The Difference Between Drug Dependence and Addiction Explained

The terms surrounding drug addiction and dependence can often be perplexing. People often mix up words like dependency and addiction, even though they have different meanings.

Dependence and addiction frequently happen together and are intertwined, yet they can also exist independently. You can become dependent on drugs without being addicted to drugs, and vice versa.

Precise terminology holds great significance, especially in impactful contexts like medical diagnoses and substance abuse treatment. Misdiagnosing a condition can result in inappropriate treatment, negative consequences, and unnecessary suffering for the patient.

Healthcare and psychological health experts depend on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is composed of peer-evaluated and scientifically backed data. It helps with accurately diagnosing mental health conditions and creating effective treatment plans. This includes issues related to substance abuse, such as dependency and addiction.

Experts regularly update the DSM to incorporate the latest research and proven treatment methodologies. The newest version, the DSM-5, launched in 2013 and signifies the fifth revision of this essential book.

A notable change in the DSM-5 is the removal of the term substance abuse and substance dependence. In the past, substance abuse meant a mild addiction, while dependence meant a more severe addiction. Experts wanted to clarify the difference between physical dependence and the mental aspects of addiction. They made a new category called substance use disorders (SUDs) to replace old terms and give new diagnostic criteria.

The DSM-5 categorizes substance use disorders as mild, moderate, or severe. Doctors classify patients based on the signs and symptoms they show. The number of signs and symptoms present determines the severity of the disorder. Mild cases have fewer symptoms, while severe cases have more symptoms.

This revision also aided in distinguishing people who require professional treatment but do not have a substance use disorder.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a long-term, chronic problem. It happens when someone keeps using drugs even though it harms them. This information comes from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Substance and alcohol abuse affects around 38 million people in the US.

Addiction is when someone can’t stop using drugs or alcohol, even if it causes problems with their job, friends, or family.

Addiction leads to significant behavioral, cognitive, and physiological changes, often accompanied by dependence, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction doesn’t necessarily include physical dependence— for example, consider gambling addiction. The DSM-5 categorizes it as a persistent disorder that requires professional assistance. This disorder does not involve addictive substances or physical withdrawal.

Addiction can happen without illegal drugs or alcohol because of mental health, physical dependence, and genetics. These factors play a big role in developing an addiction.

What Is Dependence?

Dependence is when your body relies on substances, and you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them.

Taking medication for a long period of time can lead to tolerance. This means the usual dose no longer works, so the patient needs a higher dose to achieve the same result.

Numerous medications, including antidepressants, can lead to medical dependence without addiction. Over time, more antidepressants may be necessary to work, and stopping them can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Opioids and certain prescription drugs can cause addiction quickly. Doctors can manage their usage to prevent substance abuse from worsening. This is true even if the individual has developed a tolerance and dependence on the drugs.

A study reassessed 520 veterans, all initially labeled as opioid addicts, using the DSM-5’s updated diagnostic criteria. It revealed that only about half exhibited signs of an opioid use disorder. Meanwhile, a fifth displayed no substance abuse problems and were using opioids appropriately for chronic pain management. The original diagnosing doctors had confused their physical dependence and tolerance for addiction.

Sometimes, people don’t give enough pain medication to those who need it. This can cause unnecessary pain. The reason for this is because they mix up dependence and addiction. Drugs and alcohol can be addictive, especially if used illegally or to deal with issues.

The Difference Between Drug Dependence and Addiction

Understanding the difference between addiction and dependence is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Fundamentally, dependence involves a physical reliance that results in tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Conversely, addiction consists of a combination of psychological, behavioral, and physical signs and usually incorporates a component of dependence.

Understanding the difference between addiction and dependence is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Fundamentally, dependence involves a physical reliance that results in tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Conversely, addiction consists of a combination of psychological, behavioral, and physical signs and usually incorporates a component of dependence.

Scientific progress has allowed us to determine how and why drugs impact the brain and body. These perceptions have helped us understand why people become dependent on drugs and the harmful effects of different drugs.

Treating substance abuse, addiction, and dependence requires distinct, though occasionally intersecting, strategies to effectively manage substance use disorders. The main focus in treating dependence is addressing physical withdrawal symptoms and restoring the body’s chemical balance safely. Treating addiction involves addressing mental, behavioral, and physical issues comprehensively.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Getting help for drug or alcohol addiction is important. Caring and evidence-based treatment programs like White Oak Recovery Center can help you or your loved one.

At White Oak Recovery Center, our therapists and medical staff establish an empowering and judge-free environment where they work with residents to create personalized treatment plans for substance misuse.

We offer inpatient medical detox services at our residential treatment facility to help you safely and comfortably address physical dependence. We aim to provide a supportive and comforting environment with support groups that help your mind and body.

WORC bases treatment on evidence and scientific research to tailor treatment plans to your unique needs and help you recover long-term. We will teach you skills you can use for the rest of your life. Contact us now to speak with one of our compassionate treatment specialists.