Drug Addiction vs Drug Dependence

Some nuances can make it difficult to determine if someone is addicted or dependent on a substance. The longer a person uses a drug, the more likely their dependency will become an addiction. On the other hand, dependence refers strictly to a physical need for a substance.

Could someone who is dependent on alcohol or drugs be diagnosed as having an addiction? The terms “addiction” and “dependence” are often used interchangeably, but there are differences between the two. Physical dependence affects that part of the brain that oversees autonomic body functions, such as breathing.

Differences in treatment

But the biggest source of confusion concerns the word “dependence.” Prior to the DSM-III, the term “dependence” simply meant physiological dependence, as indicated by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. As a consequence, the diagnostic category of “substance dependence” stayed with us through the DSM-IV, until it was dropped in 2013 in the DSM-5, along with the diagnostic category of “substance abuse.” People can have just a physical dependence, addiction, or both at the same time. This is when a person depends on a substance or behavior emotionally, such as when stressed. When addiction to a substance develops, it is called substance use disorder. I wanted to bring a few more members into this conversation on dependence vs. addiction.

As it worsens and becomes more frequent, the odds of developing a substance use disorder increase dramatically. One of the brain areas still maturing during adolescence is the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that allows people to assess situations, make sound decisions, and keep emotions and desires under control. The fact that this critical part of a teen’s brain is still a work in progress puts them at increased risk for trying drugs or continuing to take them. Introducing drugs during this period of development may cause brain changes that have profound and long-lasting consequences.

Substance Dependence Vs. Substance Abuse

After a careful vote, “addiction” was changed to “substance dependence” and it remained that way until the DSM entered its 5th edition in 2013. While addiction and dependence aren’t the same, they often overlap. So when you start recovery, both your body and mind will need time to heal. The medical community has typically thought of addiction as abuse of a substance that continues even when there are detrimental consequences, such as losing a job or developing physical issues like kidney damage or ulcers. 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.

Most types of addiction include physical dependence—but that’s not always true. When you understand the difference between these issues, you can find the type of treatment that best suits your needs. It’s a scenario that pits addiction versus abuse or addiction versus dependence. But increasingly in recent years, that view has flip-flopped a bit. Once you have a tolerance, you might start taking higher doses to get the same effect. You might also become physically dependent on the drug, and feel withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit.

How to Determine if You are Dependent or Addicted

That terminology was problematic because in biology — the study of organisms — dependence refers to a physical adaptation to a substance. However, these recent changes mean that “dependence” now includes both physical and physiological dependence (in terms of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms). Substance use disorder, on the other hand, is used in clinical and diagnostic settings to refer to “addiction.” The condition also has varying levels of severity and is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. ‘Dependence’ is a term used to describe a person’s physical and psychological loss of control due to substance abuse.

However, in this state, a person can be physically dependent on the medication, but not addicted. Dependence is defined as a psychological and physical reliance on a substance and losing control of substance abuse. The biggest difference between addiction and dependence is functionality.

So, I keep looking for safer, healthier, alternative pain management. Why have some organizations scrapped addiction from their vocabulary? Well, the phrase carries a negative connotation and is ambiguous, according to the DSM. The World Health Organization also believed https://ecosoberhouse.com/ it should be replaced with dependence in 1964, which is likely where the confusion stems. However, treatment programs occur in various settings for different lengths of time. Addiction treatment is the best way to get help and overcome dependency or addiction.

• In most cases, addiction is determined by noticeable negative consequences to one’s life.
• Previously, abuse was a mild form of addiction, and dependence was a moderate or severe form of addiction.
• However, a recent study [1] raises significant concerns about the accuracy of these diagnostic data.
• For example, a person may drink alcohol when they feel stressed but otherwise feel no compulsion to drink.
• Dependence is defined as a psychological and physical reliance on a substance and losing control of substance abuse.

While a person who is dependent on a drug needs it to feel normal, it’s not creating a lot of chaos in their lives. But an addicted individual will start https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/addiction-vs-dependence-what-is-the-difference/ experiencing problems due to their drug abuse. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.