Substance Use Disorders: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

addiction vs dependence

For individuals who are seeking intensive treatment but still prefer to live at home, partial hospitalization (PHP) or day treatment programs are also available. PHP typically consists of hospital treatment 5 to 7 days a week, for 4 to 8 hours per day. Like inpatient treatment, clinical staff are on hand to assist with detox, medication management, and withdrawal symptoms. PHP also involves counseling and group therapy, as well as specialized services that focus on skill-building, relapse prevention, and employment assistance. Now, here’s where it gets tricky – addiction and dependence often overlap, like two circles in a Venn diagram.

Inpatient Treatment

There are specific ages that make a person more likely to develop a substance use problem. Adolescence is a particularly risky time due to the developing, not-yet-mature brain. Thus, drug use causes changes in the brain that can result in a lack of self-control and poor decision-making and judgment.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

  • We know opioids, for example, can be highly addictive, and that addiction can develop quickly.
  • While it is possible to have a physical dependence without being addicted, addiction is usually right around the corner.
  • Clients receiving intensive outpatient treatment will usually visit the center 2 to 5 days per week for 2 to 4 hours per day.
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  • If your body depends on a substance, withdrawal can range from being uncomfortable to dangerous.
  • Simultaneously, physiological adaptations from ongoing usage can lead to tolerance and withdrawal upon discontinuation, highlighting the interplay between both concepts as they pertain to potential addiction.

About 65% of the patients were either abstinent or controlled users by 4 weeks. Apart for the two widely used, the US-Food and Drug Administration approved, drugs acamprosate and naltrexone, many other agents have been used specifically for the management of craving. These include ondansetron,11,12 buspirone,13 fluoxetine, and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,14,15 topiramate,16 and baclofen. Several different medications are given while a person is addiction vs dependence going through detox; these drugs help safely manage a person’s withdrawal symptoms.

Drug Addiction vs. Drug Dependence

addiction vs dependence

When someone uses the term “dependence,” they’re often referring to someone becoming physically dependent on a drug. This means they’ll experience withdrawal symptoms if they decrease the dose or halt use altogether, or they’re unable to experience the effects of the drug at the dose they’ve become used to, known as tolerance. With that said, it’s important to note that you can be dependent on a drug without being addicted. Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone.

addiction vs dependence

Substance Use Disorders: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Finally, there’s the myth that if you relapse after beating your addiction, you have failed. Just like with other diseases, sometimes you need multiple treatments or repeat treatments.

addiction vs dependence

Substance use disorder

It’s like a complex ecosystem where changes in one area affect the whole. Physical dependence can fuel psychological addiction by creating discomfort that the person seeks to alleviate through continued use. Conversely, psychological addiction can lead to behaviors that increase physical dependence.

Symptoms of a Substance Use Disorder

You can also develop addictions to behaviors like sex, watching porn, using the internet, and gambling. The terms “addiction” and “dependence” may sound interchangeable, but they mean different things. Most types of addiction include physical dependence—but that’s not always true. When you understand the difference between these issues, you can find the type of treatment that best suits your needs. The study sample was predominantly male, mean age of 41.49 (±9.75) years, most having a family history of substance use (70.97%), and many reporting binge use pattern in last year (49.46%). Baseline assessment revealed 48.7% of the sample was in precontemplation phase for alcohol use and 70% reported severe and persistent craving.

addiction vs dependence

Implications and Consequences

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics says more than 20 million people over the age of 12 in the United States have substance use disorder. Most commonly, the cases are related to marijuana and prescription pain relievers. Addiction is considered “highly treatable.” But it can take a few tries for the therapy to be fully effective. This is where support systems come into play, acting as a crucial lifeline in the recovery process. Whether it’s family, friends, support groups, or professional help, having a network of support can make all the https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/diabetes-and-alcohol-can-diabetics-get-drunk/ difference.

addiction vs dependence

The Difference between Dependence and Addiction

Among pharmacological agents that have been used in experimental studies for reduction in craving, baclofen appears to have a significant advantage over other agents. Substance use disorder is a treatable chronic condition that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Long-term recovery depends on developing healthier strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. Mindfulness practices, self-care, and new hobbies or activities can help maintain sobriety.

Risk factors for addiction and dependence

Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. The difference between addiction and dependence can be difficult to understand. Some organizations have different definitions, use the words interchangeably or even abandon both terms altogether.

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