Addiction, on the other hand, is characterized by a physical and psychological dependence on a substance, along with an inability to control its use despite significant harm. The key differences between substance abuse and addiction lie in the severity of use, the degree of control, and the presence of physiological dependence. While substance abuse can be a precursor to addiction, not everyone who abuses substances becomes addicted.

Addiction vs. dependence: What is the difference?

If you develop a tolerance to a substance, it becomes less effective for you. For example, if you take a marijuana addiction sedative to sleep, it may work very well at the first dose. When you first start drinking alcohol, it may have taken only a few drinks for you to feel drunk. But over time, you may need more drinks, more often, for the same effect.

Most people who are addicted to substances develop tolerance and dependence over time. It includes the psychological drive to continue using substances despite their harmful effects. Medical detoxification can help addicts safely stop using drugs or alcohol under medical supervision.

Moving Toward Recovery

They struggle to regulate their use, even when they recognize the negative effects, and they experience intense cravings. Due to changes happening in the brain, individuals with addiction often engage in risky behaviors, secrecy, and prioritization of substance use over other aspects of life. In a clinical setting, medical professionals may supervise the detox process to ensure the individual’s safety and provide necessary support. It is crucial to seek professional guidance when undergoing withdrawal therapy to mitigate potential risks and enhance the chances of a successful recovery.

Key Differences Between Drug Dependence vs Addiction

One person marijuana addiction follows their provider’s guidance to safely stop the medication, and soon, they no longer need it. Sometimes, severe withdrawal symptoms require monitoring from doctors in a hospital setting. Currently, the only behavioral addiction included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) main list is gambling disorder.

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). Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone. Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor.

Drugs trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. Early recognition of signs and seeking support can prevent progression, but treatment must address physical and psychological factors. Establishing a comprehensive aftercare plan is key to maintaining recovery. This plan may include regular check-ins with healthcare providers, participation in support groups or therapy sessions, and engaging in healthy lifestyle practices. By staying connected to a supportive network and continuing to prioritize self-care, individuals can increase their chances of long-term success in managing substance use dependence. Addictive disorders are highly treatable, and treatment at an inpatient or outpatient rehab can greatly increase the likelihood of long-term sobriety.

What’s The Difference Between Addiction And Dependence?

• If they suddenly stop taking the substance, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.
• These dual meanings have led to confusion and may have propagated current clinical practices related to under-treatment of pain, as physicians fear creating an ‘addiction’ by prescribing opioids.
• When symptoms of both physical and mental dependence are obvious, it usually indicates that addiction is present.
• After taking the drug for a while, it may not get rid of your symptoms like it did when you first started taking it.
• Taking a higher dose over time can increase the risk of developing dependence, as well as severe withdrawal symptoms when stopping some medications suddenly.

If you meet between four and six criteria, you have a moderate addiction. Meeting six or more criteria classifies you as having a severe addiction. At any level, help is available, and you can overcome a substance use disorder with professional treatment. Many people who develop a drug or alcohol dependence begin to care less about taking care of themselves.

Addiction and Dependence for Illicit Drugs

It’s important to remember that while substance dependence may be present without substance abuse, it can frequently lead to an addiction. If you think you are struggling with substance dependence or addiction, contact a treatment provider or explore our rehab directory to discover your treatment options. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic, treatable illness characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use, despite the harmful consequences it may have on an individual’s life. It is important to recognize that addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior, leading to a loss of self-control and an inability to resist the intense urges to take drugs. These therapies help individuals identify and change unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior.

• So when you start recovery, both your body and mind will need time to heal.
• We provide our readers with factual, evidence-based content concerning the causes and nature of addiction, as well as available treatment options.
• So, what exactly is addiction, and why does it happen to some people but not others?
• It’s crucial to view relapse as a learning opportunity rather than a failure.
• Since he can’t stop even though he wants to, his dependence has turned into an addiction.
• Plus, it’s caused countless arguments with your spouse, but you just can’t seem to give up smoking.

Outpatient alcohol treatment at our facility delivers multiple evidence-based therapies and thorough rehabilitation through a calming support setting. Medical practitioners, therefore, have the prerogative to determine which of these disorder differentiations entitle patients to residential or special outpatient services in cases of addiction and alcoholism. When patients understand medical terminology, they will be in a position to choose the right help services and deal with discrimination while seeking assistance. Exercise addiction, while less common, can lead to physical injuries and social isolation.

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. If you think your substance use is causing problems in your life, help is available. Alcohol and drug treatment centers are well-equipped to assess your substance use and provide tailored, individualized recovery plans. Below is a list of the most common forms of substance abuse treatment programs and what they entail. It can be hard to acknowledge that you’re living with substance use disorder.