Many people are surprised to learn that substance abuse and substance dependence are not the same thing. This is because the terms are used interchangeably most of the time, which leads to some confusion. Also confusing is that they aren’t really defined in specific terms that can differentiate these terms. This can make it difficult to judge whether intervention is necessary. So, what should you know about the difference between abuse and dependence?
define terms
before you consider participating A premier addiction facility, you should understand what these terms mean. “Dependence” usually refers to physical dependence on a substance. It is characterized by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Dependency is possible without addiction, but the latter is usually not too far away either.
Addiction is a marked change in behavior that results from chemical changes in the brain following continued substance abuse. Using the substance becomes the main target of the addict, regardless of the harm it causes to himself or others around him.
Mental and Physical Dependence
There are also some notable differences in the types of dependencies that occur.Mental dependence refers to the use of a substance as a conditioned response to a feeling or event, also known as trigger. These triggers may lead to physical symptoms such as a tight feeling in the stomach, anxiety/nervousness, or strong cravings for drugs/alcohol. Symptoms of any kind of dependence are usually evident when an addiction is present.
Drug Abuse and Drug Dependence
according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, abuse and dependence were originally considered to be two separate disorders. However, there is no longer a real difference between the two. They are defined according to a scale that measures the timing and extent of substance use. Abuse is often defined as the early stages of dependence. Increased use increases the chance of developing a dependency disorder.
change terms
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders dropped the terms “substance abuse” and “substance dependence” and replaced them with a new term: substance use disorder. Now that’s the medical term for addiction, which can be diagnosed as mild, moderate, or severe. This helps clear up most of the confusion that used to happen.
recognize differences
The distinction between addiction and dependence helps determine the overall nature of addiction. Knowing these differences can help patients work towards recovery and get the help they need.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or dependence, it is important to contact a treatment provider immediately so that appropriate help can be provided. There is no shame in acknowledging that a problem is impacting a person’s life as it will help remove the stigma and allow more and more people to seek the help they need.
