Addiction Vs. Dependence
Dependence and addiction refer to conditions in which someone becomes reliant on something in their life, often in reference to drug or alcohol use. Learning the difference between dependence vs. addiction can help you start the road to recovery. It's important to understand the distinctions between substance use, abuse, addiction, and dependence. Dependence and addiction can be hard to grapple with, but there are many treatment options available.
Dependence vs. addiction
There has been some confusion over the years in regard to the differences between dependence and addiction. In 1964, the World Health Organization proposed using the word “dependence” instead of “addiction” as a medical designation.
When it comes to comparing addiction versus dependence, the latter refers to the physical aspects of becoming physically dependent and reliant on a substance and is characterized by tolerance and physical withdrawal symptoms.
In addition to physical reliance, substance use disorder may also include the psychological elements, such as anxiety and obsessive thinking related to using the substance in a milder form when compared to addiction. Addiction is when physical and mental reliance escalates.
Addiction refers to a chronic disease that’s characterized by addictive behavior that is caused by fundamental changes in brain circuitry as a result of physical dependence over time.
These may include distorted thoughts, uncontrollable behavior, and impulsive choices stemming from the person’s chemical drive to keep the substance added to their system. Addiction and substance use disorder are the preferred terms, abuse is no longer used in the scientific community.
A person can develop dependence on a substance without being addicted. However, consistent dependence on a substance over time is likely to turn into a drug addiction if not curbed.
A person who is addicted to a substance is also dependent on it. Both terms fall under the broader umbrella of “substance use disorders,” which the American Psychological Association or APA classifies substance use disorder as “varying degrees of excessive use of a substance.” Substance use disorder was previously known as substance abuse. Even if your dependence or addiction is not at the level of a disorder, you may still wish to seek help.
Physical dependence
Physical dependence generally happens gradually over time and may include physical adaptation to a substance, requiring more of a substance to achieve the same result, which is part of why dependence so dangerous: Physical dependence can happen almost without a person realizing it.
According to research published in Scientific American and many other academic medical journals, substance dependencies stem from biochemical changes in the body caused by drug use. Eventually, an individual may reach a point where their body can only function normally when a specific substance is present.
The addiction or dependence resulting from the opioid epidemic refers to the widespread addiction of people to a class of drugs that often starts with a legal prescription from health care providers—such as to manage pain after a surgery, for example. Even regular use of these drugs as prescribed can lead to dependence, and addiction can follow this dependence.
Remember that since dependence usually refers to the physical effects of substance use, dependence is characterized by symptoms of withdrawal once an individual no longer consumes the substance. Withdrawal symptoms can be different depending on the substance.
Addiction
True addiction in a severe form is often characterized by a person resorting to more extreme measures to continue using a substance, because their body and brain now depend or rely on it.
This is why addiction often has such an impact on a person’s family, social, and work life. Addiction may negatively affect their ability to fulfill their responsibilities and obligations since they’re now under the strong influence of both dependence and addiction, which may lead them to act irrationally.
An individual can become dependent on or addicted to a substance for a variety of different reasons. They may start using it due to curiosity, social pressure, a desire for gratification, or a desire for pain relief or escape. It’s also important to note that genetics can play a significant role to identify people who may be at risk for developing dependence or addiction.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
Substance use that escalates is dangerous and can have many negative consequences (including addiction and dependence).
These may vary depending on the individual, their life circumstances, and the substance(s) they are dependent on or addicted to. Some of these consequences may include:
- Inability to function without the substance
- Obsessive and/or impulsive behaviors related to obtaining or using the substance
- Neglect of responsibilities (work, family/children, self-care)
- Strained relationships with loved ones
- Mental health effects such as depression, anxiety, paranoia, and/or psychosis, and other mental disorders depending on the substance
- Risk of cancer from some substances
- Hormone imbalances
- Potential legal consequences associated with illicit substances
- Risk of overdosing on some substances
- The strain on organs and body systems; potential long-term health consequences
Treatment for dependence or addiction is available
Treatment for dependence or addiction can vary widely depending on the individual and their state of health, the substance in question, and the degree of dependence. The first step in seeking proper treatment is often to get an evaluation by a medical professional.
They can identify whether a substance use disorder is present and may be able to refer the individual to another professional for the additional steps.
If past trauma is a contributing factor to why someone developed a dependence on or addiction to a particular substance, a mental health professional can help the individual address and work through those experiences.
Online therapy
Takeaway
Understanding addiction and the difference between dependence and addiction can help people see when they or their loved ones may have a problem with substance use and when seeking treatment may be necessary. Substance use disorders are complex but treatable conditions. There is no shame in asking for help in overcoming addiction or dependence on substances of any kind. Reach out to an empathetic and knowledgeable online therapist at BetterHelp for support in your recovery journey.
See below for frequently asked questions on dependence and addiction:
- Is dependence a form of addiction?
- Is psychological reliance the same as addiction?
- What are the two types of substance use disorder?
- What are examples of substance use disorder?
- What are 4 different forms of addiction?
- What is the best definition of substance use disorder?
- What is the correct definition of substance use disorder?
- What are the two 2 kinds of drug reliance?
- What is reliance in psychology?
- How do you know if you are relying on something or someone?
- Is reliance ever a good thing? Or is it only bad?
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