The Difference Between Psychological, Physiological Dependence and Addiction

The first step to getting clean is realizing — and admitting — that you have a substance abuse problem. The next step is identifying, either on your own or through the help of a rehab center, such as 12 Keys, whether your addiction is a physical or psychological one. It’s true that when you’re struggling with addiction, it can be a very lonely experience — especially when you’re dealing with both physical and psychological issues from drug addiction.

Changing its charge in a negative direction pushes the neuron away from firing; thus, activating a GABA neuron has a quieting effect on the brain. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the leading source for diagnosing and understanding addiction. However, the most recent edition of the DSM no longer creates this distinction.

4.2. Psychological factors

In general, offspring of parents with alcohol dependence are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence. Evidence from genetic studies, particularly those in twins, has clearly demonstrated a genetic component to the risk of alcohol dependence. A meta-analysis of 9,897 twin pairs from Australian and US studies found the heritability of alcohol dependence to be in excess of 50% (Goldman et al., 2005). However, a meta-analysis of 50 family, twin and adoption studies showed the heritability of alcohol misuse to be at most 30 to 36% (Walters, 2002).

There are relatively few specific specialist alcohol services for people from ethnic minority groups, although some examples of good practice exist (Harrison & Luck, 1997). Older people are at least as likely as younger people to benefit from alcohol treatment (Curtis et al., 1989). Clinicians therefore need to be vigilant to identify and treat older people who misuse alcohol. As older people are more likely to have comorbid physical and mental health problems and be socially isolated, a lower threshold for admission for assisted alcohol withdrawal may be required (Dar, 2006). Further, in view of changes in metabolism, potential drug interactions and physical comorbidity, dosages for medications to treat alcohol withdrawal and prevent relapse may need to be reduced in older people (Dar, 2006).

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These biases operate at an automatic and pre-conscious level, but they influence attention and memory linked to the behavior. The behavior takes longer to learn, but once learned, it is very resistant to extinction. Furthermore, Parke & Griffiths (2004) found support for the reinforcing role of winning but also of “near-win” (coming very close to winning, e.g., the horse comes second). He has tried to give up, but the urge to smoke is so strong that he has failed every time. He always has a cigarette before he goes to bed, and smoking is the first thing he does when he wakes up. He always says that the first cigarette in the morning is the best cigarette of the day.

This perspective is consistent with theories of reasoned action (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980) and planned behavior (Ajzen, 1985). The LRRM also recognizes the impact of each person’s proximal (family, friends) and distal (neighborhood, culture) environment, especially with respect to acquisition and maintenance of problem behavior. Finally, by emphasizing the relationship between thoughts (cognition) https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/the-abstinence-violation-effect-meaning-when-recovering/ and actions (behavior), the LRRM is consistent with the literature on cognitive social learning theory and behavioral self-control paradigms (Bandura, 1986). Psychologists can also diagnose and treat these “co-occurring” psychological conditions. Further, a psychologist may play an important role in coordinating the services a drinker in treatment receives from various health professionals.

Social Learning Theory (SLT) – AO3:

For example, if you are addicted to gambling, you’ll solely suffer from an intense psychological urge to gamble. If, on the other hand, you’re addicted to a substance like a specific drug or type of spirit, you’ll usually first develop a psychological addiction and then a physical one. The difference between physical and psychological addiction is not as defined as you might think.

When we think about substance use and withdrawal, we may immediately go to substances we see in the media, like heroin and cocaine. It is important to note, based on the chart above, every substance is different, and psychological and physical dependence will be experienced differently depending on physiological dependence on alcohol the substance and the person who uses it. It is important to note cannabis is not indicated above; however, in the DSM-V it is included as a substance with psychological dependence as people can experience withdrawal. Were you surprised by any of the states of dependence on any of the substances?

Both the psychological and physical symptoms of dependency can be stressful and problematic. Fortunately, there are different ways you can cope with these feelings and thoughts. Getting the right treatment and practicing the right lifestyle changes is crucial.