Psychological addiction involves a strong emotional or mental dependence on a substance or behavior, frequently motivated by cravings or compulsions. Unlike physical addiction, it primarily involves an intense desire for the emotional or psychological effects rather than the substance itself.

The symptoms of psychological addiction include a belief that the drug is essential for daily functioning, intense emotional cravings for the drug, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and spending excessive time using or thinking about the substance.

Substances that cause psychological addiction are cocaine, alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, amphetamines, inhalants, and psychotropic medications.

Symptoms of psychological withdrawal include strong cravings, feelings of unease, difficulties concentrating, depression, irritability, and a strong urge to return to the addictive behavior to alleviate these feelings.

What is psychological addiction?

Psychological addiction is a mental or emotional dependence on a substance or activity. This dependence is characterized by intense cravings and obsessive behavior even in the face of negative consequences.

Otherwise known as psychological dependence, this condition is motivated by the need to feel pleasure, stress alleviation, or escape from reality. It is rooted in the brain’s need to maintain or recreate specific emotional states.

Emotional addiction plays a central role in this process, as individuals continue to seek out the addictive behavior or substance to fulfill unmet psychological needs or to cope with emotional challenges.

How does psychological addiction develop?

Psychological addiction develops gradually as a person increasingly relies on a substance or behavior to manage emotional or mental states. This process often begins when an individual uses a particular substance or engages in a behavior to alleviate stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions.

The brain reinforces the use of the substance or behavior as a coping mechanism over time when it starts to link it with feelings of relief or pleasure. As the person continues to seek out this emotional escape or reward, the behavior or substance becomes ingrained in their routine, leading to a cycle of repeated use.

What are the symptoms of psychological addiction?

Symptoms of psychological addiction are indicators that point to a person’s psychological dependence on a drug or behavior. The symptoms of psychological addiction are listed below.

• Belief that the drug is essential for daily functioning: Individuals with psychological addiction often develop a strong conviction that they cannot function normally without the substance. This belief leads to the perception that the drug is necessary to get through daily tasks or to cope with life’s challenges. As a result, the person becomes increasingly dependent on the drug, feeling incapable of facing even routine situations without it.
• Intense emotional cravings for the drug: Emotional cravings for the drug are a powerful and often overwhelming desire to use the substance, driven by a need to experience its effects. Stress, loneliness, or even joy is able to set off these cravings, which makes substance seem like a cure-all for emotional states. In order to control cravings and lower the possibility of relapse in drug-dependent people, efficient emotion regulation is essential, according to a 2016 study by Choopan et al., titled, “Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Training on the Reduction of Craving in Drug Abusers.”
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities: As psychological addiction deepens, individuals lose interest in hobbies, social activities, and other pursuits that once brought them joy. A 2012 paper from the Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy titled, “Loss of activities and its effect on the well-being of substance abusers” indicated that a more significant decline in the number of activities from earlier to recent times was correlated with a decreased level of well-being, as assessed by the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. These findings indicate that the absence of activities has an adverse effect on the overall well-being of individuals struggling with substance abuse.
• Spending excessive time using or thinking about the substance: Individuals with psychological addiction often devote a significant amount of time to using the substance or obsessively thinking about it. This preoccupation takes up hours each day, leaving little time for other responsibilities or interests. A 2016 study by George F. Koob and Nora D. Volkow titled, “Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry analysis” stated that the preoccupation/anticipation stage is recognized as a critical element of addiction, frequently linked to cravings. This phase is essential for comprehending the neurobiological mechanisms that result in the resumption of drug-seeking behavior following a period of abstinence.

What are the substances that cause psychological addiction?

Substances that cause psychological addiction lead to a strong mental or emotional dependence in individuals who use them. The substances that cause psychological addiction are listed below.

• Cocaine: Due to its capacity to induce feelings of euphoria, heightened energy, and increased confidence, cocaine is a potent stimulant that causes severe psychological addiction. It reinforces the urge to experience these pleasurable effects repeatedly by rapidly increasing dopamine levels in the brain when used. Cocaine addiction is characterized by compulsive use, as individuals pursue the temporary highs that cocaine offers.
• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption initially induces stimulating effects, enhancing alertness and sociability. However, at higher levels of intake, it triggers brain stress circuits, namely in the amygdala, during emotional arousal and stressful situations, according to a 2022 study by Rajita Sinha titled, “Alcohol’s Negative Emotional Side: The Role of Stress Neurobiology in Alcohol Use Disorder.” This results in a psychological dependence, where the person feels unable to manage their emotions or daily life without drinking. Alcohol addiction deepens as the individual increasingly prioritizes alcohol over other aspects of their life.
• Nicotine: Nicotine, found in tobacco products, works by stimulating the release of dopamine, creating a temporary sense of pleasure and stress relief. A 2015 study from the International Review of Neurobiology titled, “Nicotine Addiction and Psychiatric Disorders” revealed a reciprocal association between nicotine dependence and anxiety problems. People who have anxiety disorders have a higher likelihood of smoking, and smoking offers brief respite from feelings of anxiety. Nonetheless, the process of nicotine withdrawal exacerbates anxiety, impeding the ability of these individuals to cease smoking. At which point, nicotine addiction becomes difficult to break, as the cravings and mental associations with nicotine become deeply ingrained.
• Marijuana: Although not everyone who uses marijuana develops an addiction, regular users get dependent on the drug’s mood-altering effects, such as euphoria or relaxation. A psychological dependence develops when the user starts to believe that they have to rely on marijuana to deal with stress, anxiety, or boredom. Marijuana addiction leads to a recurring pattern in which the person progressively relies on marijuana as a coping mechanism for emotional or mental difficulties, regardless of the potential adverse effects on their lives.
• Amphetamines: Amphetamines, including drugs like Adderall and methamphetamine, are stimulants that cause psychological addiction due to their effects on energy levels, focus, and mood. Individuals become mentally dependent on amphetamines to enhance performance, stay awake, or feel more confident, leading to repeated use. As users strive to sustain these effects over time, frequently at the risk of their health and well-being, amphetamine addiction becomes more severe.
• Inhalants: Inhalants are a broad category of substances, such as solvents, aerosols, and gasses, that people inhale to achieve a quick, intense high. The effects of inhalants addiction are often short-lived but potentially include euphoria, altered mental states, and feelings of detachment from reality. Strong correlations were discovered in a 2011 study by Howard et al., titled, “Inhalant Use and Inhalant Use Disorders in the United States” between the use of inhalants and a number of mental conditions, such as personality disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and other substance use disorders. Additionally, inhalant users are more prone to go through stressful life events like legal issues or academic difficulties.
• Psychotropic medications: Psychotropic medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and antipsychotics, are prescribed to manage mental health conditions but lead to psychological addiction in certain cases. While they are generally safe when used as prescribed, certain people develop a psychological dependence on these drugs, feeling unable to cope without them. An article titled, “The Psychoactive Effects of Psychiatric Medication: The Elephant in the Room” published in the November 2013 issue of the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs highlighted that psychiatric medications, similar to recreational drugs, had substantial psychoactive properties that modify cognitive and emotional states. For instance, antidepressants induce emotional flattening, whereas antipsychotics alleviate the severity of psychotic symptoms yet additionally cause cognitive and emotional dulling.

Can psychological addiction cause withdrawal?

Yes, psychological addiction can cause withdrawal. While withdrawal symptoms are typically associated with physical addiction, psychological addiction leads to significant emotional and mental distress as well, particularly when the afflicted individual cuts back on or quits using the substance.

They often experience intense cravings, anxiety, irritability, depression, and a strong urge to return to the addictive behavior to alleviate these feelings. These psychological withdrawal symptoms occur because the brain has become reliant on the substance to maintain emotional balance or cope with stress.

What does psychological withdrawal look like?

Psychological withdrawal looks like a range of emotional and cognitive challenges that occur when an individual stops using a substance or engaging in a behavior they are mentally or emotionally dependent on.

The individual has strong cravings, feelings of unease, irritability, and depression while trying to manage without the addictive stimulus. Common symptoms seen during withdrawal include mood swings, restlessness, and difficulties concentrating, as the brain undergoes challenges in adapting to the absence of the substance.

What are the psychological addiction treatment options?

Psychological addiction treatment options describe the range of treatment methods and therapeutic modalities which are aimed at helping patients overcome their emotional dependence on substances. The most common psychological addiction treatment options are listed below.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a treatment that is frequently employed to address psychological addiction. People with addictions benefit from this program because it helps them identify destructive thought patterns and behaviors while providing skills to change them. Individuals learn to identify the factors that result in substance use or addictive behaviors and to develop healthier coping strategies through CBT. When treating Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) use disorders, combining CBT with other therapies such as motivational interviewing (MI), contingency management (CM), or medication frequently results in better outcomes, especially in the early phases of treatment, as per a 2023 review by Magill et al., titled, “Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Disorders: Is a One-Size-Fits-All Approach Appropriate?.”
• Behavioral therapies: Behavioral therapies, such as contingency management and motivational interviewing, focus on reinforcing positive behaviors and motivating individuals to stay committed to their recovery. When it comes to abstinence and healthy behavior, motivational interviewing helps individuals overcome ambivalence and make a change, while contingency management employs rewards to keep people on track. Recovering addicts gain self-assurance and new, better habits through these treatments.
• Pharmacotherapy: In certain cases, medications are prescribed to help manage the symptoms of psychological addiction or co-occurring mental health conditions. It is simpler for people to concentrate on their recovery when they are taking medicine that decreases cravings, eases withdrawal symptoms, or treats underlying concerns like anxiety or depression. Pharmacotherapy is not a standalone treatment, but it is a crucial element of a full treatment approach.
• Support groups: Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), offer peer support and a sense of community for individuals recovering from addiction. The shared understanding and encouragement from others who have faced similar struggles is a powerful motivator in maintaining sobriety. A 2019 study from the journal Substance Use & Misuse titled, “Effects of social support and 12-Step involvement on recovery among people in continuing care for cocaine dependence” revealed that participation in 12-step groups such as Cocaine Anonymous (CA), AA, or NA has been linked to improved recovery results. More participation in these 12-step groups was specifically linked to higher percentages of days abstinent (PDA), a stronger commitment to abstinence, and a better readiness to change.
• Mindfulness and meditation: People who practice mindfulness and meditation are better able to stay in the present moment, which lessens the need to turn to addictive behaviors to get rid of unwanted emotions. A 2020 study by Schwebel et al., titled, “Addictive Behavior Change and Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Current Research and Future Directions” stated that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) tend to function by focusing on the neurological processes that underlie addiction, namely by improving self-regulation and upsetting the automatic, habitual behaviors that are connected to addiction. Engaging in mindfulness activities improves connections in brain areas including the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex that are involved in attention, cognitive control, and emotion regulation.

Can psychological addiction be treated in rehabs?

Yes, psychological addiction can be treated in rehabs. Rehabilitation centers, or rehabs, are purposefully created to offer thorough therapy for different types of addiction, such as psychological reliance on substances or behaviors.

A variety of therapies are offered in a structured atmosphere at a rehab, with the goal of addressing the psychological aspects that contribute to addiction. Rehabilitation centers improve the odds of a person overcoming a psychological addiction by offering a safe and structured environment apart from the stresses and temptations of everyday life.

What is the difference between psychological and physical addiction?

The difference between psychological and physical addiction describes the features that set physical dependence on a substance apart from mental or emotional dependence on it. The differences between psychological and physical addiction are detailed in the table below.

Difference Between Psychological and Physical Addiction
Aspect	Psychological addiction	Physical addiction
Primary focus	Mental and emotional dependence on a substance	Physiological dependence on a substance
Symptoms	Stress, anxiety, perceived need to use the substance, preoccupations with drugs or alcohol, and emotional distress when not using them	Changes in appetite, sleep problems, or withdrawal symptoms like nausea shaking, or sweating when not using
Cause of dependence	Desire to achieve specific emotional states (e.g., pleasure, stress relief)	Body’s adaptation to the substance, requiring it to function normally
Triggers	Emotional states, environmental cues, or mental associations	Physical need for the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Treatment focus	Therapy and behavioral interventions	Medical detoxification, medication, and physical stabilization
Risk of relapse	Often triggered by emotional or psychological stress	Often triggered by physical cravings and withdrawal discomfort
Recovery process	Focus on mental and emotional healing, coping strategies	Focus on managing withdrawal and breaking physical dependence

Treatment and recovery from psychological and physical addiction require an understanding of these distinctions. Since every addiction affects people differently, specialized methods are needed to address the psychological as well as the physical components of dependence.

 

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