Dependence vs Addiction Difference Between Dependence And Addiction

In the case of dependence, behavioral treatments like therapy may not be necessary. Clear Recovery Center’s Virtual IOP provides clients with therapeutic support for burnout, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue and stress. Sometimes, a well-timed intervention can be the catalyst that starts recovery.

The important difference is often misunderstood—and it is no wonder.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with substance misuse or abuse, talk to your doctor. Like all chronic illness, a family history puts people at higher risk for developing the illness. He sees some people who took just a few weeks to develop an addiction to opioids, while others had a slower journey to their addiction. Most people today seem to use the terms “addiction” and “dependency” interchangeably. By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorize Addictionresource to contact you.

Which Substances Are Addictive?

A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf. Please note, this is only a quote of benefits and/or authorization. We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete. Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service.

• These programs range from basic inpatient to luxury options, all varying in terms of their amenities and types of therapy.
• Understanding the difference between addiction and dependence is vital for anyone concerned about substance abuse.
• If you are using drugs in large amounts, struggle to control your intake, or rely on them for specific functions like relaxing or boosting confidence, you’re likely abusing them.
• This indicates the presence of at least a mild substance use disorder.
• For example, if a person is arrested for using drugs and leaves jail to pick up more, they’ve likely developed an addiction.

Addiction and dependence for opioid-based medications

Getting and using drugs become the main focal point in the person’s life, despite any and all consequences that may follow. For example, if a person is arrested for using drugs and leaves jail to pick up more, they’ve likely developed an addiction. Addiction causes individuals to act erratic or irrational when they cannot get more of their drug of choice. Addiction manifests as a combination of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms.

What causes substance dependence?

It is by no means a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. With regard to any addiction-related health concerns, you should always seek the guidance of a qualified, registered physician who is licensed to practice medicine in your particular jurisdiction. You should never avoid or delay seeking professional health care advice or services based on information obtained from our website. 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. Misunderstanding these terms can lead to inappropriate patient management.

What Factors Contribute to Dependence and Addiction?

When you miss your morning cup, you might develop physical withdrawal symptoms, like a headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and more. When symptoms of both physical and mental dependence are obvious, it usually indicates that addiction is present. However, the primary characteristic that determines it’s an addiction and not dependence is the combination of both physical and mental dependence. It causes uncontrollable behavior when it comes to getting and using the drug of choice. The differences between substance addiction and substance dependence are slight, as many of their signs and symptoms intersect. 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. »

Physical Dependence Vs. Mental Dependence

Similarly, individuals with addiction may be more likely to develop dependence due to their increased exposure and use of the substance. Dependence, on the other addiction vs dependence hand, is characterized by a physical and psychological loss of control due to substance abuse. For example, physical dependence occurs when the body is reliant on the chemical interactions caused by a drug or substance. In this case, medical support may be required to help wean the individual off the drug. However, in this state, a person can be physically dependent on the medication, but not addicted. Understanding the difference between addiction and dependence is vital for anyone concerned about substance abuse.

• AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers.
• The biggest difference between addiction and dependence is functionality.

Dependence is typically a physical reliance on a drug, also characterized by symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal. An individual who is dependent on a drug may have a high tolerance, and needs to ingest higher dosages to feel the drug’s effects. If this person stops use abruptly, they will also experience acute withdrawal symptoms, as their body craves more of the drug. Medical detoxification can help addicts safely stop using drugs or alcohol under medical supervision. After detox, addicts typically enter inpatient or outpatient treatment centers, which include behavioral health treatments like addiction therapy and medication-assisted treatments (MATs).

What Is Moderate Drinking?

Withdrawal from both of these substances can be dangerous if not monitored correctly. This is why many treatment plans for certain kinds of substances involve tapering or medical interventions to make the physical symptoms of withdrawal more manageable. In the DSM-4, substance abuse and substance dependence were considered separate disorders.

You may have heard the phrase mental dependence and physical dependence and wondered to yourself, “what are the differences? ” Mental dependence is when the use of drugs or alcohol is a conditioned response to something you feel or an event, often referred to as triggers. For example, if you get into an argument with a significant other, your first response will be to pick up a six-pack of beer or call your dealer for illicit drugs. These triggers set off biochemical changes in your brain, which influence addictive behavior. Addiction is in its own category and is characterized as changes in behavior, which are caused by the biochemical changes in our brain due to prolonged substance abuse.