How Drug Addiction is Different From Drug Dependence

Prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs are effective in the treatment of various kinds of diseases, and disorders, reduce pain, etc. But besides being used for medical purposes, these drugs have also got a strong tendency to result in addiction. Many doctors even avoid prescribing medications that have the potential to cause addiction among patients. The terms addiction and dependence are often mistaken to have the same meaning. In the initial stages, it is difficult to differentiate between addiction and dependence. We have the best drug rehabilitation centre in Pune. Drug Addiction

In drug addiction, the person becomes physically and psychologically dependent on drugs to such an extent that despite knowing about its negative consequences, the internal desire of a person to consume abusive substances dominates over the feeling to restraint. The person can go to any extent to procure the drugs. The person can become addicted after repeated use with increased dosage each time to get the same effect. Addiction cannot be reduced by decreasing the amount of substance dosage gradually. Although the addicted person can get rid of physical dependency on substances, it is difficult for him to detach from psychological dependence. When the substance intake is suddenly stopped, the addicted person cannot withstand the discomfort and agony due to withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction has several negative effects on social, economic, and professional life.

Drug Dependence

In drug dependence, the person becomes dependent upon the drugs to attain normal bodily function. A patient taking pain medications can become dependent on that substance. But the patient can become normal after controlled and prescribed use of medications. Suddenly stopping the substance intake produces withdrawal symptoms which indicate dependence on drugs. The withdrawal symptoms may include physiological symptoms like muscle cramps, tremors, seizures etc. The withdrawal symptoms may also include psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, inability to concentrate etc. It is not always necessary that a patient who is dependent on substances will become addicted. The patient can get rid of dependence after gradually reducing dosage of medications. Many drugs like certain steroids, SSRI class antidepressant medications, some anti-histamines have shown tendency to cause physical/psychological dependence. But there is not desire of addiction observed among patients who use these drugs.

Managing Drug Addiction and Drug Dependence

There are various effective techniques, behavioural approaches, and medications that can be used to tackle drug addiction and dependence. Substance-addicted persons can be enrolled in various outpatient Drug-Free Programs which provide group, individual, and family counselling. Those addicted to opioids should be sent to Opioid Agonist Programs. Addicted persons can also be enrolled in Inpatient Rehabilitation programs which last from a few days to a few weeks. Therapeutic communities are long-term residential programs for those addicted persons who do not get benefited from other treatments.