Differences Between Substance Abuse, Dependence, & Addiction

That terminology was problematic because in biology — the study of organisms — dependence refers to a physical adaptation to a substance. Tolerance, dependence, and addiction occur due to repeatedly taking substances. Tolerance and dependence are essential indicators of drug use, but it’s a misconception that they only develop after long-term, chronic use. These symptoms, including withdrawal, define physical dependence, which can occur even with short-term use in some cases. It’s crucial to differentiate between addiction and physical dependence to avoid real-life severe consequences. When addiction is related to drugs or alcohol, the condition is also called a substance use disorder.

How To Know If I Am Addicted?

Some working-group members voted in favor of a return to the use of the word ‘addiction’ because the word has become so commonplace in recent years and does not seem pejorative to them. The media has stories about ‘addiction to oil’ and women wear tee-shirts emblazoned with ‘addiction to pink’ or to shopping, etc. Of course, connotations of words change with time and culture; we acknowledge that there are no current studies that can be cited on whether the choice of labels might be pejorative. Because some scientists remain opposed to the use of the word ‘addiction’, we proposed a compromise. The proposed label in DSM-V is now called ‘substance use disorder’, with severity rated according to the number of symptoms. People who experience drug tolerance often have questions about their condition, why it occurs, and what risks it poses.

Abandoning The Terms

A good way to observe this is when a person using a drug stops doing so. Without a doubt, it can be difficult and even deadly if it does not occur in a safe manner under medical supervision. The most tell-tale symptom of substance addiction is compulsive, drug seeking behavior. An addicted individual will have constant, uncontrollable drug cravings and will spend much of their time seeking, using, and recovering from the drug.

• And sometimes it takes more than one type of treatment to be successful.
• It’s important to note, however, that tolerance is not always a sign of drug abuse or addiction.
• And it is the most misused drug in the United States, Mr. Kump says.
• Success is most likely when a person has access to long-term treatment and ongoing support.
• When a person stops taking that drug suddenly, they will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Online Therapy Can Help

• Drug tolerance refers to the body getting used to a substance over time.
• Addiction often begins with a voluntary decision to use drugs or engage in certain behaviors.
• They become reliant on the drug to feel good, or in more severe cases, to function normally.
• There are enzymes present in the body that see the drug, recognize it, and then break it down.

They may experience negative side effects after stopping the drug use. However, when the individual is addicted to painkillers, they will misuse the substance. They may use the drug longer than prescribed, or may use higher dosages to feel the euphoric effects. They may order multiple prescriptions, or call multiple doctors, to try and obtain more of the drug. They will not be able to control their body’s need (i.e. compulsive cravings) for the drug, and will do what it takes to keep using.

Addiction is serious and requires proper help and support to recover. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these symptoms, there are resources available that can help.

At the same time, the distinction between addiction and dependence is not trivial. Medical professionals are ethically required to get the diagnosis right so that they can get the treatment right. One of the main medical texts that are used by mental health professionals to diagnose addiction is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM), which is currently in its fifth edition.

Differences Between Substance Abuse, Dependence, & Addiction

And it is the most misused drug in the United States, Mr. Kump says. He sees some people who took just a addiction vs dependence few weeks to develop an addiction to opioids, while others had a slower journey to their addiction. Dr. Kevin Wandler of Advanced Recovery Systems warns that addictive drugs, such as nicotine, can cause dependence.

MeSH terms

• Addictions are more likely to result in serious harm, including suicide, unlike tolerance and physical dependence.
• When someone decides to suddenly stop smoking after they’ve consumed nicotine regularly, they will experience physical dependence symptoms, such as shaking hands, physical cravings, and fatigue.
• Dependence can be physical or psychological and can have many negative effects on someone’s life.
• These centers also vary in terms of their provision of amenities, which range from basic to luxury options.
• At this level, there are damaged or otherwise lost receptors present.

Non-addictive drugs can also cause physical dependence in an individual. For example, Prednisone – the drug used to treat asthma and allergic reactions – is not addictive, but can cause withdrawal symptoms if a user suddenly stops. Those who are dependent on coffee, for example, may experience very acute withdrawal symptoms without that morning cup of Joe (a headache, for example).

Statistical Overview of Substance Use Disorder

The intention was to simplify the phrasing by grouping substance abuse and substance dependence into one category. This change also provided clarity, since previously, the definition of dependence was narrower and only referred to physiological dependence. Drug abuse and addiction (now more commonly known as “substance use disorder” or “problematic substance use”) have led to a major health crisis in the U.S.

When someone develops a tolerance, they need to take a higher dose to experience the same effects. When you read through these definitions, do you consider yourself in any one of these phases? Many times, individuals who are tolerant or dependent have no real ability to grasp just how bad it is or how bad it can be. For this reason, it becomes essential to seek out treatment as soon as you notice any of these signs. While all of this seems like an easy to manage the transition from tolerance to dependence, and addiction, that is not the way it always happens. In all cases, individuals in tolerance, dependence, and addiction phases can seek help.

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