1. Physical vs. Psychological Addictions; The Signs of an
Addiction Problem
When most people hear the word “addiction”, they picture a disheveled-looking person with
needle track markings on their arms, standing outside of a busy food or shopping center
begging for money. While of course this can be an accurate depiction of some persons
struggling with drug addiction problems, the majority of addicted individuals are young,
successful, well-groomed people who either suffer in silence or who do not realize that they
have a problem with addiction or substance abuse. If you are looking for an Addictions
Counselor, look no further! I have been practicing all types of counseling, including addiction
counseling, for over 30 years in the San Diegoarea. In this post, I will attempt to differentiate
between the different types of addictions (physical and psychological) and present some
warning signs that you should be on the lookout for if you suspect you or someone you know
may have a problem with a drug addiction.
Defining Addiction:
“Addiction” is a word that many people use incorrectly. Often people become confused when
researchers and professionals label behavioral addictions as “addictions”, because most of us
believe that an addiction is indicative of a drug or alcohol dependency. This is a myth, since
there are several types of behaviors that people engage in that can become addictive and hard
to escape from, similar to being addicted to smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or injecting
heroin. Behaviors such as gambling, sex, and video-gaming are highly addictive and can require
addiction counseling treatment if they become problematic. But first, in order to understand
addiction fully, I believe it is important to define the word “addiction” so that we can better
understand the different types.
Nearly 100% of the
time, a drug addiction begins with substance abuse, or using drugs and/or alcohol in an
excessive and often inappropriate manner. This includes things like drinking alcohol in the
morning or by yourself to cope with unbearable thoughts or emotions, or taking marijuana to
ease your stress about going to work or completing a large project. Eventually the behavior of
using these substances becomes habit-forming, and it suddenly feels weird not to carry out the
same rituals of using substances every day. This is where substance abuse ends and addiction
begins. Having an addiction, whether it is a behavioral addiction or a substance/drug addiction,
means that the person has lost control over their behavior and/or using habits. No matter how
hard the person tries to stop the behavior, they seem unable to. The drug or behavior suddenly
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2. becomes all the person can think about, especially when it is not being performed or used.
Addictions can be physical, psychological, or a combination of the two.
What is a Physical Addiction?
When trying to understand what is meant by having a physical addiction, think about the body
becoming accustomed to receiving a certain chemical substance regularly, and then all of a
sudden stopping. First, the person becomes more tolerant of the substance they are using. For
example, a person who has never drank alcohol before or who rarely drinks will become
intoxicated much quicker than a person who has been drinking for a longer period of time. The
body has built up a tolerance to the alcohol, meaning that it requires more of the substance in
order to achieve the same effect.
Once the body
has developed a tolerance and the individual is using the substance in higher doses, the body
“expects” to receive this substance regularly. If it doesn’t, the person may experience
withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, and sleep disruption.
People tend to think that withdrawal is something that only “hardcore” drug-users experience.
This could not be further from the truth! For example, many people who were prescribed
narcotic painkillers for severe pain become physically dependent or physically addicted to them,
since they were taking them on a regular basis for an extended period of time. Even though it
was not the person’s intention to become addicted, as they were not using the drug
recreationally, it is still possible for that individual to go through withdrawal when the painkiller
use ceases. A physical addiction is, therefore, very difficult to overcome because it requires the
individual to have built up a tolerance and a dependency on the substance. Withdrawal is also
known to be extremely painful and unpleasant, which can make quitting even more challenging
because the individual no longer wishes to use the substance to “get high”, but rather is using it
to avoid the pain and suffering that withdrawal symptoms bring.
What is a Psychological Addiction?
We hear the term “psychological addiction” most often when referring to drugs such as
marijuana. While is it debatable whether marijuana has physically addictive properties, we now
know that it is definitely possible to become psychologically addicted to this drug.
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3. This means that the use of the substance has
become so habitual and integrated as part of the person’s daily life that they experience a
strong desire to have the drug. This desire can become extremely powerful and has the ability
to consume the person’s mind and thoughts. In serious cases, it is all that the person can think
about. They have become so psychologically dependent on the drug and the feelings it
produces that they may steal it or lie in order to get it.
Whether the addiction is physical, psychological, or a combination of both, the common factor is
the loss of control the person feels regarding the use of the substance, and the overbearing
compulsion to acquire it and use it again.
Things to Look For If You Suspect an Addiction Problem:
As stated previously, the most obvious indicator of an addiction problem is the need to have and
use a specific substance. Whether you are reading this for yourself, for a friend, or out of
curiosity, these are some other common signs of drug addiction that you should be aware of
and on the lookout for:
Physical Signs:
Requiring a larger dose of the substance in order to achieve the same results (building
up a tolerance to the drug)
Sleep disruptions
Changes in eating habits resulting in either weight loss or weight gain
Nausea, vomiting and/or uncontrollable shaking when stopping the use of the substance
Psychological Signs:
Hiding the substance use from friends and family or stealing money to purchase the
drug
Using drugs and/or alcohol as a means to escape problems or relax
Losing interest in things that you once used to enjoy
Becoming forgetful, disorganized, and confused
Feeling unable to stop thinking about using the drug, or spending excessive amounts of
time figuring out how to acquire the substance
Increased feelings of anxiety, irritability or depression
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4. Being unable to cease using the substance, despite attempting to do so
Getting help for an addiction problem is the first step toward total recovery. While
overcoming an addiction is not an easy task, it is possible! Trying to stop on your own often
results in the inability to do so, which can make you feel discouraged and hopeless, and could
send you into a relapse. Seeking professional help for your addiction does not mean that you
are weak. In fact, most successfully recovered individuals have sought out help from a
professional addiction counselor or therapist. If you ever feel that you need someone to talk to
about your own addiction problems, or an addiction that a family member or friend is struggling
with, please do not hesitate to give my office a call today. Together we can work to overcome
the addiction through addiction counselingand therapy. Depending on your specific situation, I
will be able to offer you tips and tools that you can implement into your daily life to help conquer
the hold that addiction has taken on your life, allowing you to once again live a happy and
healthy lifestyle.
Copyright ©2012 Jan Rakoff. All Rights Reserved.
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