They need to do something illegal to get the substance of choice is a psychological dependence of that substance. When being asked, the difference between physical dependence versus psychological dependence, trembling might come up as a symptom of physical dependence. Nexus prides itself on providing customized treatment plans for all of our clients. The plans focus on treating all aspects of addiction—including psychological dependence. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, contact us today for a free consultation with a trusted recovery advisor.

• This does not mean the patient has a substance use disorder — it just means they need medication to have a higher quality of life.
• Over a long period of time, the brain becomes dependent on alcohol.
• These terms can be confusing but, in fact, they are both parts of the physiology of addiction.
• Medication may be needed as part of the alcohol recovery program to speed the brain’s return to healthy activity.
• Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you or your loved one recover from addiction.
• A person will also become irritable and crave the drug that makes the negative symptoms to go away.

If you or a loved one are having seizures, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Seizures are sudden and uncontrolled actions disturbing the brain wave pattern. In terms of physical dependence vs psychological dependence, someone can be dependent without actually having an addiction. Psychological dependence, as it pertains to addiction, is most often referred to as a series of emotionally driven behaviors caused by substance use. It is the emotional and mental aspect of addiction that drives a person to continue a cycle of addictive behaviors.

Physical vs. Psychological Addiction

The brain, however, starts to shut down its endorphin-creating mechanism. This means that to reach that point of calmness, you physically need the substance. Your psychological need for the feeling sends out craving signals that are only relieved by physically ingesting the substance.

• You become scared that if you don’t have the medicine, you will suffer.
• Zolpidem abuse and dependence have been reported around the world.
• Seizures are sudden and uncontrolled actions disturbing the brain wave pattern.
• In looking beyond drugs at addictive behaviors, the brain changes are not as noticeable, but they still exist.

Other drugs, like opioids, may not be as dangerous but can still be difficult to quit on your own. Drug detox is the first step in overcoming substance abuse disorders. During detox, you will be closely monitored by our medical staff to ensure your safety and comfort. 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.

What is the treatment for substance use disorder?

We provide clients with the tools they need to attain sobriety and enjoy long-lasting wellness free from drugs and alcohol, as well as offer aftercare treatment planning and long-term peer support in the form of alumni activities. Many drugs of abuse are described as producing both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation and fostering both forms of dependence. Also, the alternative viewpoint that “addiction is a choice” is also incorrect because people with substance use disorders are motivated by many physical processes that affect their behavior in a number of ways. As previously noted, increased anxiety represents a significant component of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

• On the morning of one of those big days, you lose track of time and miss your chance to pick up a can on your way to the office.
• So, medication prescribed by a doctor can still result in a physical dependence.
• This can be the result of prn prescription of opioids rather than regular administration of adequate analgesia.
• A trained provider can help guide you to the treatment you need.
• Now imagine how you feel when you haven’t completed the activity in some time.

Physiological dependence is when your body becomes used to a substance and has trouble functioning without it. If you’re struggling to quit, reach out for help from a medical professional or an addiction treatment program. That is why it is important to get help from a medical professional when quitting.

Alcohol Abuse vs. Alcohol Dependence

Some drugs, illegal and legal, are more addictive because they target pleasure and reward-seeking neurotransmitters. With respect to drug use, it’s important to differentiate between psychological dependence and physical dependence. Physical dependence refers to physical changes in the body that occur after drug use. For example, the symptoms of a hangover – a headache, dehydration, stomach ache – are physiological dependence on alcohol physical changes that occur after the use of alcohol. If alcohol use continues over time, an individual might become dependent on alcohol to make those physical changes go away. Thus, the major difference between psychological dependence and physical dependence is that psychological dependence refers to changes in mood and craving, while physical dependence refers to physical symptoms in the body.