All addictions are not created equally. Some addictions affect a person mentally, some cause physical symptoms, and sometimes addictions can become both physical and psychological. It is important to understand if an addiction is physical, mental or both in order to identify the best course of treatment.
Physical Addiction
Physical addiction is most commonly caused by substances like heroin and methamphetamine. With a physical addiction, a person will experience actual physical symptoms from drug use or withdrawal. Individuals with a physical addiction will feel pain and sickness when not using. Withdrawal from a physical addiction can be severe and similar to the flu.
Individuals with a physical addiction may experience other every day symptoms like fatigue and sleeping problems. Only drugs containing addictive substances, such as nicotine, can cause physical addictions.
Psychological Addiction
Psychological addiction occurs when a person does not have a physical need for a drug but rather a mental addiction. Psychological addiction is most common in substances like marijuana, which does not contain any physically addictive ingredients. Sometimes people say it’s not possible to form an addiction to these drugs, but that is simply not true. Psychological addiction can be just as severe as physical addiction.
Symptoms of psychological addiction are caused by neurochemical reactions that take place in the brain. Individuals with a psychological addiction may experience anxiety, depression, difficultly learning or other behavioral problems.
Withdrawal and Recovery
It is important to understand the nature of your addiction before you begin the detox or recovery process. People experience withdrawal symptoms differently. You need holistic drug treatment that addresses both the physical and psychological symptoms.
Holistic drug rehabilitation offers a range of treatment modalities to address all aspects of your life, from your mental and emotional state to your physical and spiritual health. No matter which type of addiction you suffer from, holistic drug rehab is the best way to get you on your path to recovery.
