Many people who use the term “dependence” are referring to physical dependence. Psychological dependence, on the other hand, is the mental reliance on a substance, where substance use becomes the main priority of the individual, regardless of the harm they may cause to themselves or others. The psychological effects of substance use can include changes in mood, behaviour, and perception, leading to an altered state of consciousness.
- In the next section, we’ll explore how to determine if you have an addiction or dependence and what steps you can take to get help.
- Treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery.
- For example, if you take a sedative to sleep, it may work very well at the first dose.
More on Substance Abuse and Addiction
The difference between addiction and dependence can be difficult to understand. Some organizations have different definitions, use the words interchangeably or even abandon both terms altogether. (Substance use disorder, or SUD, is a preferred Sober House term in the scientific community.) Because of this lack of consistency, some ground rules can help differentiate between the two terms. Recovery time from addiction or dependency varies depending on the individual and severity of the disorder.
Dependence vs. Addiction: How to Tell the Difference
Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial in recognising and treating substance use disorders. As the medical and scientific discussion on these terms has progressed in recent years, both https://thebostondigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ are now considered as part of a larger grouping; that of substance use disorder. Addiction and dependence are words both used to describe an unhealthy and problematic pattern of drug or alcohol use.
- Because of the direct effects on the brain, an addicted patient will often act out of character and develop an inability to determine whether and when their use has become problematic and uncontrollable.
- Even certain personality traits like being naturally more impulsive or neurotic can increase the chances of developing a dependence on drugs or alcohol.
- However, any activity or habit that becomes all-consuming and negatively impacts your daily functioning can cause significant mental, social and physical health issues, as well as financial issues in some cases.
- However, the desire to avoid withdrawal is what can eventually lead to addiction.
Opioids: Understanding Addiction Versus Dependence
- The body has adapted to the presence of the substance, and it needs more of it to achieve the same effect.
- The purposeful use of the term “Addictive Disorders” in the naming of this chapter was primarily due to the addition of “gambling disorder” to the DSM, a non-substance-related disorder.
- Detoxification may be necessary if you’re physically dependent on a drug, and therapy and education are important steps towards recovery.
- As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adapts by reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it.
If you can’t function properly in the morning without your cup of coffee, it could be that you are caffeine-dependent. When you miss your morning cup, you might develop physical withdrawal symptoms, like a headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and more. Unlike tolerance, which focuses on how much of the substance you need to feel its effect, physical dependence happens when your body starts to rely on the drug. If you were to suddenly stop using it, you would likely experience some harsh symptoms.
Tolerance, Physical Dependence, and Addiction Explained
John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). If you or someone you care about may have an addiction, talk to your provider right away. New interventions are improving chances of recovery from addictions. He also sees people who have taken heroin without developing an addiction, yet they can’t seem to stop smoking and give up nicotine.
Substance Use Disorders
- The two conditions often occur at the same time, but a person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted to it.
- Understanding the distinction between these terms is important because it can help individuals recognise the severity of their addiction or dependence.
- It’s important to recognise the difference between dependence and addiction, as physical dependence can exist without addiction.
- Physical reliance on a substance can lead to a sense of entrapment, where the body craves more and more of the drug to achieve the same effects.
However, other forms of drug dependence can cause significant withdrawal symptoms. For some substances, such as alcohol, suddenly stopping it can be dangerous. In these cases, treatment involves gradually tapering off the drug over a set period to reduce withdrawal effects. Remember, recovery is a journey and requires time, effort, and professional assistance.
