Both tolerance and cravings foster a cycle of continued use, reinforcing addiction. These features are critical indicators that a person’s use has transitioned from physical dependence to a more complex addiction, requiring comprehensive treatment. Addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. It involves a psychological and behavioral component that goes beyond physical dependence.
Why the Distinction Between Addiction and Dependence Matters
This article addresses the nuance behind addiction versus dependence, then clarifies the distinction between these two terms. It also explains how to get help with both of those issues, starting with a proper treatment center such as The Lakes Treatment Center. Speak with your doctor if you have become physically dependent on a medication or other substance. If you develop a tolerance to a substance, it becomes less effective for you.
Why Someone Can Be Dependent Without Being Addicted
- It can be viewed as a chronic brain disorder that alters the reward system, leading to the prioritization of the addictive substance or behavior over other aspects of life.
- This loss of control manifests in multiple failed attempts to cut down or quit, using more than intended, and continued use despite clear evidence of harm.
- In addiction, these boundaries erode, leading to use despite serious personal, professional, or health consequences and showing clear substance abuse signs.
- While dependence can often be managed medically, addiction requires comprehensive treatment addressing both physical and behavioral aspects.
- Understanding the distinctions between addiction and dependence is essential for effective treatment and support.
According to The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, around 9.5 million (or 3.8% of) addicted adults struggle with both a substance abuse disorder (SUD) and mental illness. This demonstrates how many drugs lead to complex mental and physical dependence, including opioid addiction, alcohol abuse, and more. The short answer is, drug use can lead to drug addiction (often a mental health crisis), and eventually drug dependence (usually a physical dependence on a specific substance).
Dependence vs. Addiction: How to Tell the Difference
For most dependence-forming medications, yes—especially benzodiazepines and opioids. The risk increases with higher doses, longer duration, or a personal/family history of addiction. Some people benefit from structured outpatient models—such as a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)—which offer a higher level of support while still allowing you to live at home. Lighthouse outlines what this level of care involves in its description of partial hospitalization treatment. Understanding the risks helps determine whether outpatient tapering, outpatient treatment, or medically monitored care is appropriate. Dependence can also occur as an individual develops a tolerance to the substance.
For Treatment Providers
For example, patients taking prescribed medication may not exhibit compulsive use. At the same time, SUD usually involves using drugs as a crutch, but the presence of withdrawal symptoms alone does not confirm a compulsion to consume drugs. Its nature is strongly linked to changes in brain chemistry and reward pathways, making it difficult to stop using a substance without professional help.
What is the difference between substance abuse and substance dependence?
Keep in mind that different substances may have different effects on addiction and dependence. For example, opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder may result in different types of physical dependence and addiction symptoms. addiction vs dependence That’s why many health care providers offer personalized treatments to address dependence, addiction, and their effects on the brain.
People with addictions often disproportionately struggle with receiving fair medical coverage and legal rights. Another study found that over 80% of people who are convicted for heroin trafficking are either black or Latino, even though whites use opioids at higher rates than those groups (Scientific American). Our state-specific resource what is alcoholism guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Dependence on a drug can certainly lead to a substance abuse disorder (SUD). According to the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there’s not really a distinction between dependence and abuse anymore.
Drug Dependence Signs and Symptoms
According to these guidelines, the presence of two or three symptoms suggests a mild substance use disorder, while four or five symptoms indicate a moderate disorder. If a person exhibits six or more symptoms, it is classified as a severe substance use disorder, commonly referred to as addiction. What starts as a choice can quickly spiral into a situation where the individual feels powerless to stop, even in the face of severe consequences. Recognizing the signs of addiction is essential for distinguishing it from dependence and other related conditions. Fortunately, Volkow and her colleagues’ argument carried the day with the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 committee in 2013.
Substance Use Disorder Diagnosis
Understanding the distinction between physical and psychological dependence is crucial in comprehending the complexities of addiction. While physical dependence primarily involves physiological changes and withdrawal symptoms, psychological dependence focuses on the emotional and mental aspects of reliance. Both types of dependence can significantly impact an individual’s well-being and require appropriate intervention and support. SUD results in compulsive behaviors that manifest as cravings, an inability to control use, and continued use of the drug despite its harmful consequences. SUD can occur separately from physical dependence, although in the case of opioid use, a patient is also typically physically dependent on the drug. It is important to understand and discuss the risks of drug dependence with your prescribing doctor.