Addiction is a multi-faceted disease—it alters one’s brain chemistry and behavioral patterns, affects relationships with loved ones, sabotages physical health, and may even lead to financial ruin. Thus, the key to a full recovery lies in addressing the causes of the substance use disorder via therapy and medication and taking it one step at a time. So, if you or someone you love is struggling with psychological dependence on a substance, reach out to Serenity Grove for immediate help and relief.
Psychological dependence on drugs can have severe consequences on one’s mental health. As a result, the individual may experience intense cravings while lacking the motivation and willpower to fight them, and they may end up trapped in a vicious cycle. However, no matter how severe the condition, we at Serenity Grove firmly believe a full recovery is possible for all. To learn more about drug dependency and our personalized treatment programs, call us at 844.904.3485.
Define Psychological Dependence?
Drug dependency is primarily of two kinds: chemical and psychological. Chemical dependency occurs when the body already develops a tolerance to the drug and requires more and more of it to perform normal functions.
So, if a person decides to quit while being chemically dependent, they may experience severe withdrawal symptoms and side effects, even requiring hospitalization at times. This is why it is safer and better to undergo detox at a rehab facility with the help of FDA-approved medications under the care and supervision of experienced doctors and nurses.
Psychological dependence, on the other hand, refers to the emotional side-effects of addiction that make it difficult for an individual to commit to healing and sobriety. Without access to the substance, a person with psychological dependence may experience any number of the following symptoms:
- Constant cravings
- Feeling anxious, restless, and irritable
- Mood swings and depression
- Appetite loss
- Insomnia
- Denial or romanticizing of the substance use disorder
- Lying, cheating, or stealing to obtain the drug of choice
- Impaired judgment and problem-solving skills
- Loss of concentration or focus
- Low energy
- Loss of willpower and motivation
- Obsessive behavior regarding the drug of choice.
Addiction, thus, works on a toxic feedback loop by altering the brain chemistry and affecting hormone production. The person craves the substance to feel the reward or euphoria. However, with regular consumption, more and more of the substance is needed to feel the same high; meanwhile, the person loses interest and focus in all other aspects of life. Thus, psychological dependence rapidly alters the person’s mental state, leading to changes in personality and behavior.
Fight Drug Dependence with Therapy and Medication
However, psychological dependence is not incurable. To break the toxic feedback loop, professional intervention may be required in the following ways:
- Medication-assisted treatment to decrease the painful withdrawal symptoms and ensure a comfortable detox
- Psychological evaluations to address the root causes of addiction
- Intensive therapy sessions to identify toxic habits and replace them with healthier habits
- Group counseling to build a stronger support system
- Holistic activities to renew a client’s interest and passion for life
Treat Psychological Dependence at Serenity Grove Recovery Today
At Serenity Grove, every client receives the highest quality of care, medical attention, and emotional support throughout the recovery process. This includes the education needed to understand psychological dependence and how it plays into drug abuse.
We specialize in end-to-end care services, guiding an individual through the stages of medical detox, residential treatment, outpatient healing, and beyond. For high-risk clients, we even offer 24-hour nursing care. Finally, even after treatment is formally complete, our clients can enjoy ongoing support and access to healthcare resources via our lifelong continuing care program.
Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of a substance use disorder, we empower our clients to fight drug dependency and sail through the various challenges of life. Call us today at 844.904.3485 and take the first step towards a better life.
