Tolerance, Physical Dependence, Addiction: the Differences
It briefly outlines the history behind the current nomenclature, and the selection of the term ‘dependence’ over ‘addiction’ in earlier versions of the DSM. These dual meanings have led to confusion and may have propagated current clinical practices related to under-treatment of pain, as physicians fear creating an ‘addiction’ by prescribing opioids. In part to address this problem, a change proposed for DSM-V is to alter the chapter name to ‘Addiction and Related Disorders’, which will include disordered gambling. The specific substance use disorders may be referred to as ‘alcohol use’ or ‘opioid use’ disorders. The criteria for the disorders are likely to remain similar, with the exception of removal of the ‘committing illegal acts’ criterion and addition of a ‘craving’ criterion. The other major change relates to the elimination of the abuse/dependence dichotomy, given the lack of data supporting an intermediate stage.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide addiction vs dependence is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. It is a complex condition that affects the person’s brain, body, and behavior. The erroneous implication is that ‘dependence’ in the DSM was not physical or physiological.
Substance Use Disorders vs. Substance Abuse and Dependence: DSM-5 changes
The two conditions often occur at the same time, but a person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted to it. One of the main medical texts that are used by mental health professionals to diagnose addiction is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM), which is currently in its fifth edition. When the symptoms of mental and physical dependence are apparent, an addiction is usually present.
Could someone who is dependent on alcohol or drugs be diagnosed as having an addiction? The terms “addiction” and “dependence” are often used interchangeably, but there are differences between the two. While dependence and addiction are often used interchangeably, they are different. Because of this confusion, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ some organizations prefer substance use disorder (SUD). Physical dependence is a natural expected physiological response to drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants and corticosteroids. It is characterized by withdrawal symptoms with the patient being unable to cope when the drug is stopped.
Addiction vs Dependence
For a person to be diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder, they must be consistently using alcohol or drugs. As a result, their usage must be causing them psychological or physical impairment. Individuals with SUD often experience health issues, legal problems, and job loss due to their substance abuse. When addiction is related to drugs or alcohol, the condition is also called a substance use disorder. “Drugs,” in this case, means any substance that affects the body.
- A person with an addiction has difficulty not using substances or doing rewarding activities, even if it is harming them.
- When you miss your morning cup, you might develop physical withdrawal symptoms, like a headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and more.
- 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.
- When you first start drinking alcohol, it may have taken only a few drinks for you to feel drunk.
- I wanted to bring a few more members into this conversation on dependence vs. addiction.
So unless it is urgent, gradually cutting down on the amount and how often you use it should make it easier. If you were addicted to the substance, just cutting down wouldn’t ordinarily work. Physical dependence on a drug is also different from addiction. While drug addiction affects the reward pathways of the brain (including the mesolimbic pathway and the mesocortical pathway), dependence affects the thalamus and brainstem.
Dependence
We know that the difference between addiction and dependence is often challenging to understand. Some organizations may have different names or definitions or use the words interchangeably, which causes mass confusion. The term substance use disorder (SUD) is the preferred way of saying it in the scientific community. Since consistency is lacking, it’s important to establish some ground rules. Effective programs usually include many components, designed to help the individual stop using drugs, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and fulfill their obligations to their family and in the workplace.
Studies have shown that addiction can form in individuals through a combination of genetic makeup and poor social skills. This is why the offspring of addicts are prone to becoming addicts. One study showed that a child of a parent with a drug or alcohol addiction is eight times more likely to develop an addiction as well.