Substance Use Disorder SUD: Symptoms & Treatment
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It is characterized by changes in mood, emotional well-being, craving, and obsession that occur with use of a substance or engaging in an activity. Individuals who have a past history of violence, are exposed to environmental stressors, have problems with mood disorders, have specific personality traits, or have a family history of psychological dependence may be at risk. Antidepressants are commonly-prescribed medications that cause psychological and physical dependence.
Is psychological dependence the same as addiction?
When the symptoms of mental and physical dependence are apparent, an addiction is usually present. However, the main characteristic that distinguishes addiction from dependence is the combination of mental and physical dependence with uncontrollable behavior in obtaining and using a substance.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is another example of psychological withdrawal. It’s a condition that sometimes pops up after the symptoms of physical withdrawal have subsided. You can also experience both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
How it Affects the Brain
If the medication suddenly stops, the person has physical symptoms such as the brain feeling numb or fuzzy, the body feeling out of place like the nerves are not connecting to each other, alongside other physical side effects. Psychological symptoms of suddenly stopping https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the medication include hopelessness, depression, and anxiety. The symptoms are often so severe that suicide and other self-harming behaviors become a risk factor. This is why doctors recommend gradually decreasing some medications rather than suddenly stopping.
- When people continue to use drugs or alcohol after becoming tolerant to them, they will develop a physical dependence where they experience withdrawal symptoms when they don’t take the drug.
- People with a borderline personality disorder might have a tendency to self-harm.
- There are a lot of similarities between anxiety and the effects of stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
- When being asked, the difference between physical dependence versus psychological dependence, trembling might come up as a symptom of physical dependence.
- For many, the withdrawal symptoms are the wakeup call they need to make changes.
People can see when a person with an alcohol use disorder is suffering from tremors without them saying anything. While others can’t observe it per se, a person suffering from it can feel the sensation. Physical dependence happens when your body starts to rely on a substance to function. When you stop using the substance, you experience physical symptoms of withdrawal. Substance use disorders are difficult to understand for many people. The physical and mental aspects of any substance disorder are complicated and unique to the individual suffering.
Support
Tolerance works the same way with alcohol – someone who used to get drunk off of three beers may now need to drink hard liquor in larger amounts in order to get drunk. People who have a physical dependence on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance or reduce the amount of substance used. Medical detox helps you safely and comfortably get through the ill physical effects and negative mental symptoms of withdrawal. But through medical detox, you can avoid any physical harm that may come with substance use. You’ll build a strong foundation for physical and psychological well-being.
In order for addiction treatment to be effective, patients must receive treatment for their physical and psychological symptoms. By attending a residential rehab program, you will be able to confront your addiction, learn how to manage your symptoms, and gain life-long support that will be there for you throughout your sobriety. Examples of withdrawal symptoms include hand tremors, gastrointestinal issues, depression, and anxiety. Your options now involve continuing to use, talking with your doctor to change your medication, or choosing an addiction treatment program. Because physiological dependence is a warning sign, you’ll need to know how to spot it. For many, the withdrawal symptoms are the wakeup call they need to make changes.
Substances Associated with Psychological and Physiological Dependence
Constipation and diarrhea are two effects that physically manifest themselves. Having diarrhea can cause dehydration which can lead to other health problems. Insomnia or lack of sleep is another physical addictive dependency attribute versus the psychological dependency attribute. Depression or a doubtful attitude can be problematic when trying to go to recovery to get help. This is a physical common addictive dependency versus a psychological dependency.
A person’s emotional behavior changes, resulting in mood swings, feelings of irritability, and depression. Silver Pines Treatment Center is an addiction treatment facility that addresses the physical and mental effects that drug and alcohol abuse cause. Moreover, we promote a very structured environment, which gives our clients the chance to focus on recovery. Someone with an alcohol dependence may have an emotional reaction to something as simple as ice clinking against a glass.
If you have a first-degree relative (biological sibling or parent) with SUD, you’re more likely to develop it. Seeking medical care as soon as you have signs of substance use disorder is essential. About 20% of people in the U.S. who have depression or an anxiety disorder also have a substance use disorder. People are psychologically dependent when a drug is so central to their thoughts, emotions and activities that the need to continue its use becomes a craving or compulsion despite negative consequences. All of these risks are serious, and proper support is necessary for those struggling with drug dependence.
Yet, it gives people the tools to change their behavior in spite of how they think and feel. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are offered in many addiction treatment centers. So, medication physiological dependence on alcohol prescribed by a doctor can still result in a physical dependence. Substance abuse and mental health treatment helps you learn the reasons behind your addiction so that you can begin to heal from those challenges.
