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The relationship of the user to the drug in psychological addiction is fundamentally characterized by the belief that the drug is essential for life satisfaction. This notion stems from the idea that a person may develop a dependency on the substance to cope with emotions, stress, or other psychological needs. Over time, the individual comes to associate the drug with feelings of happiness, relief, or normalcy, leading them to feel they cannot achieve satisfaction or well-being in life without it.

This perception can drive compulsive use, where the drug becomes intertwined with the user’s identity and sense of self-worth. It fosters a cycle of dependency, as the user may experience withdrawal symptoms or emotional distress when not using the drug, reinforcing the belief that its presence is necessary for life satisfaction. Thus, the essential nature of the drug in the context of psychological addiction reflects a deep-seated need rather than a casual or neutral relationship with the substance.