Psychological Dependence

Many people believe they require certain substances to help them function properly. They may turn to a psychoactive substance to help them sleep, relax, or elevate their mood. These desirable effects encourage routine use, which increases the risk for addiction.

Addiction develops gradually, making it easy for the signs of psychological dependence to go unnoticed. What begins as a want for a particular substance eventually leads to a need for it. As someone’s psychological dependence on a substance strengthens, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to live without it.

Let’s take a closer look at psychological dependence to determine what it is, how it compares to physical dependence, and how it should be treated.

What is Psychological Dependence? Definition, Symptoms, and Examples

Psychological dependence is often defined as a need for a psychoactive substance for its positive effects or to avoid the negative effects of not having it. You perceive the necessity of the substance. That perception drives the negative effects of not having it.

In other words, someone with a psychological dependence will have a strong desire to routinely use a particular substance. This desire is fueled by the positive effects that the substance offers and the fear of not having it. The desire for substance becomes a need for it, the signs of which can be harder to recognize than those of physical dependency.

Image: a child holding a bouquet of three roses in front of their face while wearing a little tuxedo. Text: psychological dependence is a need for a psychoactive substance for its positive effects or to avoid negative effects of not having it.t

Symptoms of Psychological Dependence

When someone uses the substance they’re psychologically dependent on, they feel satisfied and complete. If they have to go without it, then they will often suffer from a variety of adverse effects.

The common signs and symptoms of psychological dependence include:

  • Intense cravings
  • Restlessness
  • Lowered mood and increased irritability
  • Obsessions about desired substance
  • Changes in sleep patterns and appetite

The frequency and severity of these symptoms can vary depending on an individual’s brain chemistry, mental health issues, and environment. Substances that produce stronger or quicker effects are also known to increase the severity of these symptoms.

Examples of Psychological Dependence

Nearly every psychoactive substance can lead to psychological dependence. Substances like opioids and amphetamines make psychological dependence more noticeable due to their strong effect on the brain. Other substances are more subtle in their effect, but they can still carry a strong risk for psychological dependence.

Some of the common examples of psychological dependence include:

  • Taking melatonin so often that you can’t sleep without it
  • Needing alcohol to relax or improve your mood
  • Needing prescription medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms
  • Not being able to get through your day without caffeine or nicotine

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Certain psychoactive substances can even lead to psychological dependence without causing significant physical dependence. The most common examples of this are cannabis and hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and LSD.

Read our related article for more information on how cannabis relates to addiction and dependency.

No image. Text: substances that cause psychological dependence include prescription medication, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, and hallucinogens.

Psychological Dependence vs Physical Dependence 

Although the mind and body are separate, they are known to deeply influence each other. This is especially true in relation to substance dependence, where psychological and physical dependence are closely interconnected. 

Similarities Between Psychological and Physical Dependence

The similarities between psychological and physical dependence stem from their close connection. Both forms of dependence develop together and affect each other as an individual’s mind and body grows accustomed to a particular substance. 

Psychological and physical dependence both lead to uncomfortable or painful symptoms when the substance isn’t used. This also means that both forms of dependency encourage the individual to continue using the substance. 

Both forms of dependence are also similar in how they affect each other. Physical withdrawal symptoms can reinforce psychological cravings, while psychological withdrawal symptoms can drive physical dependence by encouraging substance use.   

Differences Between Psychological and Physical Dependence

Although psychological and physical dependence work together and affect each other, there are several differences in how their symptoms manifest. 

Physical dependence leads to physiological withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Nausea 
  • Headaches 

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Rather than affecting the body, psychological dependence affects someone’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychological dependence also makes someone rely on a substance to achieve mental and emotional wellbeing, rather than achieving physical relief from withdrawal symptoms. 

Read our related guide to learn the differences between drug misuse, abuse, and addiction.

No image. Text: a psychological addiction is the reliance on substances to achieve mental and emotional wellbeing. Physical dependence is a reliance on a substance to achieve physical relie from withdrawal symptoms.

Achieving Independence—How Psychological Dependence is Treated

Individuals can experience relief from their substance dependence with the help from mental health professionals. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available that can heal each aspect of someone’s substance dependency.

Substance Rehabilitation

Depending on the severity of an individual’s substance dependency, they may attend inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation treatment. During rehabilitation, mental health professionals work with the client closely to identify the sources of their substance dependency and develop strategies for overcoming it.

Substance dependence is commonly linked to other mental health struggles. Someone with an addiction will usually receive a dual diagnosis during treatment. While at rehab, clients participate in a variety of therapy modalities to treat their substance dependency and any other mental health issues they’re suffering from. 

Read our related article to discover how long it takes your brain to rewire after addiction, and learn more about inpatient addiction treatment at Sequoia.

Effective Therapies for Substance Dependency

Certain therapy modalities are proven to reverse the harmful symptoms of substance dependency. 

‍Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help individuals identify the negative thought patterns that lead to substance use. After identifying these negative thoughts, CBT helps someone replace them with new, healthier thought patterns that promote mental wellbeing without the need for substances. 

Group therapy is also recognized as a beneficial therapy modality for overcoming substance dependency. This type of therapy encourages mutual support and helps individuals connect with others that share similar struggles. Also, group therapy prevents self-isolation, which is common amongst those recovering from substance dependency. 

Sequoia Behavioral Health – Helping You Heal and Recover

At Sequoia Behavioral Health, our mental health professionals are experts in helping individuals recover from their substance dependence. We offer a variety of treatment options that allow our clients to get the personalized care they need to achieve their mental health goals. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from substance addiction, read more about addiction to discover how we help individuals achieve a healthy and substance-free life.  

Reach out to Sequoia today to start living the life you deserve.

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