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Drug Addiction vs. Dependence
Is there a difference between drug dependence and drug addiction? Can one be present without the other?
Well, let’s see. Drug dependence may cause someone to not be able to function at peak capacity, or to experience emotional changes, just as drug addiction. However, drug dependence is different, because, usually, the drug being used is actually treating something—pain, a disease, a disorder, something. Once whatever it is that caused the need for the drug is relieved or cured, then most likely drug dependence will diminish, if not all together disappear.
Do dependence and addiction go hand in hand? Not necessarily. A diabetic, for instance, needs insulin. Without it, serious problems will arise. Consequently, a situation may exist where a person may actually need a drug that keeps chronic pain under control, else that person would not be able to function at all, never mind at a lower level than normal.
If a person can, however, go to a lower dosage or even a non-prescription drug, especially in the case of constant pain or a similar ailment, which can help reduce drug dependence.
Drug addiction, on the other hand, is considered “compulsive”. In other words, the person HAS to have the drug, even if it is no longer actually needed nor helping whatever it is that it was given for to begin with.
Once true addiction exists, as opposed to dependence, it is much harder for a person to stop using the drug that caused the addiction. It is not surprising, then, that a person with a true drug addiction would have to seek help through other means that are available.
Making sure that a drug, (a LEGAL drug) is taken just as should be for only as long as it should be will ensure that neither problem will occur.
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