Psychological dependence is one component of addiction for many people. It can play a role in a person’s overall ability to stop using drugs or alcohol. Getting help from a rehab center may be the best and sometimes the only way to maintain recovery from psychological dependence. At Ethan Crossing, we offer addiction treatment programs that provide personalized support for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
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The Definition of Psychological Dependence
This term is used to describe the emotional aspect of substance use disorder. This may include the strong cravings a person has as well as the behaviors they exhibit as a result of those cravings. For many, it can be hard to think about anything else when dependence like this is present.
Dependence is a term that describes the way in which the mind and body depend on the substance. When you stop taking that substance, you feel cravings for it. You may also feel withdrawal symptoms from it. That’s different from addiction. The term addiction refers to a brain disorder in which compulsive substance use occurs even when it is clear that continuing to engage in that behavior leads to negative outcomes.
What Are the Symptoms of Psychological Dependence?
In day-to-day life, it can be challenging to spot the symptoms of psychological dependence. Some of them include:
- Feeling like you cannot do anything, even eating or sleeping, without using drugs or alcohol
- Having a strong craving for drugs or alcohol
- Not being able to think about other things often resulting in changes in behavior
- Losing interest in things that used to be important to you
- Feeling compelled to use drugs and alcohol
Within substance abuse treatment, the goal is to break this feeling. It can create more mental clarity and the ability to see there is a problem. During dependence like this, it’s hard to see that a problem exists. After detox, it is easier to know how to proceed.
How Does Psychological Dependence Differ from Physical Dependence?
The two are often confused, but both can happen with drug and alcohol addiction. Physical dependence is a term used to describe when the body starts to rely on a substance just to function. In these situations, stopping access to that substance can lead to physical symptoms of withdrawal. For example, you may feel violently ill if you suddenly stop using drugs and alcohol.
Treatment for Psychological Dependence
The goal of any rehab center is to create a way for people to stop using drugs and alcohol and to ensure they do not feel they need to use them any longer. That means breaking the drug addiction and dependence. Medications can help.
Some medications work to mimic the way the drugs feel and their impact on the central nervous system. This allows you to stop taking illicit substances or prescription drugs safely. At the same time, your brain is able to adapt and start to function normally again.
At Ethan Crossing, there are a few key things you can expect during treatment for drug addiction. That includes access to programs such as:
- Medication-assisted detox
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Addiction treatment therapies
- Residential treatment programs
- Specific substance abuse treatment
It is a combination of a wide range of therapies along with detox that can stop dependence from controlling your life and your health.
Find the Help You Need at Our Recovery Center – Ethan Crossing Is Here to Help
If you’re battling psychological dependence, it is critical to seek out a treatment center that can help. At Ethan Crossing, we offer the support you need to start healing. To learn more about drug addiction and recovery, call 833.691.0736 or connect with us online now.
