In the world of drugs and the use of toxic substances, there is a whole universe of terms to refer to each reality. Among them, drug dependence and addiction are two of the best known and most widely used in general. Although they often go together because of their similar meaning, they do not refer to exactly the same thing. Dependence and addiction are two different stages a person who uses drugs may be in. While the former involves the first phase of physical and/or psychological dependence, addiction is the second step, with a higher level of severity. Today we explain the differences between one term and the other and how they can be distinguished from each other.
What does drug dependence involve?
Drug dependence occurs when repeated use of a narcotic becomes a habit. In this sense, it refers to the need to continue taking it to avoid suffering the effects that withdrawal can cause. Depending on the nature of the substance and the individual’s characteristics, it can cause physiological and/or psychological symptoms.
Physiological dependence is a consequence of drug use that causes the body to adapt to a particular substance. Psychological dependence, on the other hand, is based on all the situations a dependent person faces when taking the substance or engaging in an addictive behaviour. As for the first, it differs in duration and intensity depending on the drug used. But after a certain period of time, the symptoms disappear. On the other hand, as for the second, it tends to remain for a longer period. This is why it is important, during the rehabilitation process, to focus on managing the psychological aspects associated with the use of a substance or an addictive behaviour.
What exactly is addiction?
In technical terms, addiction is a chronic disease that makes the affected person unable to stop using a substance or engaging in harmful behaviour. Despite being aware of the negative consequences it causes and experiencing them every day, they continue this habit. Repeated use is linked to a loss of control and leads to collateral consequences such as problems at work, family conflicts and social difficulties. When the disease is very severe, it can even put the addict’s life at risk due to the need to use the substance or carry out the addictive behaviour in question.
When someone has an addiction, almost exclusively, the only motivation in the addict’s life is using the drug or engaging in the addictive behaviour. As a result, they end up neglecting obligations and activities that previously gave them satisfaction. The patient loses the ability to control themselves around the substance and to manage their own life. While the presence of drug dependence in a person does not mean they are addicted, having an addictive disorder does make the person become dependent on them.
The transition from drug dependence to addiction
As we have explained, drug dependence is a necessary prior step before reaching addiction. For this reason, the consequences for a person who suffers from drug dependence will not be as severe as those an addict may experience. In the first situation, they will still retain control over themselves, whereas in the second situation they will not be able to.
As they still have control over their life, the person with drug dependence will continue to have other motivations besides the need to use. However, when they become addicted, they will experience recurring thoughts about using and when they will have another chance to do it again.
Another very significant difference between drug dependence and addiction is how detox treatment is carried out. In the first stage, once the rehabilitation process and cessation have been completed, the patient should not lose control over their life again, if it has occurred.
Dependence as such is not considered a chronic disease. Addiction, however, is considered within this classification. For this reason, a patient who suffers from an addictive disorder must undergo ongoing monitoring of their health status throughout their life in order to prevent relapse. If, after going through a detox process, they use the substance again or engage in the addictive behaviour even just once, with almost complete certainty they will again experience a loss of control.
Collateral consequences of drug use
One aspect that must always be taken into account, whether in the drug dependence phase or the addiction phase, is tolerance. This means that to feel the same effects the substance or addictive behaviour caused the first time, the user will need to progressively increase the number of doses. In addition, experiencing the withdrawal syndrome linked to them is also a very real possibility.
These two aspects are fundamental and must be taken seriously during the detox process. Whether the person suffers from drug dependence or an addictive disorder, they should know that it is possible to stop using forever. At CCAdicciones, we have the best professionals to help people regain control and live life to the fullest again.
