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Understanding Addiction: Distinguishing Between Physical and Psychological Dependence

Addiction manifests as a compulsion or excessive dependence on substances or behaviors. It can be classified into physical dependence, characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the substance is discontinued, and psychological dependence, which is a mental reliance developed from continued use. Physical dependence leads to physical symptoms like nausea and shaking, while psychological dependence triggers cravings and irritability. Both types can be treated, with physical dependence often involving gradual dose reduction, while psychological dependency is typically addressed through therapy.

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Understanding Addiction: Distinguishing Between Physical and Psychological Dependence

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  1. Addiction: An obsession, compulsion, or excessive physical, or psychological dependence.

  2. How does physical dependence differ from psychological dependence?

  3. Physical Dependence: Physical dependence on a substance is definedby theappearance of withdrawal symptoms when use of the substance is no longer continued.

  4. Psychological Dependence: Psychological dependence is a dependency of the mind.

  5. So the difference in PSYCHOLOGICAL dependency and PHYSICAL dependency lies in the symptoms you experience when use of a substance is discontinued.

  6. Drugs that CAUSE PHYSICAL Symptoms: • Alcohol • Opioids • Benzodiazepines • Antiepileptics • Antidepressants

  7. Physical Withdrawal Symptoms Include: • NAUSEA • SWEATING • VOMITTING • SHAKING • INCREASE OF HEART RATE/BLOOD PRESSURE • SEIZURES

  8. Drugs that cause psychological dependency are the same as the ones that cause physical dependency, however, psychological dependence begins after the first trial which a person then becomes satisfied and the satisfaction increases with each use. This constant feeling leads to psychological reinforcement which eventually leads to dependence.

  9. Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms Include: • Cravings • Irritability • Insomnia • Depression • Anorexia

  10. Psychological dependencedoes NOThave tobe limited only to substances; even particularactivities and behavioural patternscan be considered addictions.

  11. Activities/Behavioural Patterns That Can Cause A Psychological Dependency: • Internet addiction • Gambling addiction • Sexual addiction • Shopping/spending addiction • Eating • Self harm

  12. Treatment For Physical Dependency: Physical dependence is usually managed by a slow dose reduction over a period of weeks, months or sometimes longer depending on the drug, dose and the individual

  13. Treatment For Psychological Dependency: • A form of therapy (depending on the substance) is usually used to discontinue withdrawal symptoms of psychological dependency.

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