Addiction

Psychological vs. Physical Addiction: The Differences

Addiction is a very serious matter. It takes on many forms and has many origin points, all of which are crippling. Dealing with addiction or caring for someone who is struggling takes patience and care. There is no easy way out of it, and you cannot simply shrug it off. Addiction has profound effects that include both psychological and physical impacts on a person.

The Different Impacts of Addiction

The differences between psychological and physical addiction are extreme, and they are the reason why addiction is so serious. While one effect or the other is rarely easy to handle alone, the combined force of physical and psychological addiction is what makes coping such a struggle. Imagine both the mind and body urging a person in every way they can to do the one thing the person knows they should not do. Only time can ease these two assailants, meaning a person struggling with addiction must endure a long period of not giving in. Even after the detox period, many reformed addicts report that they still occasionally struggle with either form of addiction signals from their body.

Psychological Addiction

Most people are familiar with physical addiction. However, psychological addiction can be especially scary and hard to deal with. Rest assured that behavioral health centers are well equipped to assist in this healing process. The differences between psychological and physical addiction are many, but generally, they all circle back to a sensation of need. In the case of psychological effects, the subconscious mind of the patient is practically screaming for relief in the form of the given substance. It can become hard to concentrate as their thoughts fill with excuses to go back to their drug of choice. Side effects include a general increase in stress levels, distractedness, and irritability. Psychological addiction can also result in forgetfulness and can cause frequent stress-induced headaches.

Physical Addiction

Physical addiction is probably the more alarming of the two to watch. While psychological addiction can make a person seem on edge to those around them, physical addiction can make a person seem gravely ill. Depending on the severity of the drug and the time spent using it, patients can undergo degrees of intense withdrawal. This can include sensations of nausea, which may result in vomiting; changes in body temperature that can cause shaking or sweating; headaches, and a whole host of other symptoms. The patient will seem ill for a period and may be struck by an intense craving during the period that follows quitting a drug.

Dealing with addiction is always hard, whether you are the patient yourself or a family member of a patient. Having the right help and treatment is essential. Fortunately, there are many resources to help with addiction, including rehabilitation centers like Chapman’s House. Reach out today and get the help that’s best suited for each case.

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