Tons of individuals thinking about whether requiring a drink, tablet, or pill means that they are in the shackles of addition. Addiction and dependence – both of these are two completely different things. So, what’s the difference between addiction and dependence? Can anyone explain the difference between the two?

Yes, we got you covered! This article will shed light on the differences between the two and clear the confusion amongst those who are not entirely sure about their own situation. Lets begin and clear the query of “Is there a difference between dependence and addiction?” once and for all:

Is there a Difference Between Dependence and Addiction: Understanding Dependence & Addiction

To truly comprehend why an individual cannot abstain from the usage of substances, we must take a closer look at what dependence and addiction are. To put it briefly, dependency emphasizes how the human body reacts to specific substances, whereas addiction involves both physical and psychological desires for it.

The Fundamentals of Dependence | Physical Dependence on Substances

Dependence occurs when an individual’s body becomes used to a specific substance such as nicotine or caffeine. The usage of specific medications, including the likes of antiepileptics, beta-blockers, antidepressants, as well as benzodiazepines also hold the potential to lead to dependence.

This means that if an individual stops the usage of the substance, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms exhibit how the body has adapted to the consumption of the drug or alcohol use on a regular basis.

For individuals who face these problems, medical professionals at treatment clinics often suggest tapering the drug off. This process slowly and steadily decreases the dosage over time in order to ease the withdrawal symptoms. Active medical monitoring, in such cases of addiction, becomes imperative for those individuals who are facing extreme withdrawal problems.

The Fundamentals of Addiction

Addiction refers to a chronic condition which traps individuals in a cycle or loop of consuming substances or repeating harmful behaviors despite experiencing dangerous consequences. Developing an addiction takes time. Humans get addicted to a drug in general or numerous other things, including alcohol., opioids, inhalants (heroin, cocaine), etc. to name a few.

Problems like drug addiction or addiction in general originates from the human brain’s chemical responses, specifically the ones which give rise to feelings of pleasure, relief from excruciating pain, etc. Hence, it would be safe to say that both the brain as well as the substance lead to addiction. As time passes, the requirement for higher dosage to obtain similar effects of the drug paves the way towards intense, deep-rooted addiction.

As per statistics, the combined rate of death due to drug overdoses, alcohol abuse, or suicide saw a rise of 51% between 2005 and 2016.

Battling addiction is crucial for numerous reasons. However whether it is a mild form of addiction or a strong one, getting proper treatment is vital. To fight addictive disorders as well as drug abuse, doctors take the help of behavioral therapies and counseling alongside support groups. Certain medications like buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, etc., along with products for nicotine replacements also have a major role when it comes to addiction treatment strategies.

The struggle with addiction is an uphill battle. However, these tactics aid in the management of withdrawal symptoms besides cravings. Besides reducing cravings and dependence on a drug, they aid in the recovery journey besides addressing hidden or underlying mental health issues which are synonymous with substance abuse disorders.

Major Differences Between Addiction and Dependence

Addiction and substance dependence are very different from each other in numerous aspects. Dependence is when the human body requires a drug or specific substance to feel okay, whereas addiction includes a very intense urge to consume substances even if it brings dangerous consequences.

Addiction vs Dependence: Physical Dependencies vs. Mental Dependencies

Understanding the differences between physical dependence & mental dependence is very vital for addressing the challenges which dependencies and addiction bring forth. Here is a detailed yet simplified breakdown of the differences between the two:

The table above showcases that although physical dependency relies on the body’s requirement for a specific substance, mental dependency is based around the usage of a substance or the performing an activity to manage emotional pain. Each of the two need their own approach when it comes to treatment, underscoring the vitality of differentiating between the two.

Dependency and Addiction: Different Strategies of Treatment

Here is an in-depth look at the methods of treatment for addiction as well as drug dependence:

• Tapering off, when it comes to individuals dependent on a drug, is a common yet effective strategy. This means that doctors aid patients in slowly and steadily minimizing drug usage.
• Active medical monitoring becomes very important, especially during intense withdrawal from drugs such as painkillers or alcohol in order to prevent problematic symptoms.
• Addiction generally needs a more varied approach. This includes behavioral therapies which impart lessons to individuals such as new perspectives of thinking and acting.
• Counseling offers the individuals suffering from substance use disorder or addiction a chance to share their experience and find solutions with the help of professionals.
• Support groups offer a safe space to addiction-struck individuals to say out their stories aloud with other patients and encourage one another.
• Medications are sometimes utilized in addiction recovery. Buprenorphine as well as methadone aid in the treatment of opioid addiction by minimizing cravings.
• Naltrexone blocks the harmful effects of addiction, specifically opioids’ have at the brain receptor’s level. Interchangeably, the medication comes in handy in the treatment of both opioid as well as alcohol addiction.
• Disulfiram makes drinking or consuming alcohol highly unpleasant, aiding those suffering from alcohol addiction to remain sober.
• Acamprosate can ease the management of post-acute symptoms of withdrawal which come forth due to alcohol addiction, including insomnia, anxiety, etc.
• Nicotine replacement products, such as patches, gums, etc., can aid tobacco users in kicking their harmful habit.
• Bupropion is another antidepressant which helps in the reduction of nicotine cravings besides withdrawal symptoms in regular smokers who are actively trying to quit.
• Varenicline interferes with the brain’s receptor cells which are sensitive to nicotine. The changes in the brain due to the medication makes smoking highly unpleasurable besides easing withdrawal symptoms.

For any individual who is facing addiction or dependency, the aforementioned tactics provide hope in the journey of recovery. They address both the physical symptoms as well as the psychological challenges which are linked to or are synonymous with substance use disorders.

Conclusion

Understanding the major distinctions between addiction and dependence is very important. Addiction generally deals with the urge to continue using a substance or performing behavioral activities which are harmful because they offer some sort of pleasure. On the other hand, dependence means that the body of an individual reacts terribly when they stop the consumption of a drug, highlighting warning signs of addiction or physical withdrawal.

This knowledge helps medical professionals choose the correct path to assist someone in getting better. Certain medications and treatments focus on steadily minimizing drug use, whereas others emphasize changing dangerous habits and fixing emotional issues.

Irrespective of whether an individual is suffering from addiction or dependence, seeking help is an absolute necessity. Patients are strongly advised to get consultations from experienced medical professionals at a renowned treatment clinic. Connecting with such a clinic will facilitate them to follow a proper treatment path and begin their recovery journey as soon as possible.