When battling an addiction, you may feel a whirlwind of emotions surrounding you. You may feel angry that the people around you do not understand you or your drug use, about being out of control, or that you may realize that you can no longer limit how much you use substances. Furthermore, you may feel lonely, as drugs or alcohol have become the most important part of your life.
All of these emotions are understandable when you are battling addiction. In addition to these emotions, you may feel like you must use the drug to survive. In such cases, you may be battling a psychological dependence. What is psychological dependence, and how can you escape its grip? At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we have the answers. If you want to escape addiction and psychological dependence on drugs, contact our outpatient treatment center today at 844.962.2775 to learn more about our outpatient programs and how to choose one that fits your needs and recovery goals.
What Is Psychological Dependence?
While psychological dependence is linked to physical dependence, these two conditions differ. When you are physically dependent on a substance, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug or alcohol. Conversely, psychological dependence occurs when you persistently feel the urge to drink or use drugs heavily. You feel like you need to use the substance more, even if your substance use has obvious adverse results.
A person with a physical dependence on substances may not have a psychological dependence. Conversely, a person battling psychological dependence may not show the symptoms of physical dependence. Individuals battling physical dependence need a specific amount of the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms, and it can affect people even if they are using the dosage their doctor recommended. However, people with psychological dependence focus solely on their addiction, neglecting their responsibilities and other obligations. They may also continue using drugs even when the situation is hazardous to themselves or other people. It can also cause continuous problems with the people in their lives.
Though physical and psychological dependence has different characteristics, both conditions are significant. As a result, no matter what type of substance you are addicted to, you can lead to overdose and life-threatening consequences if you do not get treatment as soon as possible. Reach out to our outpatient treatment center to get addiction treatment.
Understanding Psychological Dependence and Its Meaning
Understanding psychological dependence is crucial for those struggling with addiction. Despite its often misunderstood nature, psychological dependence refers to the intense emotional attachment individuals form with a substance or behavior, which can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, proper support and guidance can address and overcome psychological dependence. It is important to remember that seeking help for addiction is a sign of strength, and countless resources and professionals are available to assist in your recovery.
Examples of Psychological Dependence
Psychological dependence can come in many forms, but a few examples include:
- Overeating food, even when you are not hungry
- Shopping excessively or spending money impulsively
- Gambling compulsively and taking unnecessary risks with your finances
- Having difficulty sleeping without the aid of drugs or alcohol
- Engaging in risky sexual behavior or developing an obsession with sex
These behaviors can be seen as coping mechanisms to deal with a person’s emotional pain or mental health conditions. Additionally, individuals with underlying mental health conditions may rely on drugs and alcohol to cope, leading to psychological dependence. Seeking help through an addiction treatment center can alleviate these issues and help individuals return to a healthy, happy life.
What Happens When You Get Treatment for Psychological Dependence?
Our treatment professionals generally recommend a straightforward treatment method when we address addiction. When you contact Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we will do an intake assessment to determine your best treatment methods. During this time, we will also determine whether you are battling co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety. After your intake assessment, we will develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Your treatment programs may include the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
Using these treatment programs can help you live a positive and sober life after you complete your recovery program. We will help you determine what triggers you to use substances and show you how to avoid them in the future.
Learn More About Addiction Treatment at Spokane Falls Recovery Center
Addiction can feel overwhelming, but with the right treatment team, you can be successful. At our addiction treatment center, we give you the tools that you need to succeed. Our outpatient treatment center addresses various addictions, including alcohol and drug addiction. We also offer an array of services that help you manage your recovery. If you are still wondering, “What is psychological dependence?” you can get the answers when you contact Spokane Falls Recovery Center by calling 844.962.2775.
