Alina Schellig

A veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, Max is continuing his education in healthcare administration. Max began his career in the addiction field working as a group facilitator and teacher, developing and delivering a successful faith-based curriculum in a long-term residential treatment setting. Deirdre graduated in 2012 from Pace University and completed her bachelor’s at Columbia University in New York and has her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Whether he’s leading groups or providing individual and family therapy, Kevin’s passion for serving those suffering from substance use disorders is always on display. When he’s not busy treating The Freedom Center’s clientele, you might find Kevin engaged in his other passion as an actor/director in the local theater community. Kevin’s expertise and experience as a Primary Therapist, paired with his natural talents and abilities as a speaker and an artist, have uniquely equipped him to reach our population and render top-notch care.

Defining Addiction

Basically, an individual has an intense desire to repeat an action. In terms of drug or alcohol addiction, this means that the individual enjoys the https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/addiction-vs-dependence-what-is-the-difference/ experience of taking drugs or drinking. They want to do it again, and that desire is so strong it becomes a compulsion that’s hard to ignore.

• Previously, abuse was a mild form of addiction, and dependence was a moderate or severe form of addiction.
• If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or substance abuse, we can help.
• Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor.
• Addiction encompasses dependence and the emotional symptoms of addiction.
• Inpatient treatment allows you to live in a structured environment away from temptations to use drugs or alcohol.

Mental dependence indicates that it’s the brain that’s primarily affected by the substance — or lack of it. Recovery specialists usually look at the body and brain holistically, making sure they treat both with respect and compassion. Physical dependence often refers to a substance that will cause a physical response once removed. If you look at the list of withdrawal symptoms above, you can see that there are many physical symptoms.

Dependence

The pain-killing effects of the drug bring about higher tolerance levels. And as the user takes higher amounts to feed this side, the secondary effects of respiratory depression (slowed down breathing or lack of breathing) and breathing are doubled or tripled. It is in this so-called differential tolerance where the users usually overdose. Before any opioid regimen is prescribed, both the patient and doctor must work together to develop a plan in case the person patient begins to show signs of SUD.

• Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey.
• You might also receive treatment for mental health conditions that are linked to addiction, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
• Physical dependence affects that part of the brain that oversees autonomic body functions, such as breathing.
• It’s about helping them remember the brilliant person they are, even without alcohol in their life.

It’s about helping them remember the brilliant person they are, even without alcohol in their life. Mental dependence can also refer to an individual’s reliance on a substance to help them feel a certain way. They may start off by doing this only in highly stressful situations, such as a date or a school reunion. Because alcohol makes them feel relaxed and happy, they keep doing it.

Physical Dependence vs. Addiction: How to Help

I have experience working in psychiatric hospitals, inpatient, outpatient, detox, and partial hospitalization programs providing clinical social work services. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of each of my clients . I utilize a person-centered approach to my clients to help empower change within themselves.

But addictions can happen anywhere, from college campuses to rural and suburban towns. And anyone can become addicted, from people experiencing homelessness to business executives. Addictions can start slowly as people experiment with different types of drugs. Or they can come on quickly, like what is now happening in the opioid crisis. The opioid crisis is so bad that the U.S. government declared a public health emergency.

Clinical Supervisor – Primary Therapist

People who are addicted to a substance use it even if it has no medical benefit. They use the substance no matter what and despite the consequences. Addictions are more likely to result in serious harm, including suicide, unlike tolerance and physical dependence. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics says more than 20 million people over the age of 12 in the United States have substance use disorder. Most commonly, the cases are related to marijuana and prescription pain relievers. Addiction is considered “highly treatable.” But it can take a few tries for the therapy to be fully effective.

Speak with your doctor if you have become physically dependent on a medication or other substance. Other common substances that cause dependence are nicotine and pain relievers, particularly narcotics. Stopping suddenly will likely cause symptoms, and they can be serious.

Signs and Symptoms

The more your body adapts to the effects of a drug, the more physically dependent it becomes. This can, in turn, cause you to end up using larger amounts of that substance to achieve the same desired effects. Bunmi is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services.