Psychological addictions happen when we become reliant on repeating an unhealthy behavior because it makes us feel good while other responsibilities fall by the wayside. Psychological and physical addictions involve many of the same types of patterns and changes in brain chemistry. Being psychologically addicted to drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine does not make it easier to stop using drugs. In many cases, the lack of physical withdrawal symptoms makes it more difficult for people to realize the severity of their addiction and seek help from a residential addiction treatment program.
Psychological Addiction
Being psychologically addicted to a harmful substance makes recovery feel out of reach. It also makes it harder to trust medical advice. Addictive drugs allow our minds to skip acknowledging the unpleasantries associated with trauma and mental illness, but they can also prevent us from healing and experiencing all the joy the world has to offer. A psychological addiction means you suffer certain symptoms, including:
- Intense cravings for the substance you abuse
- Intense anxiety when trying to quit using
- Loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and reduced cognitive abilities
- Inability to cope with daily life without using the substance
- Denial of the problem mixed with an obsession to obtain the drugs or alcohol
- Restlessness and anxiety when not using, depression when trying to quit
Addiction cravings can be extremely intense. They’re also clear signs of psychological dependence. The more a person tries to quit using, the more intense the cravings. Cravings can even pop up years into sobriety.
What Is Physical Addiction?
Physical addiction means having an increased tolerance for a substance, leading to physical withdrawal symptoms if you reduce the substance or don’t use it at all. These physical signs of addiction are also called withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include uncomfortable feelings, such as nausea, stomach cramps, body aches, headaches, and tremors. The uncomfortable feelings accompany changes in body functioning, such as pulse rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiration. People going through withdrawal usually suffer from vomiting and diarrhea, among other uncomfortable symptoms.
Physical and Psychological Addiction
Even though psychological and physical addictions come with two different sets of symptoms, they’re not completely separate conditions. The brain and body connect and rely on each other for functioning.
Addiction and Dependence
Making things even more confusing are the terms addiction and dependence. These two words are often used interchangeably. Doctors and other professionals prefer using dependence because it sounds nicer than the world addiction Addiction carries stigmas many doctors don’t want to place on patients. A person who depends on harmful drugs to feel normal while the drugs chip away at their other joys in life is addicted. People use prescribed and unprescribed drugs for a variety of reasons, including:
- Pain relief
- Limiting anxiety
- Managing severe trauma
- Self-separation from the world
In substance abuse, both psychological and physical addictions develop. Most people start with psychological dependence and, through continued use of their preferred substance, develop physical addiction.
Ending Your Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol
However your addiction occurs, it requires proper treatment. Only through treatment can you enjoy long-term recovery without relapse. For that chance of a healthier, more fulfilling life, Crestview Recovery offers quality addiction treatment programs. You can benefit from one of Crestview’s programs, including:
- Intensive outpatient
- Partial hospitalization
- Outpatient
- Aftercare
Crestview Recovery is a place where adults of the Pacific Northwest gain the rehabilitative therapies, education, and coping skills they need to begin life in a healthier way, free from addiction.
Managing Psychological Addictions
Psychological addiction is a mental dependency on the substances you abuse. Despite knowing drugs or alcohol cause you harm, in this type of addiction, you continue using them despite consequences. Call Crestview Recovery now at 866.262.0531 to begin your journey to addiction recovery.
