It can be difficult to know if you have a psychological dependence on drugs or alcohol. However, understanding the signs and symptoms of dependence can help you identify if you or a loved one may have a problem.
If you find that you need to use the thing more and more frequently, or in larger amounts to get the desired effect, then you may be psychologically dependent on it. Other signs of psychological dependence include feeling like you need the thing to deal with your problems, or using it even when it is harmful to you.
If you think you may be psychologically dependent on a substance, it is important to seek help from a professional. They will be able to assess your situation and provide you with the necessary support. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please contact The Right Step Houston at 1.844.768.0169 today for help.
Defining Psychological Dependence
In order for an addiction program to work, the client’s psychological dependence needs to be addressed. But what exactly is psychological dependence?
Psychological dependence can be defined as a person’s mental reliance on a substance or activity in order to feel good, cope with problems, or avoid feeling bad. In other words, someone who is psychologically dependent on a substance or activity feels that they need it in order to function.
Psychological dependence is different from physical dependence when a person’s body becomes used to a substance and requires it to function. Physical dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the person stops using the substance. Psychological dependence is often an early sign of addiction, as it can lead to a strong emotional attachment to the substance or activity.
The Signs of Psychological Dependence
Recognizing psychological dependence can be tricky, as it often manifests differently from person to person. However, there are some general signs and symptoms that may indicate that someone is psychologically dependent on a substance or activity:
- Depression when their drug of choice is not available
- Anxiety with any thought of not using or drinking
- A change in appetite from the abstinence
- Difficulty sleeping associated with quitting or not using the drug of choice
- Obsession over finding and using the drug of choice
- Difficulty concentrating when abstinent
- Irritability and restlessness that occurs when someone is not using
- Withdrawing from friends and activities that were once enjoyed
- Lying and secretive behaviors in order to acquire or use the substance
- Continuing to use even when it is harmful
All of these signs can have a profound effect on the addiction sufferer’s psyche. Unfortunately, the only solution is therapy and removing the drug user’s psychical cravings and dependence. Only then can the individual begin to heal their psychological dependence.
The Right Step Houston – Offering the Right Solution
Whether the client’s addiction issues are physical or psychological, we have a treatment program to help. We understand that all of our clients enter rehab with very different circumstances. With that in mind, we have a responsibility to make sure we have the options and resources to deliver what we promise. We offer the following programs to help curb dependence:
- Residential Drug Rehab
- Outpatient and intensive treatment
- Chronic Relapse Tracking
- Evidence-based therapies
- Motivational interviewing
- 12 Step program
- Aftercare
If you feel you have possibly become dependent on a substance or activity, we urge you to reach out for help. Our highly trained and experienced staff will be more than happy to discuss any concerns you may have. Contact The Right Step House to learn about our addiction treatment services today by calling us at 1.844.768.0169. Help is just a phone call away.