Addiction – Psychological Dependency vs Physical Dependency

You should never minimize the serious issues surrounding the use and abuse of drugs. If these issues go untreated, full-blown physical or psychological dependency can occur. In turn, this can cause lifelong health, financial, social, and familial ramifications. If you are concerned about drug dependence in yourself or in a loved one, only professional treatment can help.

When it comes to understanding drug dependence, it’s important to know the difference between physical and psychological dependency. This article will outline the key differences between these two dependencies. And at the end, we will explain how you can get help for a substance abuse problem for yourself or a loved one.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Disorder

Before getting into the details of physical and psychological dependency on drugs, let’s discuss alcohol and drug abuse disorder. This is the precursor to any serious drug dependency. There are numerous symptoms associated with this disorder. They are as follows:

• Abusing alcohol or drugs in order to cheer up, deal with problems, relax, get to sleep, or interact with others
• Broken capillaries on the skin, a flushed appearance of the skin, black or bloody stools, chronic diarrhea, trembling hands, and a husky voice
• Using drugs in secret and secrecy in general
• A lack of interest in past hobbies and friends
• Re-occurring arguments with friends and family members
• A lack of interest in school or work

Again, these symptoms will eventually lead to physical or psychological dependency on drugs or alcohol if not treated.

Psychological Dependency on Drugs

Psychological dependency may also be called a mental addiction. This generally occurs before physical dependence. For this reason, it is overall less dangerous than physical dependence, but it is still dangerous, nonetheless.

Mental or psychological dependency has to do with the individual feeling like they cannot stop using their drugs of choice. They will constantly either be thinking about their drugs of choice or be using them.

This type of dependence on drugs or alcohol absolutely necessitates professional treatment. It is true that it is a precursor to physical dependence, but it can be extremely harmful as well.

Physical Dependence on Drugs

A physical dependence on drugs is extremely dangerous because it means that the body will go through withdrawal if it doesn’t get the drugs that it’s used to. When a physical dependence occurs, the individual has been using their drug or drugs of choice with regularity. As a result, the body has grown used to them. In turn, if rapid cessation occurs, pain and discomfort result.

The only way to get over a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol is to check into a professional treatment center and go through detox. This can be an intense process, but at Beaches Recovery, we make it safe and comfortable.

Contact Beaches Recovery Today

Beaches Recovery of Jacksonville, Florida offers detox programs that can help you kick your dependence on drugs or alcohol. After detox, you will go attend therapy programs such as,

• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Anger management therapy
• Art, music, and fitness therapy

Find out more by contacting us at 866.605.0532. Our door is always open. Don’t let psychological dependency and addiction run your life. Make a change by contacting Beaches Recovery.