People often use drug addiction and dependence interchangeably. However, there’s a difference between these two conditions. Knowing the difference between addiction vs dependence is important when people seek treatment. While some rehab centers offer treatment for both, some only treat one or the other.
Addiction vs Dependence
Knowing the difference between addiction and dependence is important for everyone. Using the two conditions interchangeably can result in poor communication or exchanging of information with rehab centers. Below is a more in-depth look at the differences between the two.
Addiction
Addiction is both a psychological and biological condition. People with the disease feel a powerful urge to use a specific substance that they simply can’t resist. Addiction isn’t about a lack of willpower. It’s a chronic disease that takes control of people’s lives.
This disease can develop at any time in people’s lives. However, studies show that it usually happens during their younger years and continues throughout their lives. Unlike some other mental disorders, people can avoid addiction altogether by not abusing substances.
The key thing to remember about addiction is that people don’t have control over their actions. It’s a mental disorder that develops after the chemical balance changes in the brain. People will continue using drugs until they get help and learn how to control their urges.
Dependence
Dependence differs from addiction because it doesn’t influence people’s mental and biological state. It only references the physical state of abuse. When people are dependent on a drug, they have to take that drug for their physical well-being.
They may have physical reactions when they don’t have the necessary dose. Some common reactions include diarrhea, sweating and vomiting. Psychological dependence is also a problem with some drugs, including medications like Adderall.
It’s Essential to Get Treatment for the Right Condition
For some people, it’s difficult to tell the difference between these two conditions. However, getting the wrong treatment could result in relapse. Thankfully, rehab centers can help people accurately determine which condition they have. This process is the first step in picking effective treatment options.
Get Help for Your Addiction
At Crestview Recovery, we know the difference between addiction vs dependence, and we can treat both. Our main focuses are your complete recovery and comfort. We offer a wide range of services for our custom treatment programs, including:
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Gender-specific treatment
- Group and individual therapy
- Extended care
Don’t let addiction keep you from living your life to the fullest. Let us offer you a guiding light. Reach out to us today at 866-580-4160 for more information.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
