Difference between Addiction and Dependence

Addiction and dependency are often used interchangeably, yet they mean different things. Substance dependence develops when an individual's drug usage interferes with his regular activities. Disruption may come in many forms. It has the potential to disrupt a person's personal relationships, career, and duties. Both the mind and the body are involved here. However, dependency differs from addiction in a few key ways. It's when the body requires a constant supply of the drug to function normally. The body reacts poorly without it. The article aims to clarify the distinction between addiction and dependence and give foundational knowledge of the two words.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a mental and biological condition that causes an overwhelming need to engage in addictive behavior. Addicts are sometimes unfairly seen as weak for giving in to their addictions, although this is not always the case. A chronic, neurological illness can lead a person to act in ways that are not tolerated by society, such as stealing for the sake of gratifying an impulse. That doesn't imply he loses awareness; it just means his want is so strong that it overrides his sense of morality. Addiction can begin at any time in life, while it is more common for it to begin in early adolescence and persist until adulthood.

Addicts repeatedly demonstrate an insatiable need for their drug of choice. As the addict gets desensitized to his or her own and others' suffering due to their addiction, the need to use only rises. It's not that they don't realize the harm it creates; it's just that they can't do anything about it. Potential causes of the development and expression of a habit with the potential to become an addiction include biological, psychological, and social variables.

What is Dependence?

As opposed to addiction, which places equal emphasis on environmental and behavioral factors, which leads to its progression, physical dependence primarily emphasizes the latter. It's a medical condition where medication is essential for maintaining physical health. A bad bodily reaction might occur if the person didn't get the right dose. This is because when a medication is taken away from a person whose body has become accustomed to it, it can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Examples of these responses include feeling sick, sweating excessively, having a rapid heart rate, or having diarrhea. The reactions, however, are not psychological. Tolerance develops in response to repeated administration of the same medicine, such that eventually a much larger dose must be used to have the same effect as when the drug was first administered. Since there is a physical craving for drugs during withdrawal, it may be rather uncomfortable, especially during the early stages.

Differences: Addiction and Dependence

The following table highlights how Addiction is different from Dependence −

Conclusion

Long−term drug use may have severe effects on the lives of the user and their loved ones, regardless of the ailment that develops. In cases of both chronic and compulsive drug usage, medical detox and addiction therapy in a drug rehab center might be helpful. The most successful approach to treating either condition involves addressing the patient's physical and mental symptoms. Understanding what triggers one's drug usage is crucial for breaking free of the destructive habit. Find out what options you have regarding rehabilitation programs and how to pick the one that's best for you.