Man watching water at sunset contemplating what to do about physical drug dependenceWhat is physical drug dependence?

When we talk about drug addiction and abuse, two terms float around a lot. These terms are physical dependence and psychological dependence. There is overlap between these two terms. Some people use them interchangeably. But there are fundamental differences between physical drug dependence and psychological dependence.

In this guide, we will outline the definition of physical dependence and explain how it affects the body, mind, and spirit when substance abuse is present.

Critical Differences Between Physical Drug Dependence and Psychological Drug Dependence

Essentially, physical drug dependence has to do with your body. Once you start taking certain types of addictive drugs, your body becomes used to those drugs.

Drugs like heroin and cocaine are incredibly addictive, and yes, they are physically addictive. Your body may experience these drugs just one or two times and become physically addicted to them. In other words, you become used to them and require them just to make you feel normal. If you don’t use them or stop abruptly, withdrawal symptoms set in.

On the other hand, psychological addiction is more emotional and mental. With psychological addiction, you may feel that you need your drugs to feel normal, but the addiction is not as powerful as physical addiction.

For example, physical addiction is far less common with drugs like marijuana. You may feel that you need weed if you use it a lot, but withdrawal symptoms will not be quite as severe as they are with drugs like alcohol or heroin. This is because alcohol and heroin commonly cause a physical addiction.

Can You Cure a Physical Dependence on Drugs?

In one word, the answer is no. But let us be clear–this doesn’t mean you can’t recover.

In other words, there is no one cure for physical dependence on drugs, just as there is no cure for addiction in general. This is because “cured” is the wrong word to use when it comes to addiction and physical drug dependence.

The truth is that when someone struggles with addiction at any point in their life, they will likely battle addiction for their entire lives. But don’t let this get you down. What we mean here is that the individual will need to pay attention to their addiction throughout their lives. They should never let their guard down. It may be a challenge for them forever.

But the good news, once again, is that you can achieve sobriety. Millions of people have reached lifelong sobriety, which means they have stopped using drugs and alcohol altogether. After attaining recovery, they never touch an addictive substance again.

But the only way to achieve real addiction recovery is with professional drug and alcohol addiction help. This is where Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida comes in.

At Beaches Recovery, we are committed to helping you achieve lifelong sobriety and full recovery from addiction. No matter what substance you are struggling with, we are here to help. Our services include the following:

We want you to know that with Beaches Recovery, you’ll get the best service and treatment possible for your addiction. We are committed to your success because your success is our success.

Contact Beaches Recovery to Get Help for Physical Drug Dependence

It is never easy to eliminate drugs or alcohol from your life. This is why getting help is so essential. Beaches Recovery wants to help you achieve recovery from your drug or alcohol addiction. We can also help you if you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction.

To find out more about the services and programs we offer at Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, please contact us today.

The recovery rate for those who struggle with physical drug dependence and attend treatment at Beaches Recovery is exceptionally high. The most effective, safest results can be achieved by only taking the first step. Call us now at 866.605.0532 to obtain the health and wellness you deserve.