Author: Charles Frank

Physical vs Psychological Addiction

It means that the body has developed a need for a particular substance in order to function normally. Chemical changes occur in the brain as a result of the addictive substances present in drugs, leading to physical addiction. If you’re ready to get help, you’ll need to understand that not all addictions are the same. Some people seem to have more of a physical dependence, where you experience the symptoms of your addiction in your body. Others seem more affected mentally, as you develop a deeply rooted craving for a certain substance that changes your psychological behaviors. Consequently, people suffering from psychological dependence will spend excess time obtaining drugs, using the drugs, and recovering from the side effects of the drugs.

Substances Associated with Psychological and Physical Dependence

People who have a physical dependence on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance or reduce the amount of substance used. In addition to professional help, establishing a strong support system is crucial to managing withdrawal symptoms and starting the recovery journey. Recovery from addiction is not a solitary process, and having a network of supportive individuals can provide encouragement, accountability, and understanding.

In order for addiction treatment to be effective, patients must receive treatment for their physical and psychological symptoms. By attending a residential rehab program, you will be able to confront your addiction, learn how to manage your symptoms, and gain life-long support that will be there for you throughout your sobriety. By targeting both the physical and psychological symptoms of a substance use disorder, patients can safely and effectively be treated. Let’s take a deeper look into the differences between physical and psychological dependence.

Professional Treatment for Physical and Psychological Dependence

In many cases, psychological factors, often superimposed upon genetic and environmental factors, play an important role. According to cognitive behavioural theories, anxiety disorders result from inappropriate thought processes and belief systems. According to psychoanalytic theories, anxiety disorders are rooted in childhood events such as separation or loss, and in unresolved childhood conflicts of psychosexual development.

By recognizing and addressing both physical and psychological aspects, individuals can find freedom from addiction and regain control of their lives. Not only does physical dependence make it difficult for the body to self-regulate, but psychological dependence affects a person’s judgment, decision-making, mental health, and emotional health. For example, someone who is psychologically dependent on drugs or alcohol might continue drinking even after multiple DUIs or legal consequences. Furthermore, people with psychological dependence will experience strong and recurring urges to use drugs, even when they want to stop.

1. The psychological aspects of addiction are sometimes so tortuous that they are the hardest symptoms to overcome.
2. Psychological relates to the processes of the mind, and may be used to describe mental illnesses.
3. Treatment approaches vary depending on the nature of the dependence, whether it is physical or psychological.
4. From a biological perspective, it is possible that these effects are mediated through the body’s stress response mechanism, especially the hormone cortisol, which can be constantly “switched on” by chronic stress.
5. Fear and anxiety can be a normal response to life experiences, protective mechanisms that have evolved to prevent us from entering into potentially dangerous situations, and to help us escape should they befall us regardless.

Psychological Dependence Unpacked

Instead, individuals may experience intense cravings, mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety when attempting to abstain from the substance or behavior they are psychologically dependent on. These psychological symptoms can be equally challenging to overcome and may require professional assistance and support. Physical dependence, as explained by the Sana Lake Recovery Center, is characterized by tolerance and withdrawal.

Addiction Destroys Dreams, We Can Help

Remember, recovery is a lifelong journey, and seeking professional help and building a strong support system are essential steps in achieving freedom from addiction. With the right guidance, encouragement, and resources, individuals can reclaim their lives and cultivate a healthier, happier future. When it comes to addressing addiction, it is important to consider both the physical and psychological aspects of dependence. Treatment approaches vary depending on the nature of the dependence, whether it is physical or psychological.

Seek The Joy Of A Sober Life

From a medical standpoint, anxiety becomes pathological when it becomes so severe, frequent, or longstanding as to prevent us from doing the sorts of things that most people take for granted, such as leaving the house or even just our bedroom. I once treated a patient with a severe anxiety disorder who, to avoid crossing the corridor from bedroom to bathroom, urinated into a bottle and defaecated into a plastic bag. Fear and anxiety can be a normal response to life experiences, protective mechanisms that have evolved to prevent us from entering into potentially dangerous situations, and to help us escape should they befall us regardless. In severe anxiety, hyperventilation, or over-breathing, can lead to a fall in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. This gives rise to an additional set of physical symptoms, among which chest discomfort, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, dizziness, and faintness. In mild to moderate anxiety, physical symptoms such as tremor, sweating, muscle tension, a faster heart rate, and faster breathing arise from the body’s so-called fight-or-flight response, a state of high arousal fuelled by a surge in adrenaline.

In 2017, the WPA created a Scientific Section on Comorbidity, and in January 2021 it established a Working Group on Managing Comorbidity of Mental and Physical Disorders chaired by N. The group includes experts in the field with different backgrounds from high‐, medium‐ and low‐income countries10, 11, 12. The recovery process for individuals who have developed substance use disorders to these substances should be strictly monitored by a physician or psychiatrist who specializes in addiction medicine to identify any potential seizure activity and immediately address it. It is important to note that treatment for psychological dependence may also involve medication, particularly in cases where co-occurring mental health disorders are present. Medications can help manage symptoms and provide individuals with the stability needed to engage in therapy effectively.

In essence, long-term treatment for individuals who have “psychological addictions” or “psychological dependence” compared to individuals who have developed “physical addiction” or “physical dependence” should not differ significantly in terms of the overall plan of recovery. Understanding the difference between physical and psychological dependence is crucial for developing appropriate treatment approaches tailored to individual needs. By recognizing the specific aspects of each type of dependence, professionals can provide comprehensive care to address both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction.