Alcohol Abuse vs Alcohol Dependence

Funk CK, O’Dell LE, Crawford EF, Koob GF. Corticotropin-releasing factor within the central nucleus of the amygdala mediates enhanced ethanol self-administration in withdrawn, ethanol-dependent rats. Fox HC, Bergquist KL, Hong KI, Sinha R. Stress-induced and alcohol cue-induced craving in recently abstinent alcohol-dependent individuals. Disturbances of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning during ethanol withdrawal in six men. Schulteis G, Liu J. Brain reward deficits physiological dependence on alcohol accompany withdrawal from acute ethanol in rats. Schuckit MA, Klein JL. Correlations between drinking intensity and reactions to ethanol and diazepam in healthy young men. Corticotropin-releasing factor 1 antagonists selectively reduce ethanol self-administration in ethanol-dependent rats. Dhaher R, Finn D, Snelling C, Hitzemann R. Lesions of the extended amygdala in C57BL/6J mice do not block the intermittent ethanol vapor-induced increase in ethanol consumption.

Finally, a history of multiple withdrawal experiences can exacerbate cognitive deficits and disruption of sleep during withdrawal (Borlikova et al. 2006; Stephens et al. 2005; Veatch 2006). Given that alcoholism is a chronic relapsing disease, many alcohol-dependent people invariably experience multiple bouts of heavy drinking interspersed with periods of abstinence (i.e., withdrawal) of varying duration. For example, clinical studies have indicated that a history of multiple detoxifications increases a person’s susceptibility to more severe and medically complicated withdrawals in the future https://ecosoberhouse.com/ (e.g., Booth and Blow 1993). Long-term drug or alcohol abuse leads to changes in the brain’s structure and function. Not only does physical dependence make it difficult for the body to self-regulate, but psychological dependence affects a person’s judgment, decision-making, mental health, and emotional health. For example, someone who is psychologically dependent on drugs or alcohol might continue drinking even after multiple DUIs or legal consequences. Furthermore, people with psychological dependence will experience strong and recurring urges to use drugs, even when they want to stop.

Depression

The term psychological dependence is typically used to describe the emotional and mental processes that are related to the development of a substance use disorder or process addiction. However, if this person takes it for several years they’ll likely develop a physical and psychological dependence. They might experience withdrawal symptoms if they tried to stop. Also, their tolerance may go up, which means they’ll need a higher dose. Regardless, this drug allows them to live life more normally.

When talking about illicit drugs rebound withdrawal, especially with stimulants, it is sometimes referred to as “coming down” or “crashing”. This can happen immediately or manifest weeks to years later. When dependence turns into addiction it’s a condition that must be monitored for life.

Substances Associated with Psychological and Physiological Dependence

Addiction also differs from physical dependence, in that addiction is a legitimate disease. An addiction involves cravings you can’t control, drug use you can’t quit, compulsive use of a drug and continuing to use despite knowing it’s wrecking your life. Cravings are the key to knowing your condition is an addiction and not simply physical changes of drug dependence. Dialectical behavior therapy builds on the foundation of cognitive behavioral therapy. It helps patients recognize that thoughts and feelings ultimately turn into negative behaviors. However, the difference is an emphasis on validation and accepting that these thoughts and feelings happen.