A person may develop tolerance to a drug if they use it for a long time. Many people who use the term “dependence” are referring to physical dependence. When addiction to a substance develops, it is called substance use disorder. But because the body has adapted to its presence, a person may experience negative effects if they lower the dosage or stop taking it altogether. Physical dependence is when the body adapts to a substance’s presence. In this article, we look at the differences between addiction and dependence and explore definitions, examples, and differences in treatment.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
The 1995 data reflect a continuing increase in the use of hallucinogens and inhalants, as well as marijuana, among the nation’s youth. …resulted in confusion among clinicians regarding the difference between “dependence” in a DSM (IV) sense, which is really “addiction,” and “dependence” as a normal physiological adaptation to repeated dosing of a medication. The result is that clinicians who see evidence of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms assume that this means addiction, and patients requiring additional pain medication are made to suffer.
Health Conditions
Depending upon whether the patient exhibits physiological symptoms (withdrawal or tolerance), the diagnosis for substance dependence is specified as either with or without physiologic dependence. For example, a person with a caffeine dependence who stops drinking coffee may have withdrawal symptoms for a few days but then feel better. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers.
- Recognizing the difference between an addiction and substance dependence can help to better understand the nature of addiction.
- An addiction causes people to act irrationally when they don’t have the substance they are addicted to in their system.
- But an addicted individual will start experiencing problems due to their drug abuse.
- …resulted in confusion among clinicians regarding the difference between “dependence” in a DSM (IV) sense, which is really “addiction,” and “dependence” as a normal physiological adaptation to repeated dosing of a medication.
How To Avoid Addiction And Dependence?
This is when a person depends on a substance or behavior emotionally, such as when stressed. Doctors may also prescribe certain medications to addiction vs dependence manage dependence and addiction. Recognizing the differences between dependence and addiction is crucial for tailoring effective treatment and recovery strategies.
Other NIDA Sites
- In severe cases of intoxication or overdose, a person may require emergency care.
- Another characteristic is tolerance i.e., a progressively higher dosage of the drug is needed before the body can feel its desired impact.
- In contrast, with SUD, a patient’s actions are directed primarily by an overwhelming need to accommodate the brain’s reward center, and the part of the brain that guides self-control and decision making is directly impeded.
Studies have shown that addiction can form in individuals through a combination of genetic makeup and poor social skills. One study showed that a child of a parent with a drug or alcohol addiction is eight times more likely to develop an addiction as well. Let’s examine how the world views addiction versus dependence in relation to substance abuse disorders.
How To Tell The Difference Between Dependence vs. Addiction
For individuals who are seeking intensive treatment but still prefer to live at home, partial hospitalization (PHP) or day treatment programs are also available. PHP typically consists of hospital treatment 5 to 7 days a week, for 4 to 8 hours per day. Like inpatient treatment, clinical staff are on hand to assist with detox, medication management, and withdrawal symptoms. PHP also involves counseling and group therapy, as well as specialized services that focus on skill-building, relapse prevention, and employment assistance. 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.
Many symptoms can be managed at home, but moderate to severe withdrawal should be supervised by a healthcare professional and may require inpatient treatment. If you have developed alcohol dependence and decide to quit drinking, you can expect to experience withdrawal symptoms. According to information from the National Institutes of Health, these discomforts usually peak 24 to 72 hours after your last drink, but they may last for weeks.
Understanding The Dependence Vs. Addiction Debate
Alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse were two designations previously recognized in the DSM-IV. While no longer separate diagnoses, it can be helpful to understand the differences between the two. “Dependence” refers to being unable to stop drinking without experiencing withdrawal symptoms while “abuse” refers to continuing to consume alcohol despite adverse consequences. Effective programs usually include many components, designed to help the individual stop using drugs, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and fulfill their obligations to their family and in the workplace. Most patients require long-term treatment, which can include medications, therapy, and residential programs.