to the presence of a substance, requiring larger amounts to achieve the desired effect.
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That’s why recovery programs must treat both addiction and mental health together. It breaks down the most common symptoms of both physical and psychological addiction. If you only focus on the physical symptoms and ignore the mental side, it’s easier to fall back into old habits.
Begin Your Path to Recovery
Physical dependence involves the body’s adaptation to an addictive substance, resulting in withdrawal symptoms such as body aches, sweating, or changes in blood pressure when use is stopped. Addressing psychological dependency focuses on behavioral therapy and support systems to help individuals alter their relationship with substance use. Understanding the symptoms and effects of both physical and psychological dependency can provide insight into what is the difference between physical & psychological dependence.
Psychological Dependency Signs:
Psychological dependency can significantly disrupt daily life and relationships, resulting in an obsession with obtaining and using the substance . Psychological dependency, on the other hand, relates to emotional and cognitive aspects of substance use. The physiological adaptations that occur in the brain due to the presence of addictive substances can significantly affect normal brain function. Read our related article to discover how long it takes your brain to rewire after addiction, and learn more about inpatient addiction treatment at Sequoia. Someone with an addiction will usually receive a dual diagnosis during treatment. Read our related guide to learn the differences between drug misuse, abuse, and addiction.
- Congratulations, you’ve just experienced a mild form of psychological dependence!
- When it comes to understanding addiction, recognizing the signs of dependence is a crucial step towards seeking help and embarking on the path to recovery.
- But it can also create a psychological dependence, where the person feels they need alcohol to relax, socialize, or cope with stress.
- Both types of dependence on drugs can lead to social consequences, such as isolation, broken trust, and damaged relationships.
It’s when someone believes they need a substance to cope with life. Psychological addiction is all about the way a person thinks and feels. When you stop using, you may experience uncomfortable or even dangerous symptoms. Over time, your body starts depending on it to feel normal. Let’s explore how these two types of addiction work—and why knowing the difference can help you or someone you love find the right path to healing. And both can make quitting a substance feel overwhelming without help.
Drugs like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines (like Xanax) are known to cause physical addiction. The longer the use, the stronger the physical dependence can become. These symptoms happen because the body’s systems have been changed by the substance. Many people think addiction is only physical—something you can see or feel in the body.
The symptoms can include significant withdrawal effects, which might lead to detrimental health risks if not managed properly. Physical dependence manifests through various physical symptoms, which may arise when an individual reduces or stops using a substance. If you or a loved one is suffering from substance addiction, read more about addiction to discover how we help individuals achieve a healthy and substance-free life. Certain therapy modalities are proven to reverse the harmful symptoms of substance dependency. Individuals can experience relief from their substance dependence with the help from mental health professionals.
Addressing Psychological Dependence
SymptomsDescriptionChemical Level ChangesAltered brain chemistryWithdrawal SymptomsIncludes depression, anger, and insomniaGastro-Abdominal IssuesNausea, vomiting, and abdominal painTremblingUncontrolled shakingSweatingExcessive perspirationTeary EyesFrequent watery eyesSeizuresPotentially serious withdrawal symptom Individuals may believe they cannot function normally without the substance, leading to compulsive behaviors around its use. Instead, it is characterized by a reliance on a substance for emotional stability or coping mechanisms.
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- As noted, physical dependence involves changes in the brain that create withdrawal symptoms when the substance is insufficient or absent .
- Someone with an addiction will usually receive a dual diagnosis during treatment.
- Psychological dependency, on the other hand, relates to emotional and cognitive aspects of substance use.
Withdrawal SymptomsDescriptionNauseaFeeling sick and unable to eat.TremorsUncontrolled shaking, often in the hands.SweatingExcessive perspiration without increased physical activity.InsomniaDifficulty sleeping or staying asleep.HeadachesPain ranging from mild to severe in the head. Flexible treatment option allowing clients to continue going to work or school. Both forms of dependence are also similar in how they affect each other. Although the mind and body are separate, they are known to deeply influence each other.
Physical withdrawal, on the other hand, can be a whole different ballgame. It’s like your brain is throwing a temper tantrum because it’s not getting its favorite toy. Psychological withdrawal might involve mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and intense cravings.
Medical professionals may prescribe medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe detoxification process. It involves changes in the body and chemical levels in the brain caused by addictive substances . Treatment approaches vary depending on the nature of the dependence, whether it is physical or psychological. With the right resources and treatment approaches, individuals can break free from addiction and regain control of their lives.
There is no one-size-fits-all path to addiction treatment. Working with a health care professional will allow you to explore the options to treat your addiction. If you believe you have an addiction, it’s never too late to look for help. Anyone with an addiction can get help at any point if they feel it’s the right time. Addictions can start slowly as people experiment with different types of drugs. The crossover from tolerance or dependence to addiction may not be obvious at first, but there are definite signs.
Addiction Is a Disease; Tolerance and Dependence Aren’t
In fact, they often run in the same pack, especially when it comes to substance use disorders. Physical dependence often requires medical supervision, especially during the detoxification process. It’s like rewiring your brain’s circuitry to function without the dependence. Treatment approaches for these two types of dependence often differ as well. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, where’s that thing you’ve been giving me?
Treatment programs may include a combination of individual counseling, group therapy, and evidence-based interventions tailored to the individual’s specific needs. The guidance and understanding of others who have gone through similar experiences can be invaluable in the journey towards recovery. It can also involve using the substance as a coping mechanism for life’s challenges and difficulties.
You can be physically dependent on a medication prescribed by your doctor without being addicted to it. Take, for example, the case of social media addiction. Mood changes when unable to engage in the behavior or use the substance Psychological dependence is like that clingy friend who always needs your attention. The way we understand and approach these distinct forms of dependence can quite literally shape the course of someone’s life.