Difference Between Addiction and Dependence

The DSM-5 provides specific guidelines for clinicians to assess the severity of a substance use disorder (SUD) based on the number of symptoms a patient exhibits. 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. 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.

• Many people who use the term “dependence” are referring to physical dependence.
• Connect with a rehab program for alcohol and drug addiction to determine which treatments can best meet your unique needs.
• It’s like building calluses on your hands from playing guitar – the more you do it, the more you need to feel the same sensation.
• Detox programs are available at certain clinics and medical facilities, where they supervise a person’s drug withdrawal and provide supportive medications, where necessary.

Strengthening Executive Control to Overcome Addiction Triggers

The often euphoric effects of these substances can drive compulsive use, which in turn can lead to addiction. Simultaneously, physiological adaptations from ongoing usage can lead to tolerance and withdrawal upon discontinuation, highlighting the interplay between both concepts as they pertain to potential addiction. Benzodiazepines, prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, can also lead to dependence and addiction with regular use. Withdrawal symptoms and the need for higher doses can arise, and some individuals may also develop an addiction when misusing these medications for their sedative effects, be they prescribed or purchased on the street. Tolerance can be a critical factor in both dependence and the development of substance use disorder. It occurs when the body becomes accustomed to a substance’s presence, necessitating higher doses for the same effects.

• The societal stigma surrounding addiction and dependence can be a burden for people already grappling with these challenges.
• For example, it takes just 2-3 doses of opioids9 for some people to develop a tolerance.
• Abuse and dependence are defined on a scale that measures the time and degree of substance use.
• In the context of substance use, tolerance can lead to escalating doses, increasing the risk of both dependence and addiction.
• As we reach the end of our journey through the landscape of addiction and dependence, let’s take a moment to recap.
• A properly functioning reward system motivates a person to repeat behaviors needed to thrive, such as eating and spending time with loved ones.

Addiction Is a Disease; Tolerance and Dependence Aren’t

Addictive disorders are highly treatable, and treatment at an inpatient or outpatient rehab can greatly increase the likelihood of long-term sobriety. People with physical dependence may benefit from inpatient detox or rehab to ensure a safe and successful withdrawal, and anyone with an addiction should seek out addiction treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol dependence, reach out today to a treatment specialist to explore what treatment options are available.

What are the common signs of addiction?

Addiction can impact every aspect of your life, starting with your mental health.10 Substances change your brain, and might contribute to co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. These symptoms, along with other aspects of addiction, can interfere with your relationships. If you prioritize drug use over your colleagues or loved ones, you might face serious consequences. However, other forms of drug dependence can cause significant withdrawal symptoms.

Understanding The Dependence Vs. Addiction Debate

• In fact, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), who are the developers of the DSM, nonchalantly utilize the terms “substance use disorder” and “addiction” interchangeably on their website.
• Keep reading to dive into the nuances of addiction vs. tolerance vs dependence for clarity and insights for effective intervention and support.
• When someone is addicted to a substance, it’s not uncommon for their loved ones to refer to them as having an “addiction” to certain behaviors or describe them as someone that is “dependent” on alcohol or drugs.
• Most commonly, the cases are related to marijuana and prescription pain relievers.
• When it comes to substance use, the line between dependence and addiction can get blurrier than a photograph taken on a rollercoaster.

They will tend to be secretive about their use and will need the drug to function normally. The DSM is the leading source for diagnosing and understanding addiction. However, the most recent edition of the DSM no longer creates this distinction. For more information about addiction, talk with a healthcare professional or contact a local rehab center for guidance on the best option for a successful recovery. Based on the information above, we can conclude that addiction and dependence are not the same, although they are often confused or used interchangeably. While both involve the use of substances and can coexist, they refer to different aspects of substance use.

The recent death of pop star Prince from an opioid overdose was one of the 25,000 fatalopioid overdosesin the US every year. What these opioid overdoses show, according to an article inScientific American, is how increased tolerance of the drug can lead to higher chemical dependence on the side effects. The pain-killing effects of the drug bring about higher tolerance levels. And as the user takes higher amounts to feed this side, the secondary effects of respiratory depression (slowed down breathing or lack of breathing) and breathing are doubled or tripled. It is in this so-called differential tolerance where the users usually overdose. For instance, someone who is on a prescription for pain medication may find that he needs increasing dependence vs addiction amounts of dosage for the medication to work.