A person with an addiction has difficulty not using substances or doing rewarding activities, even if it is harming them. For example, some people have a dependence on their blood pressure medication. Educate yourselves about addiction, offer unwavering support, and encourage your loved ones to seek professional help. During recovery, people are encouraged to rediscover old passions or explore new hobbies to fill the void left by substance use and offer a sense of purpose.
Managing Withdrawal at Home
- Let’s discuss these further and understand the interplay of biology, psychology, and social influences that can lead people to these conditions.
- For example, if you take a sedative to sleep, it may work very well at the first dose.
- The terms “addiction” and “dependence” can seem similar, but they are different.
- They want to know why people become addicted and what causes addiction.
- An example of psychological dependence can be seen in individuals who feel unable to function normally without the use of a substance, such as alcohol or recreational drugs.
Some addiction therapists believe that psychological dependence is more challenging to overcome and may require extensive aftercare. Physical dependence is characterized by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. It involves changes in the body and chemical levels in the brain caused by addictive substances 2. Managing physical dependence often involves a combination of medical intervention and support.
Disorders
Embarking on the journey to recovery from addiction requires support, guidance, and a comprehensive approach. Seeking professional help and establishing a strong support system are two crucial elements in the path to recovery. Not unlike addiction, physiological dependency changes your brain chemistry. Tolerance does build up over time, which changes how the brain reacts to the presence of the drug. It may release fewer neurotransmitters, hormones, or chemicals until it detects the drug in your system. Firstly, physiological dependence does not necessarily mean you or a loved one has a substance use disorder.
Understanding the “HALT” Recovery Technique
Your options now involve continuing to use, talking what is physiological dependence with your doctor to change your medication, or choosing an addiction treatment program. Because physiological dependence is a warning sign, you’ll need to know how to spot it. For many, the withdrawal symptoms are the wakeup call they need to make changes. Seeking professional help is paramount in dealing with physical addiction.
The Difference Between Psychological, Physiological Dependence and Addiction
The primary difference between physiological dependence and psychological dependence lies in the nature of reliance on the substance. Physiological dependence involves the body’s physical adaptation to a substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms and tolerance. Understanding these distinctions helps in formulating appropriate treatment strategies for substance-related disorders.
While it motivates us to repeat beneficial behaviors, it can also be hijacked by addictive substances. The concept of “HALT” serves as a guideline for individuals in recovery, helping them acknowledge and address their emotional and physical needs. By tuning into these four basic states, individuals can preemptively identify issues that may lead to substance use or relapse, thus fortifying their resilience against cravings. When they first use a drug, people may perceive what seem to be positive effects. Some people may start to feel the need to take more of a drug or take it more often, even in the early stages of their drug use.
- Tolerance is when the body’s response to a substance diminishes over time.
- Treatment professionals refer to this type of dependency as a process addiction, which includes non-drug triggers such as gambling, gaming, sex, etc.
- However, there are distinct differences between physical and psychological addiction.
- But addictions can happen anywhere, from college campuses to rural and suburban towns.
- There are a lot of terms involved that, while related, mean different things.
Trained professionals, such as addiction therapists and counselors, can provide the expertise and support needed to navigate the challenges of addiction. It is important to note that treatment for psychological dependence may also involve medication, particularly in cases where co-occurring mental health disorders are present. Medications can help manage symptoms and provide individuals with the stability needed to engage in therapy effectively. Additionally, physiological dependencies are most commonly formed with prescription medication that is not abused by the patient. Many people with medical conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, chronic pain, or high-blood pressure become dependent on their medication. This is expected, as their body does actually need specific medications to treat their condition.
A person should contact a doctor if they believe that they have a physical dependence on their medication or think that they might be developing one. They have the same right to treatment and care as a person with any other health condition. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) used to distinguish between physical dependence and substance abuse.
