What Is the Difference Between Physical & Psychological Dependence?-Arista Recovery

These changes can impact normal brain function and contribute to the body’s reliance on the substance to function properly. In conclusion, addiction is a complex and challenging condition that can have serious consequences for those who suffer from it. Psychological addiction and physical addiction are two different types of addiction, each with their own unique characteristics. It’s important to note that the treatment approach for addiction should be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. A comprehensive treatment plan may involve a combination of these treatment options, along with ongoing support and aftercare to promote long-term recovery.

• Individuals with psychological dependence may feel an emotional need or craving for the substance, and may experience feelings of panic or fear if they are unable to get their usual dose.
• Psychological addiction develops as an individual repeatedly engages in a behavior or uses a substance to escape negative emotions or provide a sense of pleasure.
• The most common examples of this are cannabis and hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and LSD.

In addition to medical interventions, counseling and support groups are also vital components of treatment for physical addiction. Psychological addiction is marked by intense cravings and a compulsive need to engage in the addictive behavior or consume the substance. Individuals may experience a preoccupation with the behavior or substance, difficulty controlling their use, and a persistent desire to continue despite negative consequences. Psychological addiction can impact various aspects of a person’s life, including their relationships, work, and overall well-being. In some cases, dual diagnosis treatment may be necessary for individuals who have co-occurring mental health disorders alongside their addiction. Treating both the addiction and the underlying mental health issues is crucial for long-term recovery.

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After identifying these negative thoughts, CBT helps someone replace them with new, healthier thought patterns that promote mental wellbeing without the need for substances. Depending on the severity of an individual’s substance dependency, they may attend inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation treatment. During rehabilitation, mental health professionals work with the client closely to identify the sources of their substance dependency and develop strategies for overcoming it. Individuals can experience relief from their substance dependence with the help from mental health professionals. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available that can heal each aspect of someone’s substance dependency. In other words, someone with a psychological dependence will have a strong desire to routinely use a particular substance.

Characteristics of Physical Dependency

This indicates that addiction is not merely a consequence of physical dependence, but involves a complex interplay of biological and psychological factors 7. Physical dependence is a condition that arises from chronic use of a tolerance-forming drug. It can occur from low-dose therapeutic use of certain medications as well as from recreational misuse of drugs. In addition to these physical symptoms, symptoms of physical dependence can include fear, anxiety, and discomfort during withdrawal, which may lead to lashing out at loved ones. Without supervised detox, there are significant risks, including death, depending on factors such as the duration and amount of substance use. Physical dependence is a state that develops due to chronic use of a tolerance-forming drug, where abrupt or gradual discontinuation Psychological vs physical addiction leads to unpleasant physical symptoms 1.

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Individuals may be stuck in a habit loop, returning to the drug of choice to manage stress or escape mental illness. Over time, substance addiction can lead to adverse effects on organs, blood circulation through blood vessels, and increased tolerance requiring higher doses. These negative consequences damage the human body and can lead to chronic disease or chronic pain. Common signs include craving the substance, using it to cope with stress, and obsessively thinking about it. Emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, and irritability may also appear when not using the substance. At Arista, we offer compassionate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed care to help you heal, grow, and move forward.

Common substances include alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, nicotine, and some prescription medications. These drugs often cause withdrawal symptoms when the user tries to quit, indicating physical dependence. It’s important to find proper support networks and effective treatment approaches for recovery. The management usually includes a slow dose reduction over weeks, months, or longer, depending on the drug, dose, and individual. For alcohol dependence, a cross-tolerant drug like long-acting benzodiazepines may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms 1.

Psychological dependence, also referred to as psychological addiction, is distinct from physical dependence. According to the Sana Lake Recovery Center, it involves a person’s reliance on the drugs or substance of choice. Moreover, the body’s physiological response to addictive substances can contribute to the development of physical addiction.

Key Differences Between Psychological and Physical Addiction

Psychological dependence also makes someone rely on a substance to achieve mental and emotional wellbeing, rather than achieving physical relief from withdrawal symptoms. Effective treatment must target both somatic and emotional reliance, because treating only one often leads to relapse. Detoxification is usually the first step, aimed at managing withdrawal symptoms and stabilizing the body. However, detox alone does not address the mental and behavioral patterns that fuel substance abuse. Substances most likely to cause strong physiological addiction include opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and nicotine. These drugs alter brain chemistry in ways that reinforce compulsive use, which is why somatic reliance is such a powerful driver of substance use disorders.

This can result in fear, anxiety, and withdrawal discomfort, which may lead to aggression towards loved ones. Physical dependence is a condition that can develop from chronic use of a tolerance-forming drug. Factors such as the dosage used, the duration of use, and the age at which use began can influence the severity of physical dependence. Although psychological and physical dependence work together and affect each other, there are several differences in how their symptoms manifest. This is especially true in relation to substance dependence, where psychological and physical dependence are closely interconnected.

Addiction develops gradually, making it easy for the signs of psychological dependence to go unnoticed. As someone’s psychological dependence on a substance strengthens, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to live without it. At Mainspring Recovery, we know how important it is to have a trusted partner while you leave drugs and alcohol behind.

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• When it comes to addiction, it’s important to understand the difference between physical and psychological dependence.
• Moreover, dependence can also lead to psychological symptoms due to physiological adaptations in the central nervous system and brain from chronic exposure to a substance.
• Read our related guide to learn the differences between drug misuse, abuse, and addiction.
• It’s essential for individuals and families impacted by substance abuse to understand these factors as part of their journey towards recovery.

Physical addiction is influenced by various biological factors, including the impact of addictive substances on the brain and the body’s response to prolonged exposure. DrugAbuse.govoffers an insightful explanation based on brain image studies from people addicted to drugs. The study found, physical changes in areas of the brain that are critical for judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavior control in addicted people. Scientists believe that these changes alter the way the brain works and may help explain the compulsive and destructive behaviors of an addicted person. The psychological side of addiction represents the compulsion of the mind to drink or use based on a perceived need the substance fills.

Developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs increases the effectiveness of recovery. Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), provide a community of people facing similar challenges. When someone uses the substance they’re psychologically dependent on, they feel satisfied and complete.

Also, group therapy prevents self-isolation, which is common amongst those recovering from substance dependency. Psychological and physical dependence both lead to uncomfortable or painful symptoms when the substance isn’t used. This also means that both forms of dependency encourage the individual to continue using the substance. That’s why we begin with a thorough drug and alcohol abuse assessment in our rehab center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to identify each individual’s unique needs and create a tailored treatment plan. Common symptoms include sweating, nausea, headaches, muscle aches, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat.

Differentiating between physical and psychological dependence also plays a vital role in formulating long-term recovery strategies. Dependence becomes a problem when people persist in using a substance despite its use causing harm, or when its risk outweighs the benefits. Nearly everyone who takes opioids for months or more will develop dependence, but only around eight percent or fewer of patients on chronic opioid therapy for pain will develop addiction.