It is important to keep in mind that physical dependence can occur without the patient developing a SUD. People used to believe that addiction only happened in certain areas, like in inner cities, or among specific groups of people, like those who were down and out. But addictions can happen anywhere, from college campuses to rural and suburban towns.
Psychological Factors
Dependence can also occur as an individual develops a tolerance to the substance. As their tolerance increases, they may require higher doses or larger amounts of the substance to get the same effect. Some treatments are effective for both dependence and addiction, while others are not. In the case of dependence, behavioral treatments like therapy may not be necessary. There is also the risk of accidental overdose, especially when people with addiction or dependence find themselves needing higher doses. Regardless of the cause, an overdose is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
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To fully comprehend dependence, it is important to explore its physical aspects and behavioral patterns. Several illegal drugs can often lead to both addiction and dependence. The often euphoric effects of these substances can drive compulsive use, which in turn can lead to addiction. Struggling with addiction often results in a loss of control and negative consequences to health, relationships, and daily life. Many addictions can involve dependence, such as opioids or alcohol, but not all addictions necessarily have this component. The Sobriety DSM-5 defines substance use disorder as a problematic pattern of use of a substance (such as alcohol, drugs, or medication) leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
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These triggers can include social and cultural influences, peer pressure, exposure to substances, and traumatic events. Individuals who grow up in an environment where substance abuse is prevalent may have a higher risk of developing addiction or dependence. By recognizing the differences between addiction and dependence, individuals and their loved ones can better understand the nature of substance use disorders and seek appropriate help and support. People with a substance addiction may wish to quit but find it difficult to manage physical symptoms such as intense cravings or withdrawal symptoms. For individuals with severe addiction, substance abuse treatment that includes therapy and medications may be necessary.
It’s important to note that addiction and dependence frequently occur together. Chronic substance abuse can lead to both physical dependence and the development of addictive behaviors. Moreover, the presence of dependence can make it more challenging =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to overcome addiction, as individuals may continue using the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Similarly, individuals with addiction may be more likely to develop dependence due to their increased exposure and use of the substance. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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The recent death of pop star Prince from an opioid overdose was one of the 25,000 fatalopioid overdosesin the US every year. What these opioid overdoses show, according to an article inScientific American, is how increased tolerance of the drug can lead to higher chemical dependence on the side effects. The pain-killing effects of the drug bring about higher tolerance levels. And as the user takes higher amounts to feed this side, the secondary effects of respiratory depression (slowed down breathing or lack of breathing) and breathing are doubled or tripled. It is in this so-called differential tolerance where the users usually overdose.
- Psychological addiction, on the other hand, focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of reliance on a substance.
- Understanding the difference between addiction and dependence is important because the treatment for each can vary.
- If a healthcare provider does not address dependence, the individual may eventually develop an addiction.
- Or they can come on quickly, like what is now happening in the opioid crisis.
A person may develop tolerance to a drug if they use it for a long time. Mental dependence is when a person relies on a substance or behavior to cope with emotional challenges. For example, a person may drink alcohol when they feel stressed but otherwise feel no compulsion to drink. The only way to overcome this is by accepting you have a problem and reaching out for help. Whether you’re in the early stages or have a full-blown disorder, the earlier you get help, the greater your odds of overcoming this successfully. The longer you let this fester, it’ll only hurt you worse in the long term.
It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Understanding the difference between addiction and dependence is vital for anyone concerned about substance abuse. By recognizing the distinct features of each condition, we can better support those affected and work towards addiction vs dependence prevention and recovery.
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It’s always recommended to work in conjuncture with your prescriber to safety make any medication management changes to SSRI medications safely. It’s a grim scenario that unfortunately is found in many drug abuse cases year after year. For instance, someone who is on a prescription for pain medication may find that he needs increasing amounts of dosage for the medication to work. Some doctors may diagnose this as an increasing tolerance, or it might be disguised as the possible start of an addiction issue.
