The complexity of dealing with addiction involves more than a client’s physical need for drugs or alcohol. Psychological dependence is about how substance abuse affects your behavior and ability to function. When it comes to substance abuse treatment programs, Atlanta Detox Center prides itself on how it approaches the issue of helping clients deal with their physical dependency on drugs while helping them understand the psychological aspects of their addiction.

Understanding the Psychological Dependence Definition

If you’ve been reading up on addiction, you may have come across blogs and articles that conflate various aspects of physical and psychological dependence. There are actually two different components of addiction that require specific treatment to help you make your way toward recovery. An accurate psychological dependence definition is that it’s about dealing with the emotional and mental aspects tied to your efforts to break free of substance abuse.

Psychological dependence often plays an equal role in your physical dependency issues when it comes to addiction. Both exist side-by-side and can be roadblocks in your efforts to get clean. Symptoms often associated with psychological dependence include:

  • Having cravings for drugs
  • Dealing with cognitive issues like memory problems or an inability to concentrate
  • Experiencing anxiety when anything interferes with your attempts to obtain drugs
  • Going through bouts of restlessness or depression when you’re unable to get hold of your drug of choice
  • Having mood swings when you attempt to get sober
  • Experience sleep issues because of not using drugs
  • Romanticizing your drug use or going into denial about the extent of your problem

The intensity of your psychological dependency symptoms can vary, making it harder for professionals to measure clients’ distress levels.

Psychological Dependence vs. Physical Dependence

Physical dependence refers to what happens when your body begins relying on you to provide it with steady doses of your drug of choice. When you try to stop using, your body responds via physical withdrawal symptoms separate from what you experience psychologically.

You may start vomiting, start shaking, or experience other symptoms depending on your choice of substance. That’s the physical dependency at work. Psychological dependency can manifest as constant thoughts of getting hold of more drugs or not falling asleep at night because of your cravings. You may start panicking at the idea of not being able to get more drugs.

You can experience psychological withdrawal symptoms from addiction along with physical ones. It may become difficult to control your emotions or deal with stressful situations. That can lead to problems in your personal relationships that may cause you to want to start using again. It may be hard for you to find the energy to go to work, take care of your family, or enjoy your favorite activities.

Treatment for Psychological Dependence

Certain substances are more likely to produce symptoms of psychological dependence, including:

  • Stimulants like cocaine
  • Hallucinogens
  • Psychotropic drugs like antidepressants
  • Cannabis
  • Inhalants

It’s a good idea to seek treatment from a substance abuse treatment program like Atlanta Detox Centers if you’re experiencing either physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms. They provide 24-7 monitoring while encouraging you to open up about the origins of your addiction.

We help clients get through the initial physical symptoms of addiction while working to understand any psychological dependency issues at work. Once you understand the factors driving your substance abuse problems, you will be more prepared to move on to more in-depth treatment. Support groups, therapy, and care for any underlying mental health disorders can help clients work through psychological dependence.

Find Help for Psychological Dependence Today at Atlanta Detox Center

It’s never too late to start changing the direction of your life. Atlanta Detox Center offers treatment to individuals seeking help with issues like:

Contact us today at 470-450-2355 if you’re ready to take control of your future.

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