What is psychological dependence? The term psychology generally refers to the behavioral process related to the mind and emotions. Psychological dependence describes the mental and emotional processes that relate to developing or recovering from a substance abuse problem or addiction. Emotional dependence is just as severe as physical dependence, and addressing the mental aspects of dependence is part of an effective recovery program.
The Emotional Symptoms of Psychological Dependence
Symptoms of the psychological elements of addiction include:
- Problems with anxiety as you try to end an addictive behavior
- Cravings
- Issues with depression after stopping the use of your drug of choice
- Mood swings that may occur as you attempt to quit
- Sleep problems that relate to quitting your drug of choice
- Changes in appetite that relate to quitting your drug of choice
- Cognitive issues like problems with memory, concentration, judgment, or problem solving
These are very different than the symptoms associated with attempting to end a physical dependence, such as vomiting, nausea, seizures, diarrhea, or hallucinations. Symptoms of an emotional dependence typically present in other ways, and they can vary significantly in intensity from person to person. However, it’s impossible to measure or empirically validate these symptoms. How you experience the symptoms is what is most important, and you need the help of professionals who can tailor a treatment program to your needs. Heroin addiction for example displays may physical signs of addiction that ofter require an Oregon heroin rehab to treat the physical effects while you seek recovery.
Many symptoms that are primarily psychological in nature do have some physiological basis. Cravings are typical examples. There is a large body of objective evidence supporting this. It works the other way around, too. Symptoms of physical dependence can impact how you experience psychological symptoms.
How Can You Treat Psychological Dependence?
When you enter a program to treat alcohol or drug addiction, the first step is to end the consumption of the drug or alcohol and allow the body to recover. During this first step, the objective is to remove the substance from your system completely. Many of us call this going “cold turkey.” This is the time when you may experience physical withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may vary in intensity, and health-care professionals know what to expect and how to help you.
However, after this first step, you will need to continue treatment to help you address your psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs. This timeline for recovery can vary quite significantly between individuals.
This component of treatment typically involves mental health professionals and specialists in addiction recovery. As a reputable treatment center, we offer the services to help you address psychological dependence for your best chance at recovery. These services can include:
Talk Therapy
This may be individual therapy program or family therapy program. You may have some underlying issues that prompted you to first use drugs or alcohol. You may face unanticipated roadblocks as you recover. This is the treatment that helps you address and manage recovery as you discover different ways to handle challenging emotions, stress, or social events that may act as a trigger to begin using drugs or alcohol. You learn to become aware of these moments and how to change negative feelings, thoughts, or behaviors that haven’t served you well in the past.
Support Groups
This may involve a process group, anger management sessions, 12-step group meetings, or a psycho-education group. They can help you address your dependence on alcohol or drugs. Others help you become accountable and learn tools that help you handle the symptoms of dependence like cravings, thoughts about using again, or feeling the “need” for your drug of choice. You can learn to cope with stressors. You may choose to take part for months or even years after leaving treatment.
How Can Sunstone Recovery Help You?
Specifically, Sunstone Recovery offers addiction therapy in Bend that includes:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Family therapy program
- Group counseling
- Individual therapy program
- Neurofeedback therapy
We are here to help you achieve recovery from addiction. Our addiction therapy in Bend is compassionate, professional, and experienced. Don’t let addiction ruin your life. With the right therapy, you can take back control. Contact us today at 855.912.6870, and we will help you make the first step on the road to recovery and happier, healthier life.