For example, drugs like alcohol, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, and opioids may result in physical dependence faster than drugs like marijuana or ecstasy. Still, repeated use of any addictive substance can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. Substance abuse treatment programs usually include psychiatric care. While your brain recovers from physical dependence on drugs, antidepressants or anti-anxiety pills may be prescribed as needed. Drug and alcohol addictions impact the reward center of the brain, and it can take time for chemicals to rebalance.

Not only is this one of the leading reasons for relapse, but it can also put your life at risk. When you’re ready to begin a new life free from addiction, you should always go to treatment for help. When you want to quit your drug, your emotional or mental needs make stopping your use harder.

Alcohol Dependence, Withdrawal, and Relapse

Then, treatment, which may include medications along with psychotherapy, is designed to fit your needs. Long-term goals are established, and after detox occurs, many benefit from residential treatment to continue the healing. You can also experience both physical and psychological physiological dependence on alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Whether you are facing a physical dependence or psychological dependence, self-soothing is a great way to help combat withdrawals. Exercising is a great way to get your mind off narcotics and it helps release endorphins throughout your body.

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. When being asked, the difference between physical dependence versus psychological dependence, trembling might come up as a symptom of physical dependence. Opioids are a particularly strong class of drugs, frequently producing physical dependence in users. According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, opioid dependence is a common result of using an opioid medication to treat chronic pain for six months or longer.

Everything You Need to Know About Psychological Dependence

Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are not the same thing, but both are commonly thought of as “alcoholism”. Alcohol dependence is defined by physiologic dependence on alcohol from consistent, heavy use. It manifests as physical withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, nausea, vomiting, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ delirium, and even seizures when alcohol is stopped abruptly. Alcohol use to this extent is very serious and can result in cirrhosis, liver cancer and death if it goes on long enough. Sana Lake Recovery Center is a Joint Commission Accredited addiction treatment program.

• This is very common for people who use drugs that may not cause severe withdrawal symptoms when they aren’t using.
• Unlike physical dependence, addiction is not normal and considered to be a disease.
• Even less problematic discomforts, such as sweating and teary eyes, are both attributes of physical addictive dependence versus psychological addictive dependence.
• Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning and cerebrospinal fluid corticotropin releasing hormone and corticotropin levels in alcoholics after recent and long-term abstinence.
• From a physiologic standpoint, how one tolerates alcohol depends on gender, size, frequency of use, and other factors such as how one’s body processes alcohol.

Seizures are sudden and uncontrolled actions disturbing the brain wave pattern. Constipation and diarrhea are two effects that physically manifest themselves. Having diarrhea can cause dehydration which can lead to other health problems. Angry outbursts are another symptom of a physical addictive dependency versus psychological addictive dependency. Angry outbursts can be caused by frustration when the person is feeling helpless and they feel the substance they are on is too strong to overcome. The user would need to get professional help to deal with sobriety and help with the angry outbursts.

Treatment Programs

We will also provide medication to help manage any withdrawal symptoms you may experience. The main difference between physical and psychological dependence is that physical dependence is a normal response to chronic drug use. In contrast, psychological dependence is a disease that affects the brain and can cause compulsive drug-seeking behavior that then potentially leads to addiction and abuse. This new focus is clinically relevant because these symptoms (e.g., anxiety, negative affect, and altered reward set point) may serve as potent instigators driving motivation to drink .

We offer a safe and trustworthy facility for people struggling with substance abuse. This seal indicates our commitment to continually elevating our standards and providing a superior treatment for substance abuse. Physical addiction dependence versus psychological addiction dependence has some clear distinctions. Physical addiction manifests itself in a physical way affecting the body. Physical addiction dependency is chemical level changes in the brain that are changed by the addictive chemicals in the drugs.