MethAddiction.net - Crystal Meth Information Center

Individuals who have an addiction to alcohol or drugs are dependent on those substances. This dependence can be physical or psychological, and most of the time it’s both. Addicts cannot function physically or emotionally without drugs or alcohol. They can no longer feel pleasure without them.

Drug and alcohol addicts are unable to function without drugs or alcohol due to the physical effects these substances have on their bodies. The brain of a person with alcoholism has gotten so used to operating with the substances that it reacts when the level of alcohol decreases. This is why people go through withdrawal symptoms in detox from drug and alcohol addiction.

Psychological addiction refers to the emotional and mental aspects of alcoholism and drug addiction. The individual becomes dependent on the pleasurable feelings these substances provide because, due to changes in brain chemistry, they can no longer feel good without being high. They are terrified of what would happen if they couldn’t get hold of drugs or alcohol. They are willing to hurt their family and friends for their addiction. Emotional withdrawal symptoms happen in detox as well.

People begin to depend on drugs and alcohol for many reasons. An addiction can develop as the result of poor decisions, mental illness, or a reaction to a traumatic event. The addict begins to depend on drugs and alcohol to get them through this time. The substances numb feelings and create artificial happiness.

Dependence isn’t necessarily inherently bad. Everyone is dependent on air and water and shelter. We all started out depending on other people for survival for the first years of our lives. However, drug and alcohol addiction have potentially serious negative consequences. Being dependent on the substances requires the help of an addiction treatment center. In a rehab facility or outpatient treatment program, addiction professionals can help addicts work through their dependence on drugs and alcohol. It can be a lifelong process, but addiction recovery is well worth the journey.

Posted in: Alcohol Abuse, Alcohol Addiction, Drug Abuse, Drug Addiction