Psychological Addiction: Meaning, Symptoms, Treatment
Category : Bookkeeping
There are countless substances out there that people can become addicted to. From what is physiological dependence prescription drugs and alcohol to street drugs and hallucinogens, there are an unnerving amount of drugs available. Unfortunately, experimenting with mind-altering substances can quickly lead to a full-blown physiological dependence. Once a dependence has formed, drug addiction is the next stage in the development of substance use disorders.
Alcohol
Physical addiction primarily affects the body, with chemical changes occurring in the brain due to the addictive substances. These changes can impact normal brain function and contribute to the body’s reliance on the substance to function properly. Comprehensive addiction treatment programs often combine various approaches for the best outcomes.
Path to Recovery
- Remember, recovery is not just about abstaining from substance use.
- For example, if your body is getting used to working without alcohol, you might experience anxiety, restlessness, or physical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
- For example, a person with a caffeine dependence who stops drinking coffee may have withdrawal symptoms for a few days but then feel better.
- Currently, the only behavioral addiction included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) main list is gambling disorder.
- Both aspects need to be addressed in order to support individuals on their path to recovery.
Environmental and psychological factors can also contribute to physiological dependence. Stressful life events, trauma, and even familial patterns of substance use can foster a dependency mindset. Awareness of these triggers can help individuals navigate the complex landscape of physiological dependence better. It is important to note that physical dependence is characterized by changes in the body and brain due to the addictive properties of substances. Seeking professional help and a supervised detoxification process is often necessary to safely manage physical dependence.
Addiction Is a Disease; Tolerance and Dependence Aren’t
This does not mean the patient has a substance use disorder — it just means they need medication to have a higher quality of life. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has shown promising results in managing physical addiction, especially for opioid and alcohol dependence. These medications can help reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms, making the recovery process more manageable.
The journey may be challenging, but with the right support and resources, recovery is possible. Pharmacological interventions can play a crucial role in managing cravings and preventing relapse. Medications like methadone or buprenorphine for opioid addiction, or naltrexone for alcohol dependence, can help stabilize brain chemistry and reduce cravings. The HALT technique stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired – four common triggers that can lead to relapse during the recovery journey. This technique encourages individuals in recovery to be aware of these triggers and take necessary steps to address them before they escalate. This might come in the form of home visits from a nurse, or travelling to your GP’s office for regular checkups.
Every single patient we approve gets a customized treatment plan that matches their lifestyle and their needs — we even offer telemedicine options. It is possible that you’ve already moved past the dependence stage, which is why early detection of these symptoms is key. We all heard in school that all it takes is one time, and while that can be correct, it is often a fear tactic. In truth, addiction doesn’t happen overnight and it rarely happens if you take an opioid once.
Everything You Need to Know About Psychological Dependence
The attempt to fill an emotional void or numb the pain can lead to a reliance on substances or behaviors. When addiction is related to drugs or alcohol, the condition is also called a substance use disorder. It could include prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, street drugs, alcohol, even nicotine.
For a formal diagnosis, clinicians refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This manual outlines specific criteria for substance use disorders, including physiological symptoms like tolerance and withdrawal. There are a number of signs and symptoms of physical dependence, or substance use disorder, that a person can exhibit when they are dealing with this difficult issue. The more severe the dependence is, the more intense the symptoms can be. Numerous drugs of abuse are described as having both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms and fostering both forms of dependence.