Psychological addiction is a mental dependence on a substance or activity, causing a person to feel they need it to feel good. It is not a medical diagnosis, but treatments are similar to addiction and involve therapy and support from family and friends. Activities such as gambling and shopping can also cause psychological dependence. Treatment involves group therapy and learning coping mechanisms.
Psychological addiction is a mental addiction to a substance. While drug use can cause a physical addiction where the body reacts negatively if the drug is withheld, psychological addiction convinces a person’s mind that there is a need for the drug. While there is a difference between addiction and addiction, the treatments are similar, often requiring help from family, friends, and therapists.
Psychological addiction is similar to addiction but the two disorders are not considered to be the same. Addiction is physiological and causes a person to crave the addictive substance. A psychological addiction makes a person feel that they need the substance to feel good. Psychological addiction is not considered a true medical diagnosis.
Substance abuse can be a psychological addiction rather than an addiction. Drugs such as barbiturates, opiates, alcohol and nicotine can lead to addiction. Addiction usually occurs when a person tries something new, such as drinking, and enjoys the sensation they get. Those with this type of addiction do not experience physical withdrawal as a true addict does, but they do sometimes experience psychological ailments such as anxiety and depression.
Some activities can also cause psychological dependence. Activities such as gambling, pornography, and shopping can alter mood, meaning they change the chemistry in the brain just like some types of drugs do. Some forms of exercise, such as running, can also produce this effect. To feel good, those who are addicted will continue with the behavior, even if it negatively affects them or those around them. These people think that the only time they can feel good about themselves or their lives is when they are engaged in addictive activities, and without these activities, they may feel unable to live normally.
Treatment for psychological addiction does not differ much from addiction treatment and requires the help of a trained professional. The main difference is that the patient does not have to go through detoxification because they are not physically dependent on a substance. Group therapy is a common treatment in which the addicted person meets others who are going through the same thing and learns ways of coping with life to help overcome the addiction. The family is included in the treatment to help the patient and be supportive as the patient learns ways to be independent. The addicted person must learn to control himself, overcome his impulses and seek help when needed.
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