Nearly everyone has heard the word “addiction” before and knows the meaning of this word. However, terms you may not have heard of before are “physical dependence,” and “psychological dependence” which go hand in hand with addiction. As most people know, addiction is a chronic condition that is marked by a person actively seeking drugs or alcohol in a compulsive manner. This behavior continues to the point that the person does not care about the adverse consequences of using that substance. Physical dependence is part of the reason that a person feels like they cannot stop using.
If you are wondering, “What is physical dependence?” or “What is psychological dependence?” and whether you or a loved one is battling addiction, contact the experts at Spokane Falls Recovery.
What is Physical Dependence?
There is a significant difference between psychological dependence and physical dependence. When you are psychologically dependent on a substance, you may experience cravings and other desires to use the substance. However, when a person has a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, they repeatedly use substances so much that their body can not function without it. Physical dependence can occur with any substance, whether someone is using alcohol, heroin, or prescription drugs. The amount of the substance someone is using and the length of time they have been using it will determine how strong the dependence is.
When you begin using substances, your body must compensate by making its own chemical reactions to balance out the effects. As time goes on, however, your body will not react to the substances in the same way. This condition is called developing tolerance. When your body is tolerant to substances, you have to use more of the substance to get the same effect. When you have developed a tolerance to a drug, you may have a physical dependence. The speed and degree of your physical dependence may depend on a range of factors, including:
- Your family medical history
- What substance you are using
- How you use the substance
- How often you use the substance
Signs of Physical Dependence
Addiction is a significant challenge that you should not try to attack on your own. When you suffer from physical dependence, you may suffer from a range of physical and psychological symptoms. In addition, when you stop using the substance, you will experience withdrawal symptoms, due to the changes the substance has done to the central nervous system and brain. When you stop using substances, your body has to relearn how to function without the substance running through your veins. The symptoms of withdrawal can make you sick if you are physically dependent on the drug or alcohol. These symptoms may include:
- Blackouts
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Disorientation
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Shortness of breath
- Body aches
- Constricted pupils
- Changes in pulse rate and blood pressure
- Tremors and shaking
- Restless legs
Get Addiction Treatment at Spokane Falls Recovery Center
When you are battling addiction, you may feel overwhelmed or isolated. However, this does not have to be the case. When you seek addiction treatment at a treatment center such as Spokane Falls Recovery Center, our team will walk beside you as you learn how to live a sober, happy life in recovery. Using evidence-based therapies, our treatment experts will help you identify your addiction triggers and help you cope and avoid them.
You do not need to feel scared about battling physical dependence. Our treatment center is here to help with a variety of addictions, including addictions to:
Are you ready to get treatment for your physical dependence and addiction? Our expert treatment center in Spokane, Washington is here to help. Contact Spokane Falls Recovery Center today to learn more about the treatment options available to you.
