Physical vs Psychological Dependence

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you may wonder about the difference between physical and psychological dependence. To understand physical vs psychological dependence, you must remember that both physical and psychological dependence can lead to addiction and require professional addiction treatment. The difference between physical and psychological dependence will not always be obvious. They can co-exist. You can be both physically and psychologically addicted to a substance, or just physically addicted or just psychologically addicted.

When you form a physical addiction, your body has adapted to your drug use and you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit using. Psychological addiction means that you are mentally dependent on a drug, but your body does not depend on the substance.

When understanding physical vs psychological dependence, remember that each present unique symptoms, characteristics, and effects.

Physical vs Psychological Dependence

Physical vs psychological dependence can be confusing considering they often co-exist. When someone displays signs of physical addiction, their body and brain have become dependent on drugs. Stopping use can disrupt these cycles and result in withdrawal. Withdrawal can be severe and life-threatening. If you are worried that you may experience withdrawal, find a drug and alcohol detox center that can keep you safe and comfortable during detox.

Some signs of physical dependence include:

• Feeling sick when you stop using drugs
• Having to increase use over time as your tolerance increases
• Feeling unwell when you wake up until you use
• Having to use multiple times throughout the day to prevent withdrawal
• Needing medical supervision to safely detox from the substance

Psychological dependence occurs when you feel the need to use drugs or substances that are not addictive and have difficulty stopping your use. One of the most common non-addictive substances that cause psychological dependence is marijuana. While marijuana does not contain any known addictive chemicals, users often develop psychological dependence to marijuana. Psychological dependence can cause the parts of your brain that control pleasure to associate your substance use with intense pleasure, creating a psychological addiction.

Treatment for Physical and Psychological Dependence

Even though there are differences between physical vs psychological dependence, both have similar treatment options. Addiction is treated using evidence-based therapies, which can include dialectic and cognitive behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and group therapy. The goal of these therapeutic approaches is to help change the way you think and perceive your environment. Changing the way you view problems and respond to situations helps you find a healthy way to cope with life without the use of substances.

However, if you are suffering from physical addiction, medical detox is necessary to help combat and treat symptoms of withdrawal. Since psychological dependence does not result in withdrawal, detox is unnecessary.

Look for the Best Treatment Center

After understanding physical vs psychological dependence, it is imperative to remember that both types of addictions need treatment. While treatment options can appear stressful and overwhelming, it is important to find a treatment center that can meet your specific goals and needs. If you are looking for the best substance abuse treatment programs Jacksonville FL offers, Beaches Recovery has the experience and understanding to help guide you towards recovery. To learn more about our nationally recognized treatment programs, call us today at 866.605.0532.