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Your brain will respond differently to regular stimuli due to its altered state. This conflation of addiction with dependence, which stigmatizes effective medication treatment for opioid use disorder, is even enshrined in law. Fortunately, Volkow and her colleagues’ argument carried the day with the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 committee in 2013. Additional training in assessment and diagnosis for physician trainees at the medical school level is also needed.
- Many drugs cause dependence but not addiction, for example, paroxetine [10] and clonidine [11].
- Drug detox is the first step in overcoming substance abuse disorders.
- While physical dependence and psychological dependence are different in many ways, they are both critical factors for those who struggle with substance abuse disorder.
These symptoms will vary by individual, substance and the severity of the addiction or dependence. While addictions may be accompanied by a physical dependence, and physical dependence typically suggests addiction, this is not always the case. An individual may experience physical dependence without being addicted, such as in the case of prescription painkillers. The body develops tolerance and dependence, but this is not immediately indicative of addiction. In other cases the individual may be “addicted,” such as in the case of gambling addiction or an eating disorder, but not physically dependent. Psychological dependence describes the addict’s emotional need for the substance or behavior.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
And sometimes it takes more than one type of treatment to be successful. Speak with your doctor if you have become physically dependent on a medication or other substance. Other common substances that cause dependence are nicotine and pain relievers, particularly narcotics. Stopping suddenly will likely cause symptoms, and they can be serious. So unless it is urgent, gradually cutting down on the amount and how often you use it should make it easier. If you were addicted to the substance, just cutting down wouldn’t ordinarily work.
Yet, it does this by forcibly speeding up or slowing down the body’s systems. The mind craves these chemicals and reacts negatively when they’re suddenly gone. The reason for wanting to be alone can be because of shame or just the substance taking over one’s life.
Signs and Symptoms of a Psychological Dependence
Both the mind and body lash out without the “feel-good” chemicals drugs and alcohol provide. Addiction is a serious medical condition that won’t get better without treatment. There is a bit of an overlap when it comes to physical vs psychological dependence. Incarceration and legal issues are signs of the social effect of an addict.
Treatment for psychological dependence may include therapy, support groups, and medication. Substance abuse is a severe problem that requires professional treatment, but physical dependence can be managed with medical supervision. If you are physically dependent on a substance, you may first need to detoxify before starting other treatments.
Physical Dependence
In fact, physical dependence can be a distraction from another problem—addiction. Physical dependence is sometimes simply called dependence, but this phrasing can cause confusion because addiction is sometimes referred to as dependence as well. Physical dependence is characterized by the body relying on an external (exogenous) source of a chemical substance to prevent withdrawal. Physical dependence is predictable, efficiently managed with medication, and can sometimes be managed by a tapering off of the substance or through participation in a medical detox program. It is possible that you’ve already moved past the dependence stage, which is why early detection of these symptoms is key. Beating a dependence is much easier than overcoming an addiction.
When you stop using the substance, you experience physical symptoms of withdrawal. Most people must start their repair process by acknowledging that they have developed a dependence on drugs or alcohol. Once you’ve realized that you need tools and guidance, choosing a treatment program that provides what you need will get the recovery process underway. Substance use disorders are difficult to understand for many people. The physical and mental aspects of any substance disorder are complicated and unique to the individual suffering. The differences between physical and psychological dependency vary but have some similarities.
When someone is using narcotics to deal with life’s general ups and downs there is a dependency on that drug. This proves to be an unhealthy relationship psychological dependence on alcohol between the substance and the person. Physical addiction dependence versus psychological addiction dependence has some clear distinctions.
The body’s cells may not battle to withdraw but the individual will struggle emotionally with letting go. This is due to the behavior’s “reinforcing” nature; the brain’s reward system is stimulated, providing a sense of calm, or some other desired effect, and ensuring that the behavior will be perpetuated. Psychological dependence can be as powerful as physical dependence and the addict will need help in reestablishing mental and emotional equilibrium as he or she seeks to live a sober life.
What to Know About Physiological Dependence on Drugs
Other symptoms include dilated pupils, anorexia, piloerection, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pyrexia, hypertension, muscle cramps, dehydration, and weight loss [141]. If you or someone you love is struggling with physical and psychological dependence, we can help. At Genesis Recovery, we specialize in treating all types of addiction, including dual diagnosis disorders. We offer various treatment options, including detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, and therapy. Psychological dependence, on the other hand, is treated using behavioral therapies, holistic therapies, and support groups. The goal of these treatments is to help patients identify harmful thoughts or behaviors and replace them with healthier coping mechanisms.
- Patients may require a carefully designed tapering regimen if they are to abandon BZD after chronic use.
- People who are addicted to a substance use it even if it has no medical benefit.
- MAT is used in combination with behavior therapy and support groups.
- Substance use disorders are difficult to understand for many people.
- Angry outbursts can be caused by frustration when the person is feeling helpless and they feel the substance they are on is too strong to overcome.
