Psychological Addiction: Meaning, Symptoms, Treatment

After managing that program for six years, Danny moved to AspenRidge and now leads the clinical team. Jill is a Colorado native who received a master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis on women’s studies from the University of Houston. Jill has worked in several inpatient and outpatient centers, treating clients in all levels of care in both individual and group settings.

Modern CBT Is Revolutionising Substance Use Disorder Care

• The best approach typically involves working with a professional to either gradually taper off use or stop use altogether while under supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms.
• Originally from Northborough, Massachusetts, Mary has supported adults cycling through the legal system—often with co-occurring mental-health and substance-use concerns.
• The bidirectional relationship between stress and alcohol dependence is explored, highlighting the impact of chronic stress on neurobiological systems implicated in addiction.
• Instead, individuals may experience intense cravings, mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety when attempting to abstain from the substance or behavior they are psychologically dependent on.
• These changes can impact normal brain function and contribute to the body’s reliance on the substance to function properly.

As a depressant, alcohol slows down brain activity and neural communication, leading to a cascade of effects that vary based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. The brain attempts to maintain chemical balance during constant alcohol exposure through neuroadaptation, resulting in tolerance. Tolerance means the individual needs increased amounts of alcohol to feel the same effect. The brain counteracts alcohol’s depressant effects by reducing GABA receptor sensitivity and increasing the sensitivity and number of excitatory glutamate receptors. This biological compensation shifts the brain’s baseline activity, allowing it to function normally even with alcohol present. She is a trauma-informed clinician who prioritizes the relationship between clinician and client.

Medical Professionals

Research is ongoing into new therapeutic techniques, including the potential use of psychedelics in treating addiction, and the role of genetics in predisposition to psychological dependency. That’s physical and psychological addiction – separate entities that often move in tandem, creating a performance that can be both mesmerizing and destructive. Physical addiction is the body’s rebellion when deprived of a substance it’s grown accustomed to. Psychological addiction, on the other hand, is the mind’s desperate plea for more, driven by emotional needs, habits, and learned behaviors. Alcohol addiction is a psychological disease defined as one’s inability to control alcohol consumption. This umbrella term illustrates a form of high-risk drinking that typically includes excessive drinking, an intense alcohol craving, and continued alcohol use despite realizing how it interferes with your daily life.

Symptoms of Psychological Dependence

The more one relies on alcohol to numb emotional pain, the less they can handle emotions without it. Over time, this can lead to a situation where the very thought of facing an emotional challenge without a drink can lead to overwhelming anxiety and fear. Understanding psychological dependence is more than just a clinical endeavor—a plea for empathy.

• She participated in research studying ADHD in children, mindfulness and anxiety, and embodied cognition.
• Users may experience vivid hallucinations and delusions, even long after the drug has left their system.
• If you drink coffee every morning to wake yourself up, your body might come to rely on it to be alert and upright.
• Brionna’s therapeutic approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), empowering clients to challenge negative thinking patterns and manage intense emotions through mindfulness practices.

The connection between CBT and improved mental health in recovery

Patients with complex psychological issues related to trauma, sexual abuse or bereavement will require specific interventions delivered by appropriately trained personnel (Raistrick et al., 2006). For most people who are alcohol dependent the most appropriate goal in terms of alcohol consumption should be to aim for complete abstinence. With an increasing level of alcohol dependence a return to moderate or ‘controlled’ drinking becomes increasingly difficult (Edwards & Gross, 1976; Schuckit, 2009). Further, for people with significant psychiatric or physical comorbidity (for example, depressive disorder or alcoholic liver disease), abstinence is the appropriate goal. However, hazardous and harmful drinkers, and those with a low level of alcohol dependence, may be able to achieve a goal of moderate alcohol consumption (Raistrick et al., 2006).

Additionally, Courtney obtained certificates in Alcohol and Drug Studies and is certified in Branspotting, a clinical treatment technique aiding individuals in processing trauma. Specializing in diverse mental health challenges, including depression, addiction, and trauma, Christy embraces a person-centered approach. She tailors interventions to individual needs, drawing from modalities like mindfulness, DBT, CBT, and EMDR. Originally from Tokyo, Anna earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Denver Seminary in 2015.

Signs That Your Loved One May Be Psychologically Dependent on Alcohol:

• People with psychological dependence may feel they need the substance to function in daily life.
• The role of CBT in relapse prevention is highlighted, emphasizing its effectiveness in promoting long-term abstinence and addressing the underlying cognitive factors that contribute to alcohol dependence.
• Relationships are the very fabric of our lives, often shaping our experiences, emotions, and how we view the world.
• Stress, trauma, and emotional regulation play pivotal roles in the development and maintenance of alcoholism.

Peer support can also be found through individual therapy, group therapy, or online communities. Connecting with people who have successfully overcome alcohol addiction can provide individuals with inspiration, guidance, and practical advice for maintaining sobriety. MET aims to explore an individual’s personal motivations and goals, helping them recognize the negative consequences of their alcohol use and the potential benefits of changing their behavior. Through empathetic and non-confrontational counseling techniques, MET fosters a supportive and non-judgmental environment. It encourages individuals to take ownership of their choices and empowers them to make positive changes in their lives.

These individuals will often resume alcohol and drug use in an effort to relieve their symptoms — increasing the risk for relapse, overdose, and death. AUD stands for Alcohol Use Disorder, a medical condition characterized by the inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. It ranges from mild to severe and involves a pattern of compulsive alcohol use, physical dependence, and cravings. Alcohol addiction also weakens the immune system, increases the risk of several cancers, and contributes to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, further complicating recovery and overall well-being.

The neural pathways involved with addiction alter dopamine levels, reinforcing compulsive behaviors that persist even during recovery phases, accentuating the importance of continual support. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) also plays a crucial role, focusing on emotional regulation and mindfulness to help those struggling with substance use. It encourages individuals to build skills for handling stress and enhances their capacity for self-reflection and interpersonal relationships, vital for recovery. Increased dopamine release creates a heightened sense of pleasure, but over time, individuals may require more of the substance to achieve the same effect, leading to tolerance. The drive to chase these rewarding experiences often overshadows more meaningful and fulfilling activities, resulting in an ongoing cycle of dependence and compulsion. However, detoxing is often just the first step, as there can be many potential mental and psychological factors at play as well.

With the right support, it is possible to overcome alcohol addiction and lead a healthy, fulfilling life. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is another therapeutic approach commonly used in treating psychological addiction to alcohol. MET focuses on increasing an individual’s motivation and commitment to change their drinking behavior. This therapy is particularly effective for individuals who may be ambivalent or resistant to seeking help for their addiction. Addressing psychological addiction to alcohol requires a comprehensive and personalized treatment approach. There are various therapeutic approaches that have proven effective in helping individuals overcome their addiction.

Integrative approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy address the emotional and behavioral aspects, while medications may help alleviate physical withdrawal symptoms. By treating both dependencies, recovery strategies enhance the likelihood of long-term success and independence from substances, providing a holistic path to wellness. Understanding the role of conditioning and reinforcement in alcohol addiction is crucial for individuals seeking to overcome their psychological dependence on alcohol. Recognizing environmental triggers, the impact of pleasure and reward pathways, and the influence of Pavlovian conditioning can guide individuals toward effective coping strategies and treatment options.

These costs include expenditures on alcohol-related problems and opportunities that are lost because of alcohol (NIAAA, 1991). Inpatient rehab PT provides intensive, personalized therapy to restore mobility, function, and independence after serious injuries or illness. New patients can expect a personalized intake, daily structured therapy, support systems, recreational activities, and discharge planning for full recovery. Inpatient drug rehab stays typically last 28–90 days, tailored to individual needs, addiction severity, and progress for lasting recovery. Seeking help for addiction is a courageous and transformative step towards reclaiming a healthier, more fulfilling life.

When people use the term psychological addiction, they’re often talking about psychological dependence, not addiction. Alcohol use disorder increases the risk of liver disease (hepatitis and cirrhosis), heart disease, stomach ulcers, brain damage, stroke and other marijuana addiction health problems. The Robert Alexander Center for Recovery is a brand new, state-of-the-art addiction treatment center in Kentucky, offering evidence-based treatment for substance abuse. Reclaim it today by reaching out to us to learn about our personalized treatment plans and admission to our treatment center in Kentucky. Understanding the interplay between these disorders is crucial to forming effective recovery plans that support the journey of individuals experiencing dual diagnoses.