Addiction and dependence may seem similar, but they are different concepts. Dependence happens when your body needs a drug to feel normal. Addiction changes the way you act and think.
Read on to learn more about addiction vs dependence and find out how to get effective treatment for substance abuse.
Is There a Difference Between Dependence and Addiction?
What is the difference between dependence and addiction, then? Let’s take a look at the definition of what makes a addiction vs. dependence diagnosis:
Addiction
Addiction is a long-term health problem. It happens when a person can’t stop using a substance or doing something that feels good.
Addiction causes strong cravings, compulsive behavior, and changes in the brain. It may involve many substances and behaviors.
When someone becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, it’s called substance use disorder. It can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number of symptoms. Common addictions involve the following substances:
- Alcohol
- Opioid painkillers
- Benzos
- Prescription stimulants
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Meth
- Marijuana
Addiction may also involve behaviors, not just substances. Some behaviors that can be addictive include:
- Gambling
- Gaming
- Pornography
Right now, the only behavior listed as an addiction in DSM-5-TR (a manual for diagnosing mental disorders) is gambling disorder. ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases) also includes gaming disorder as a behavioral addiction.
Dependence
Dependence is when the body gets used to having a substance. If you stop or reduce the substance, you might feel withdrawal symptoms, like feeling sick.
Unlike addiction, dependence doesn’t always mean you have trouble controlling your behavior. You might not even care about the drug, but your body needs it to feel normal. Suddenly stopping can make you feel bad.
Many substances, both legal and illegal, can cause dependence. Some examples are:
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- Anti-seizure medications
- Benzos
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Meth
If you or someone you know is fighting addiction or dependence, contact a healthcare professional for help.
The 4 Differences Between Addiction and Dependence
Here are four key differences between addiction vs dependence.
1) Physical dependence
- Addiction: You might not always need more of the drug to feel its effects, but you crave it. Craving means you have a strong desire to use the drug, even if it’s causing problems in your life. Addiction often includes physical dependence, but it goes beyond that.
- Dependence: Your body gets used to a drug. This means you need more of it to get the same effect as before (tolerance) and get sick if you stop taking the drug suddenly (withdrawal). Withdrawal symptoms include sweating, shaking, sickness, and nausea.
2) Behavior changes
- Addiction: Addiction leads to major changes in behavior. You might start doing things you wouldn’t normally do. This can include lying, stealing, or hurting others to get the drug. These behaviors can damage relationships and cause problems at work or school.
- Dependence: When you’re dependent on a drug, you might not change your behavior much. You just need the drug to feel normal. For example, someone who is dependent on pain medication might only take it to relieve pain and function normally.
3) Mental obsession
- Addiction: Addiction takes over your mind. You can’t stop thinking about the drug, it’s on your mind all the time, even when you’re doing other things. This mental obsession can make it hard to focus on work, school, or spending time with family and friends.
- Dependence: When you’re dependent on a drug, you use it because your body needs it to function properly. The main goal is to avoid feeling sick from withdrawal. Your thoughts are mostly focused on avoiding discomfort.
4) Control over use
- Dependence: If you’re dependent on a drug, you might be able to control when you take it. You may take the drug on a regular schedule to manage your symptoms. For example, someone taking medication for chronic pain usually follows their doctor’s instructions carefully.
- Addiction: With addiction, you lose control over your drug use. You take the drug even when you know you shouldn’t. You might try to stop but find that you can’t. This loss of control can lead to taking more and more of the drug, even if it’s harmful.
Understanding the difference between addiction vs dependency can help you recognize if you or someone you know needs help. Both addiction and dependence are serious, but there is hope and help available. Reach out to a healthcare provider to begin the treatment process.
Treatment Strategies for Addiction & Dependence
Knowing the difference between addiction and dependence can help you find the right treatment.
Addiction treatment and recovery
Treating addiction needs a holistic approach that helps the body and mind. Treatment may include:
- Behavioral therapies: Helps change unhealthy habits.
- Counseling: Provides support and guidance.
- Support groups: Connects you with others facing similar challenges.
Doctors might also prescribe medications to help with addiction. Examples include:
- Opioid addiction: Medications like buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone.
- Alcohol addiction: Medications like naltrexone, disulfiram, or acamprosate.
- Nicotine addiction: Nicotine replacement, bupropion, or varenicline.
If someone overdoses or has severe intoxication, they may need emergency care.
Dependence treatment and recovery
Not all physical dependence needs a treatment plan. For example, stopping caffeine might cause a few days of headaches but then you feel better.
Other drugs can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. Stopping alcohol suddenly can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Opioid and benzo detox can also be dangerous unsupervised. Doctors can help you stop gradually to reduce withdrawal effects.
Doctors may also suggest ways to feel better during withdrawal, such as:
- Rest: Get plenty of sleep.
- Hydration: Drink lots of water.
- Calm activities: Do peaceful activities.
- Vitamins: Take certain vitamins.
- Medications: Medications for sleep, nausea, or other symptoms.
- Prevent severe symptoms: Medications to stop serious issues like seizures.
Sometimes, severe withdrawal symptoms need care in a hospital.
For immediate help with addiction or dependence, call 949.694.8305.
Compassionate Addiction Treatment Starts at California Detox
Effective alcohol addiction treatment begins with detox – we can help you with this at California Detox in Laguna Beach. We also offer a variety of treatment programs to help you tackle addiction and dependence.
During medical detox at our rehab by the beach, you can access medications and 24/7 care. This makes the withdrawal process safer and smoother. It also prepares you for ongoing inpatient treatment.
All alcohol addictions are different, so all our treatment programs offer personalized treatment. Therapies may include:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Talk therapy
- Group therapy
- One-on-one counseling
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapies
- Aftercare
Call our recovery experts to begin treatment today at 949.694.8305.
