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Sober living

What is the difference between addiction & 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 psychological dependence on alcohol 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.

  • It’s less likely they can tell if a person suffering from a substance use disorder feels sad every single day.
  • They may start forgetting things they once knew or have trouble retaining new information.
  • When someone is using narcotics to deal with life’s general ups and downs there is a dependency on that drug.
  • Although it can be managed and treated, like other chronic health conditions, at this time there is no “cure” for addiction.

Treating physical dependence without psychological dependence is ineffective. We create personalized plans for each individual who enters our facility to give them the tools for long-lasting recovery. Dependence isn’t necessarily an addiction because drugs can improve a person’s life. For instance, people with anxiety disorders may be prescribed Xanax by a doctor. Their disorder makes it difficult for them to function in real life. Detox center will probably focus more on physical symptoms than mental ones.

Body Aches and Pains

When the level of drugs and alcohol drops, the brain sends messages that the body needs more. Furthermore, the brain and body don’t feel “rewarded” until they receive the substance. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Physical dependence happens when your body starts to rely on a substance to function. When you stop using the substance, you experience physical symptoms of withdrawal.

  • You can also experience both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
  • To understand what addiction is, you need to be aware of the difference between physical and psychological addiction as well as tolerance and dependence.
  • Another way to distinguish between physical vs psychological dependence is that psychological dependence doesn’t cause symptoms when a drug is absent from the body.
  • For example, users of marijuana often do not think they’ve developed an addiction because they can physically go without using it.
  • Here, we will look at the differences between physical and psychological addiction in detail, so you know what you’re dealing with, and how best to tackle it.

Addicted to drugsor alcohol will experience both types of dependence. Memory loss is usually one of the first signs of someone developing physical dependence. They may start forgetting things they once knew or have trouble retaining new information. However, rehab that addresses all aspects of your health gives you a greater chance of lasting sobriety. Physically and mentally, you’ll become healthier and stronger as you work through rehab.

Physical vs Psychological Substance Dependence

Take our addiction self-assessment to find out if you or a loved one has an issue with substance abuse. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you or your loved one recover from addiction.

What is physical dependence on a drug called?

Physical dependence refers to the reliance on a substance to help a person get through the day. People may also refer to it as withdrawal syndrome, dependence syndrome , or abstinence syndrome, and it occurs when symptoms of withdrawal appear after a person stops taking a substance abruptly.

These symptoms occur due to changes in the brain and central nervous system, which are a result of chronic substance abuse. Much like a physical dependence, a psychological dependence happens because of using drugs or alcohol habitually. To reiterate, people can develop a chemical dependency through legally prescribed medication. Some drugs, illegal and legal, are more addictive because they target pleasure and reward-seeking neurotransmitters. There is a fine line between a physical dependence and a psychological dependence. But, a physical dependence can be thought of as the signs and symptoms a person displays that are tangible.