Key Takeaways
- Psychological dependence is when a drug or a habit draws one’s mind or emotions towards it. Has nothing to do with the actual requirement of the body.
- Symptoms are cravings, anxiety and irritability. Feeling like you cannot cope without use of the substance.
- This is NOT addiction. There’s dependence and there’s dependence. Addiction results in use despite actual harm.
- Alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines also can have high physical dependence. Using stimulants, cannabis, or psychedelics is more of a psychological fix.
- Holistic, mind and body, is the best treatment. This includes treatment, health services, and a good lifestyle plan all put together.
A habit or matter needed for mental and emotional functions; psychological dependence. The feeling that he/she is unable to make it through the day or function without it. This could happen even if there was no real withdrawal at all. Not a physical dependence but commonly occurs concurrently. The solution of what treatment should look like depends on the kind of coping you are doing. Usually, the person has a reason for believing it will be more difficult to quit than to “just stop.
What Is Psychological Dependence?
Well, what is psychological dependence? The way that your brain processes information about something or someone that you believe in. When you can’t get to it, you are anxious. You think and think a lot. You feel the need to use it to get you through the day. Your brain’s reward mechanism gets accustomed to these. When the substance is not present, if it was found, the mood and concentration may be affected
It is not a person’s fault that he or she has a problem with them. A normal function of the brain. The brain is associated with any drug over time or habit (gambling) with relief. With time, it becomes the brain’s habit. If a tripod tip is damaged, there is actual pain involved; an inconvenience is not adequate.
There’s a well-being that some kinds of dependence are not as severe as physical dependence. Not often is that the case. May be more challenging to treat. Sometimes that need and unhappiness may last for months after the body has healed.
Psychological Dependence vs Physical Dependence
One of the questions often asked is, is there a psychological dependency as opposed to a physical dependency? There is no other quick and short answer to this, except that it’s all the same; it’s two sides of the same coin and not two problems.
Physical dependence is when someone’s body is accustomed to a drug. It needs the drug but not in the usual form, to be able to be “normal”. Stop it and you start to feel ill! These may be due to sweating, nausea, shaking, or even seizures when using drugs like alcohol. Psychological dependence affects in a particular manner. It is expressed in feelings or thoughts, consuming desires, feeling uneasy or sad, and thinking about drugs constantly.
Can be one type alone or another type alone. A person who uses a drug as prescribed can become physically dependent on the drug without feeling a need to abuse it. In the case of a drug like cocaine, the individual may have a desire for the cocaine but no physical craving. In most cases, both of these are present. That’s why it is necessary to look into a superior treatment that will attend to the wellness of the whole person as well as not just the physical aspects.
Psychological Dependence vs Addiction
It can be easy to get the definition of “psychological dependence vs. addiction” wrong. In fact, they are not the same. The difference is what will result in treatment.
Physical/psychological dependence: Adjustment to a substance. Addiction is broader. This is now known as a substance use disorder. It means that someone persists in use despite any effect on his or her job, health or relationships being negative. Someone can be dependent (without having an addiction). Also, it may be a dependency that doesn’t involve physical dependence.
Here is a way of thinking about it. The answer is dependence, and dependence is a matter of adaptation of the body. Excessive behavior, despite the negative consequences, is an addiction thing. An individual who has undergone surgery might develop a tolerance for a physician’s pain-killing drugs. It’s not addiction in and of itself. When they start taking the drug, which is not in accordance with the prescription, it transforms into an addiction.
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Psychological Dependence Symptoms
Recognizing when there is a psychological aspect to the need and identifying the signs and symptoms of psychological dependence early will make treatment much easier.
Common signs include:
- Compulsive thoughts about drugs or craving for them
- Becoming anxious or panicked when you can’t get the substance
- Between doses, irritability, restlessness, or mood swings.
- Anyone using it without mood effects/motivation is no. With no mood effect/motivation, it is no.
- Trouble sleeping, craving for food
- Denial/excuses for behavior
- Trouble focusing or making decisions.
- More powerful desire to use or to cope with or relax through use.
All these symptoms do not occur simultaneously. They’re different for everyone. One reason it can be difficult to see this type of dependence is that it is subtle. Again, there is no fever or shaking, nothing to point to. It’s more of a gradual constriction of everyday living.
Psychological Dependence Example
Let’s discuss one simple tip for mind dependency. Suppose that someone drinks alcoholic drinks every evening to relax after a hard day at work. They don’t have shakes and sweat if they miss a night. They do not go to bed at night and feel bad about themselves physically.
They are, however, irritable and restless. They are not at ease unless they have a drink in hand. They start to reject other strategies that aren’t alcohol-related. On nights when they try to head to bed without it, they experience a low level of anxiety.
One example is if someone vapes all day long instead of smoking. If they didn’t have it, they wouldn’t be at risk of falling ill physically. However, they’ve gotten the habit of continuously turning to it when they’re feeling serious and bored. It is the way that everyone turns for coping.
It’s called psychological dependence; this is when the mind is dependent upon something for which it has not developed an alternate way of coping with those uncomfortable emotions.
If any of this sounds familiar, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Orlando Treatment Solutions offers private evaluations that can shed light on what’s in store for you and what treatment is right for you. Call today, talk to somebody who understands.
Psychological Dependence on Alcohol
The psychological addiction to liquor is one of those tricky situations. Alcohol can lead to strong physical dependency and, simultaneously, have strong psychological dependency. Withdrawal may be harmful on the physical level. It can even prove to be life-threatening. This is a critical factor to consider when looking into medical detox. Drinking is often mentally linked to partying as a way to unwind and to feel good. Without it, it’s difficult to imagine having a dinner party or party or going to a tough day’s work.
It is this emotional tie that is a powerful lure for relapse. It may happen anytime even long after the physical withdrawal is over. Even after medical detox, an individual can suffer feelings of loss of their daily routine, the comfort, or the sociability of getting drunk.
Psychological Dependence on Drugs
Psychological dependence on drugs is different for every drug. There is not much physical withdrawal from drugs of abuse like stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine). They do, however, have serious cravings and can be very moody. In the same way as with hallucinogens. This dependency can be a mix of the two types, along with opioids and benzodiazepines. It is one of the reasons they are more risky when medically withdrawn.
All drugs have similar symptomatology: obsessive thoughts about drugs, preoccupations and anxieties about the drugs; lack of enthusiasm or interest during abstinence. This is where the importance of talk therapy or support groups comes in, and if the body requires medical treatment as well.
Orlando Treatment Solutions offers private evaluations that can shed light on what’s in store for you and what treatment is right for you. Call today.
Psychological Dependence on Weed
Many people can become addicted to weed. One of the biggest misconceptions that many people have about cannabis is that it isn’t addictive. Don’t despair; it’s not impossible! Although people also experience physical withdrawal symptoms for other drugs like alcohol or other drugs, the withdrawal symptoms associated with cannabis are relatively mild. But I guess there might be a mental disposition.
It is utilized quite frequently as a sleep aid, an anti-anxiety drug, and/or a life coping tool. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, disturbed sleep, and restlessness and can last for several weeks.
Cannabis withdrawal also has effects beyond the user’s imagination, according to this study. But for most frequent users, it’s the ritual of grabbing for it to help them handle stress and relax that is the most difficult.
Treatment of Psychological Dependence
When things are good, there is no distinction made between mind and body problems. It is an approach that takes into account the entire person. Typically, that is
The easy-to-use assessment that helps you identify the type of materials you’re using and how you feel about your dependency.
Medical support, or supervised detox in case they’re at risk for physical withdrawal
Since individual psychiatric treatment (cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT) is well established in the treatment of cravings and thought patterns
Group/peer support in learning other ways of coping.
Try to manage other psychiatric symptoms, as dependence can be associated with a depressed mood and anxiety.
Relapse prevention plan that takes into account your triggers and routine
Recovery is more than willpower. It’s about learning new coping skills and getting actual supports on the way.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether it is psychological or physical dependence, each treatment at Orlando Treatment Solutions is customized to address a person’s individual needs and is evidence-based. Call our admission counselors to learn about treatment options during a free private consultation.
References:
- American Addiction Centers. “What Is Psychological Dependence?” https://americanaddictioncenters.org/the-addiction-cycle/psychological-dependence
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Drug Misuse and Addiction.” https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Mental and Substance Use Disorders.” https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
About the Author:
Dr. Zach Miller is the Chief Clinical Officer and Co-Founder of Orlando Treatment Solutions, where he champions holistic, evidence-based approaches to sustainable recovery and mental well-being. Holding credentials as a Ph.D., LMHC, MCAP, and CRRA, he provides expert clinical oversight to ensure all content and resources effectively guide individuals through every stage of their post-treatment journey.
Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a clinical recommendation. For a personalized assessment, please consult a licensed mental health professional. To learn more about evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment in Florida, visit orlandotreatmentsolutions.com or call (321) 415-3213.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a physiological dependence?
Physiological dependence, also called physical dependence, is when the body adapts to a substance and needs it to feel normal. Stopping causes physical symptoms like nausea, sweating, or shaking.
What is an example of physiological dependence?
A person who takes a prescribed opioid daily for pain and feels withdrawal symptoms, like nausea or muscle aches, if they stop suddenly. That’s a clear case of physiological dependence.
What does it mean to be psychologically addicted?
It means you feel a strong mental or emotional pull toward a substance or habit. You may have cravings and trouble coping without it, even with no physical withdrawal at all.
What are the signs of psychological dependence?
Signs include cravings, irritability, anxiety, low mood when not using, constant thoughts about the substance, poor sleep, and leaning on it to cope with stress.
Which drug is least likely to lead to psychological dependence?
No drug is risk-free. But drugs with a milder reward effect, like most prescribed antidepressants taken as directed, are less likely to cause strong psychological dependence than stimulants or alcohol.
How is psychological dependence diagnosed?
A licensed clinician looks at your symptoms, substance use history, and daily life through an interview. This often follows criteria laid out in the DSM-5.
What is psychological dependence?
It’s a mental and emotional need for a substance or habit. It shows up as cravings and distress when the substance isn’t there, separate from the body’s physical need for it.
What is a psychological craving?
A psychological craving is a strong mental urge to use a substance. It’s often set off by stress, emotions, or a familiar place or routine, not by physical withdrawal.
