Recognizing a psychological dependence on drugs or alcohol can be challenging. Understanding the signs and symptoms helps identify if you or a loved one may have a problem. What should you know about substance addiction vs. dependence? If you need to use the substance more frequently or in larger amounts to get the desired effect, you may be psychologically dependent. Other signs include feeling the need to use the substance to cope or continuing use despite harm.
Addiction and dependence often coexist but differ significantly. Addiction is a chronic disease causing compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences. Dependence involves a psychological and physical need for a substance to function normally. The body adapts to its presence, leading to withdrawal symptoms when stopping. Dependence is a physiological response, while addiction is a behavioral and psychological issue.
If you think you may be dependent on a substance, seek help from a professional. They can assess your situation and provide support. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, contact The Right Step Houston online or call 1.844.768.0169 today to learn more about our options for substance abuse treatment in Houston, Texas.
Understanding Psychological Dependence
For an addiction program to work, the client’s psychological dependence needs to be addressed. But what is psychological dependence? It’s a person’s mental reliance on a substance or activity to feel good, cope with problems, or avoid feeling bad. In other words, someone psychologically dependent feels they need it to function.
This differs from physical dependence, where the body becomes used to a substance and requires it to function, leading to withdrawal symptoms when stopped. Psychological dependence is an early sign of addiction, often creating a strong emotional attachment to the substance or activity.
Psychological Dependence vs. Addiction
Psychological dependence and addiction are closely related but are not the same. Here are some differences between the two:
- Psychological dependence involves a mental reliance on the substance for emotional well-being, while addiction is characterized by compulsive and harmful drug use.
- Physical or psychological factors may cause dependence, while addiction is primarily a behavioral disorder.
- Addiction often leads to dependence but can also exist without it.
Addiction is considered a chronic disease that affects the brain’s reward system, leading to compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. It is more than just physical or psychological dependence—it also involves changes in behavior and decision-making processes. While psychological dependence is an essential component of addiction, it does not fully capture the complexity of addictive behaviors.
Working with a professional can help you identify if you are experiencing psychological dependence or addiction. They can then provide personalized treatment to address your specific needs.
Signs of Psychological Dependence
Recognizing psychological dependence can be tricky, as it often varies from person to person. However, some general signs may indicate psychological dependence on a substance or activity:
- Depression when the substance is unavailable
- Anxiety at the thought of not using or drinking
- Changes in appetite during abstinence
- Difficulty sleeping when quitting or not using
- Obsession with finding and using the substance
- Trouble concentrating during abstinence
- Irritability and restlessness when not using
- Withdrawing from friends and activities once enjoyed
- Lying and secretive behavior to acquire or use the substance
- Continuing to use despite harm
These signs can profoundly affect the psyche. Therapy and eliminating physical cravings and dependence are crucial for healing psychological dependence.
How Substance Abuse Treatment Can Help
Whether addiction is physical or psychological, professional treatment programs can help. At The Right Step Houston, we offer the following programs to curb dependence:
- Residential drug rehab
- Outpatient and intensive treatment
- Chronic relapse tracking
- Evidence-based therapies
- Motivational interviewing
- 12-step program
- Aftercare
We recognize that our clients enter rehab with diverse circumstances. Therefore, we ensure we have the options and resources to deliver on our promises.
Connect with The Right Step Houston and Start Substance Abuse Treatment Today
If you feel you have possibly become dependent on a substance or activity, we urge you to reach out for help. Contact The Right Step Houston online or call 1.844.768.0169 today to learn about our addiction treatment services.