What Is the Difference Between Addiction and Dependence?

When someone is addicted to a substance, it is not uncommon for their loved ones to refer to them as having an “addiction” or describe them as someone that is “dependent” on alcohol or drugs. Here at our rehab center, to help you determine the severity of your situation, we want to ensure that you or your  loved ones understand and can answer, “What is the difference between addiction and dependence?”

Addiction and dependences are two separate conditions relating to substance abuse. However, because the terms are used interchangeably, the line between them often gets blurred. Recognizing the difference between dependence and addiction can be tricky. It certainly isn’t something you can detect by simply looking at someone. You should know there are differences between the two, and they are significant. Each term conveys a distinct way in which repeated drug use has affected a person’s body, mind, and behavior.

What Is Drug Addiction?

In the substance abuse world, defining addiction is fairly clear. A person with an addictive temperament or addictive personality is more likely to develop an addiction and use a drug or alcohol consistently to excess. Addiction, in relation to drugs and alcohol, indicates more of a substance use disorder. It is defined as the behavior of someone who keeps abusing substances, despite negative consequences.

Someone struggling with addiction may start mentally or physically declining over time. The characteristics of addiction include:

  • Constantly thinking about the drug
  • An increase in tolerance
  • Not being able to stop using, despite numerous attempts
  • Hiding drug use

Medical and certified substance abuse communities have found that there are neurochemical differences between a normal brain and an addict’s brain. When it comes to addiction, the consequences are more than just deteriorating health. They also include an inability to fulfill the responsibilities of day-to-day life, and this can cost those who are addicted to not meet personal and professional obligations, including those relating to relationships, financial stability, and more.

What Is Drug Dependence?

You can define drug dependence by the effects that the drug has on the user. Drug dependence is defined by the presence of withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using a drug. For instance, someone who is taking a prescription for pain medication may find that he needs to increase his dosage for the medication to work. Some doctors may diagnose this as an increasing tolerance, or it can easily disguise the possible start of a dependence issue.

With prescription or illicit drug use, over time, the brain begins to rely on the presence of the drug to function. When someone who is dependent stops taking the drug, the chemical balance is thrown off, and the person experiences symptoms of withdrawal. At this point, our rehab center implements cognitive behavioral therapy.

Choose Our Rehab Center Today

When you can answer, “What is the difference between addiction and dependence?#8221; then you know you have a better understanding of the nature of addiction. If you or someone you love are showing signs of prescription drug abuse, we urge you to reach out to us. We can treat any prescription drug disorder or opioid abuse disorder. We are here to help you and stick by your side throughout the tough road to recovery. Sobriety is possible, and we want to help you achieve that.

For more information about our levels of care and other therapy programs, call Legacy Healing Center today at (513) 586-4971.