In the past, drug or alcohol dependence was diagnosed as the most severe form of addiction, but this classification was done away with in 2013. Today, addiction and dependence are used interchangeably, and both refer to an unhealthy and problematic pattern of substance use. Some people may avoid in-person therapy due to concerns about cost, distance, or accessibility. Those with loved ones who are experiencing substance use problems may also benefit from therapy to sort through and validate their potentially complicated emotions related to the situation. Some providers make a distinction between physical and psychological dependence, which may coexist. Psychological dependence involves the thoughts and emotions related to a physical dependence on a substance.
Seeking Help and Support
- Understanding addiction and the difference between dependence and addiction may be a way to notice when you or a loved one is struggling with substance use.
- To fully comprehend dependence, it is important to explore its physical aspects and behavioral patterns.
- Behavioral therapies and counseling are also vital, helping individuals change their behaviors and thought patterns.
- Withdrawal symptoms are often the biggest risk for psychological or physical dependence.
If your body depends on a substance, withdrawal can range from being uncomfortable to dangerous. Detoxing from certain substances—like alcohol, alcoholism opioids, and benzodiazepines—can even be fatal. Formal addiction treatment can keep you safe during this phase of recovery. Now, you might be wondering, “Why on earth should I care about the difference?
- Psychological addiction can lead to obsessive thinking about the substance and difficulty managing life without it.
- This self-medication pattern becomes a cycle, with substance use temporarily masking emotional distress while creating additional problems.
- So unless it is urgent, gradually cutting down on the amount and how often you use it should make it easier.
- If you can’t function properly in the morning without your cup of coffee, it could be that you are caffeine-dependent.
Determining Whether You’re Dependent or Addicted
Today, the APA classifies substance use disorders as mild, moderate, or severe. It doesn’t use the terms abuse and dependence to categorize the severity of an addiction. When people use the term “dependence,” they are usually referring to a physical dependence on addiction vs dependence a substance.
What’s the difference between physical and psychological addiction?
People who are at higher risk of developing substance use disorder may benefit from counseling, support groups, or lifestyle changes that reduce exposure to substances. While it isn’t possible to develop an addiction to a substance without repeated use, addictions can form more quickly and easily in certain people. Genetic, neurological, or psychological factors can all increase a person’s likelihood of developing a drug or alcohol dependence. In addition, stress, trauma, and hardship are also known ‘risk factors’ that make addiction more likely. Even certain personality traits like being naturally more impulsive or neurotic can increase the chances of developing a dependence on drugs or alcohol. Dependence refers to becoming physically reliant on a substance and is characterized by tolerance and physical withdrawal symptoms.
- Treatment for dependence varies, depending on the substance, but typically can be handled by a general physician.
- Many insurance providers require specific documentation and diagnosis codes, making accurate classification crucial for coverage.
- Now, you might be wondering, “Why on earth should I care about the difference?
Internet Addiction and Body Dysmorphia: The Selfie Effect
While dependence can often be managed medically, addiction requires comprehensive treatment addressing both physical and behavioral aspects. 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.
- Addiction can cause distorted thoughts, uncontrollable behavior, and impulsive choices stemming from a person’s chemical drive to keep a substance in their system.
- These may include impulsivity, sensation-seeking tendencies, low self-esteem, and a lack of healthy coping skills.
- These symptoms, along with other aspects of addiction, can interfere with your relationships.
- However, addiction treatment typically includes behavioral therapy to help the patient address the problematic behaviors around substance use.
- Physical dependence represents your body’s natural adaptation to a substance.
And anyone can become addicted, from people experiencing homelessness to business executives. Addictions can start slowly as people experiment with different types of drugs. Or they can come on quickly, like what is now happening in the opioid crisis.
