Medical and substance abuse communities have found that there are neurochemical differences between a normal brain and an addict’s brain. There are even perceived differences between addiction versus the abuse of a substance. A person who is chemically dependent on a drug might show different physiological changes around chronic usage, tolerance levels, and even withdrawal symptoms. When addiction is related to drugs or alcohol, the condition is also called a substance use disorder.

Risk factors for addiction and dependence

A person with an addictive temperament is generally using a drug or alcohol consistently to excess. Over time, addicts start to lose not only their jobs, homes, and money, but also friendships, family relationships, and contact with the normal world. Addicts have a desperate view of the world, in which the only priority is securing the next high. Effective programs usually include many components, designed to help the individual stop using drugs, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and fulfill their obligations to their family and in the workplace. Most patients require long-term treatment, which can include medications, therapy, and residential programs. Physical dependence is when the body requires a specific dose of a particular drug, such as a prescription opioid1, in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Health Categories to Explore

Some organizations may have different names or definitions or use the words interchangeably, which causes mass confusion. The term substance use disorder (SUD) is the preferred way of saying it in the scientific community. Since consistency is lacking, it’s important to establish some ground rules.

What’s the Difference Between Addiction and Dependence? Actually, the Term That Matters Most Is ‘Treatment’

It benefits even those who are still in precontemplation stage of motivation. Research has shown that baclofen reduces withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and is safe in those with liver impairment. These findings make baclofen an essential drug for the management of AUDs.

• One hundred and thirteen patients who received baclofen, 57 (50.44%) of them were treated at outpatient service and rest were admitted in the ward.
• Tolerance can be a critical factor in both dependence and the development of substance use disorder.
• The follow-up data were extracted from the follow-up notes available in the personal case files of the patients.
• Withdrawal symptoms and the need for higher doses can arise, and some individuals may also develop an addiction when misusing these medications for their sedative effects, be they prescribed or purchased on the street.
• In these cases, treatment involves gradually tapering off the drug over a set period to reduce withdrawal effects.
• Regardless of what term you use to describe a substance misuse issue, Mr. Kump emphasizes that the key is to understand that treatment is available.

Addiction and dependence for alcohol

If you think you have a dependence or addiction, contact a treatment provider today for help. Treating addiction, on the other hand, typically requires a more comprehensive approach. This might include behavioral therapies, support https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/the-causes-of-sneezing-when-drinking-alcohol/ groups, and sometimes medications to manage cravings or co-occurring mental health issues. It’s more like remodeling a house – you’re not just patching up a hole in the wall, you’re rebuilding the foundation and changing the entire layout.

• Baclofen, thus, does not appear to influence alcohol withdrawal insomnia even when given as night time dose.
• Below is a list of the most common forms of substance abuse treatment programs and what they entail.

Standard Outpatient Programs

Or they can come on quickly, like what is now happening in the opioid crisis. The opioid crisis is so bad that the U.S. government declared a public health emergency. When the symptoms of mental and physical dependence are apparent, an addiction is usually present.

Dependence, in its simplest form, is like that clingy friend who just can’t seem to let go. It’s a physical reliance on a substance, where the body has adapted to its presence and throws a tantrum (hello, withdrawal symptoms!) when deprived of it. Addiction, on the other hand, is the unruly teenager of the family – rebellious, disruptive, and often wreaking havoc on one’s life despite the negative addiction vs dependence consequences. Addiction can impact every aspect of your life, starting with your mental health.10 Substances change your brain, and might contribute to co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. These symptoms, along with other aspects of addiction, can interfere with your relationships. If you prioritize drug use over your colleagues or loved ones, you might face serious consequences.