The advantage of going to a detox center is that medical assistance is readily available. A detox center will place you in comfortable surroundings where you can be assured of help in case of emergencies. Addiction or substance use disorder occurs when individuals are largely unable to function without the drug.
Standard Outpatient Programs
Medical and substance abuse communities addiction vs dependence have found that there are neurochemical differences between a normal brain and an addict’s brain. There are even perceived differences between addiction versus the abuse of a substance. A person who is chemically dependent on a drug might show different physiological changes around chronic usage, tolerance levels, and even withdrawal symptoms.
- Dependence, on the other hand, is characterized by a physical and psychological loss of control due to substance abuse.
- Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers.
- While both involve the use of substances and can coexist, they refer to different aspects of substance use.
- Individuals typically report to a treatment center or clinic 1 or 2 days per week.
What are the criteria for diagnosing substance abuse disorders?
- In 2013, the American Psychological Association (APA) released the fifth edition of the DSM.
- However, this informative content is intended for educational purposes only.
- It occurs when a person has difficulty stopping substance use or engaging in a behavior that provides some type of benefit.
- It is a physical state characterized by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.
- Substance use becomes the main priority of the addict, regardless of the harm they may cause to themselves or others.
We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, unbiased information about mental health and addiction. That’s why we have a comprehensive set of treatment providers and don’t charge for inclusion. We do not and have never accepted fees for referring someone to a particular center. Providers who advertise with us must be verified by our Research Team and we clearly mark their status as advertisers. When you’re ready to recover, it may help to differentiate between the physiological and psychological aspects of what you’re going through.
What Is Substance Dependence?
It’s like slowly taking off a Band-Aid instead of ripping it off all at once. Some drugs are more likely to lead to dependence, while others are notorious for their addictive potential. For instance, opioids like morphine can cause severe physical dependence, even when used as prescribed.
Many addictions can involve dependence, such as opioids or alcohol, but not all addictions necessarily have this component. It’s a complex interplay of physical and psychological dependence combined with a compulsive drive to seek out the substance or behavior, even when it causes harm to yourself and those around you. At first, starting this behavior is an extra activity, but as the user becomes more dependent on the high, it can turn into the main activity. This is where dependency can turn into full-blown addiction—when substance abuse becomes the all-encompassing main priority. A person with an addictive temperament is generally using a drug or alcohol consistently to excess. Over time, addicts start to lose not only their jobs, homes, and money, but also friendships, family relationships, and contact with the normal world.
Physiological Aspects of Dependence
- The body adapts to opioids, leading to tolerance and potential withdrawal symptoms when their use is reduced.
- Tolerance develops due to various physiological mechanisms, including changes in receptor sensitivity and neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
Understanding the physical aspects and behavioral patterns of dependence is crucial in distinguishing it from addiction. While dependence focuses on the body’s adaptation and the subsequent withdrawal symptoms, addiction encompasses a broader scope that includes psychological aspects and behavioral patterns. By recognizing and comprehending these differences, individuals and healthcare professionals can develop appropriate strategies for intervention, treatment, and support. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
The Impact on Individuals and Society
This can complicate your recovery and make it much more difficult to manage long-term. Working with a therapist helps you navigate the challenges of addiction while treating any co-occurring mental health issues at the same time. Treating addiction, on the other hand, typically requires a more comprehensive approach.