When we use terms correctly, we can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. If someone is labeled an “addict” when they are actually struggling with substance abuse, they may face unfair judgment and negative attitudes from others. Dependence and abuse can be warning signs of addiction, but they can also exist on their own. Recognizing the signs of each and seeking early treatment is necessary for helping someone overcome alcohol-related issues. Physical dependence is the body’s reaction to it, while psychological dependence refers to the user’s emotional attachment to it. Dependence situations demand the need for skilled therapists, counselors, and medical practitioners.

• It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
• The 1995 data reflect a continuing increase in the use of hallucinogens and inhalants, as well as marijuana, among the nation’s youth.
• Recognizing the difference between an addiction and substance dependence can help to better understand the nature of addiction.
• 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.

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. Addiction and dependence are two separate conditions relating to substance abuse. Yet because the terms are used interchangeably, the line between them often gets blurred.

Medical Disclaimer

Genetic, neurological, or psychological factors can all increase a person’s likelihood of developing a drug or alcohol dependence. In addition, stress, trauma, and hardship are also known ‘risk factors’ that make addiction more likely. Even certain personality traits like being naturally more impulsive or neurotic can increase the chances of developing a dependence on drugs or alcohol.

Substance use becomes the main priority of the addict, regardless of the harm they may cause to themselves or others. An addiction causes people to act irrationally when they don’t have the substance they are addicted to in their system. An event like this can be a wake-up call to someone who has developed a substance abuse problem and be the incentive they need to get help. Their lawyer may even recommend they go to a treatment facility to show the court they are serious about changing their life and not repeating their actions.

Coping Mechanisms and Treatment Options

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. However, the most recent edition of the DSM no longer creates this distinction. Addiction treatment won’t be successful if a client is still under the influence of chemicals. When detox is closely monitored by experienced personnel, clients are kept comfortable throughout the process. Drug abuse can make a person behave more aggressively than they would normally be if they weren’t under the influence of chemicals. Someone who would normally not be interested in a confrontation may be more likely to press a point in an argument, even if it ends up getting physical after drinking or using drugs.

• For example, a person may become dependent on a pain medication prescribed by their doctor.
• In severe cases of intoxication or overdose, a person may require emergency care.
• With alcohol addiction, or severe alcohol use disorder, a person finds it difficult to stop drinking much of the time, not only in certain situations.

Although men are more likely to smoke, drink, and use drags, women become addicted more quickly and develop diseases related to substance abuse more quickly than men do, according to a recent CASA report, Substance Abuse and the American Woman. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ A history of sexual abuse seems to be a factor in whether women abuse alcohol, the report noted. It also pointed out that among adolescents the gender gap is closing; girls and boys both start smoking at age 13 and begin drinking at 15.

Statistical Overview of Substance Use Disorder

However, this informative content is intended for educational purposes only. It is by no means a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. With regard to any addiction-related health concerns, you should always seek the guidance of a qualified, registered physician who is licensed to practice medicine in your particular jurisdiction. You should never avoid or delay seeking professional health care advice or services based on information obtained from our website. While it isn’t possible to develop an addiction to a substance without repeated use, addictions can form more quickly and easily in certain people.

• A dependence on a drug, including alcohol, occurs after exposure to it over time.
• In addition, stress, trauma, and hardship are also known ‘risk factors’ that make addiction more likely.
• Over time, addicts start to lose not only their jobs, homes, and money, but also friendships, family relationships, and contact with the normal world.
• While it is possible to have a physical dependence without being addicted, addiction is usually right around the corner.

This can lead to an increased risk of addiction and other negative outcomes. Dependence is when the body and brain become accustomed to a substance, and the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it. These programs are suited to individuals who have just completed an inpatient program and want to continue some form of therapy. Standard outpatient is also ideal for people who may be juggling other responsibilities, such as work or school. Individuals typically report to a treatment center or clinic 1 or 2 days per week. For example, a person may become dependent on a pain medication prescribed by their doctor.

Treatment

If you develop a tolerance to a substance, it becomes less effective for you. For example, if you take a sedative to sleep, it may work very well at the first dose. When you first start drinking alcohol, it may have taken only a few drinks for you to feel drunk. Some working-group members voted in favor of a return to the use of the word ‘addiction’ because the word has become so commonplace in recent years and does not seem pejorative to them. The media has stories about ‘addiction to oil’ and women wear tee-shirts emblazoned with ‘addiction to pink’ or to shopping, etc.

To reiterate, the DSM-5 dropped the categories of “substance dependence” and “substance abuse,” and so the claim that substance abuse disorder is the preferred term for drug addiction is inaccurate. According to the DSM-5, it is possible to meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder without having tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. That said, for many, but not all, substances, tolerance and withdrawal are often part of the package of symptoms of a substance use disorder. The solution in the DSM-5 was to combine the categories of “substance dependence” and “substance abuse” into one category called “substance use disorder” under a chapter heading called Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

They need to go to a treatment facility where they can get the right type of care. Substance abuse refers to a pattern of behavior where a person uses mind-altering substances in amounts or in ways that are harmful to themselves or other people. The mind-altering substances can be drugs — both prescription and illicit — alcohol or chemicals. In some instances, you can feel both a psychological and physical dependence on the same drug. Ambien, a medication that is commonly prescribed to treat insomnia, is one medication that falls into this category. It is generally not meant for long-term use but only to help a person get some rest while the source of their sleeplessness is being investigated so that it can be treated.

Hailey Shafir is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor with extensive experience in counseling people with mental health and addiction vs dependence addictive disorders. If you believe you have an addiction, it’s never too late to look for help. Working with a health care professional will allow you to explore the options to treat your addiction.