Dependence vs Addiction Difference Between Dependence And Addiction

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.” Dependence on a drug can certainly lead to a substance abuse disorder (SUD).

Risk factors for addiction and dependence

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. In medical practice, to get a diagnosis of a substance use disorder, there first needs to be a careful diagnostic interview conducted by a mental health professional.

From Diagnosis to Recovery: Treatment Implications

In maintenance therapy, a prescribed medication (like methadone) is substituted for a highly addictive drug (like heroin) to prevent withdrawal and cravings, and as part of a harm-reduction strategy. Support groups and peer recovery programs (AA, NA, and others) can provide much-needed emotional support, encouragement, and accountability. There may not be daily use, but a pattern (like weekend binges or drinking after stressful events) starts to emerge. During this stage, the person may begin to justify their use as a way to deal with life’s challenges. Calls to numbers marked with (I) symbols will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed in our Terms and Conditions, each of which is a paid advertiser. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction vs Dependence

• 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.
• Rather than seeing relapse as a failure, it can be viewed as part of the recovery journey.
• Alcohol or drug use at this stage is typically causing significant problems in the person’s life, yet they continue to use despite the known harmful consequences.
• Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare.
• Individuals with SUD often experience health issues, legal problems, and job loss due to their substance abuse.

Addiction is a state of psychological or physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol and other drugs. The term is often used as an equivalent term for substance dependence and is sometimes applied to behavioral disorders, such as sexual, internet, and gambling addictions). We provide our readers with factual, evidence-based content concerning the causes and nature of addiction, as well as available treatment options. However, this informative content is intended for educational purposes only. 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.

What is the difference between substance abuse and substance dependence?

• It occurs when a person has difficulty stopping substance use or engaging in a behavior that provides some type of benefit.
• Physical dependence is a natural expected physiological response to drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants and corticosteroids.
• This is where dependency can turn into full-blown addiction—when substance abuse becomes the all-encompassing main priority.
• There is no known cause of substance use disorder, but several risks have been identified.

They deliver a double punch — they don’t just increase the feel-good dopamine in the brain, but there’s also a need to take them consistently to avoid addiction vs dependence painful withdrawal symptoms. 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. And here, too, among the committee members, the decision to introduce the term “addictive” into the DSM-5 was arrived at through disagreements and non-consensus.

Addiction treatment and recovery

• Although someone with a drug addiction can end their physical dependence on the drug through detox, the mental component of the addiction remains, and maintaining sobriety can be an ongoing struggle.
• A patient with a SUD begins to lose the ability to effectively prioritize their well-being over the continued use of the drug.
• He also sees people who have taken heroin without developing an addiction, yet they can’t seem to stop smoking and give up nicotine.
• Other common substances that cause dependence are nicotine and pain relievers, particularly narcotics.
• Families may struggle with the unpredictability and stress of living with someone battling these issues.

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 https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/you-are-not-powerless-over-alcohol-and-heres-why/ when the body becomes accustomed to a substance’s presence, necessitating higher doses for the same effects. Tolerance develops due to various physiological mechanisms, including changes in receptor sensitivity and neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It’s a hallmark of physical dependence and is commonly observed in addiction scenarios.

Types of Substance Use Disorder

Dependence typically refers to the psychological and/or physiological adaptations that occur when the body is exposed to a stimulus over time. If someone with a drug dependence detoxes, especially by slowly decreasing the amount of the medication they take over a period of time, they may suffer withdrawal symptoms, but can end that physical dependence. Physical dependence affects that part of the brain that oversees autonomic body functions, such as breathing. To confuse matters further, “substance dependence” was then changed to “substance use disorder” in the new DSM-5. The intention was to simplify the phrasing by grouping substance abuse and substance dependence into one category.

It’s always recommended to work in conjuncture with your prescriber to safety make any medication management changes to SSRI medications safely. Addiction, on the other hand, often encompasses the elements of dependence and also includes a host of other considerations across life domains. It’s characterized by a compulsive and uncontrollable urge to seek and use a substance, even when it causes you harm to do so. Dependence situations demand the need for skilled therapists, counselors, and medical practitioners.