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To reiterate, the DSM-5 dropped the categories of “substance dependence” and “substance abuse,” and so the claim that substance abuse disorder is the preferred term for drug addiction is inaccurate. According to the DSM-5, it is possible to meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder without having tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. That said, for many, but not all, substances, tolerance and withdrawal are often part of the package of symptoms of a substance use disorder. Physiological dependence is very common and can occur with many different kinds of substances, including those considered to be medications.

Embarrassed by their own behavior as adolescents, baby boomer parents are ambivalent about raising the issue of substance abuse with their children, according to CASA medical director Herbert D. Kleber, M.D. At lower risk were teens whose parents had not used marijuana and teens whose parents had not revealed their use of the drug. The NHSDA reported that half of all respondents between the ages of 26 and 44 had tried illegal drugs, but only 8.3 percent of those aged 26 to 34 and 5.6 percent of those 35 to 44 said they were current users.

What is addiction?

It is true that in most cases of addiction, the person is also dependent on the drug and that most cases of dependency eventually lead to addiction. As the medical and scientific discussion on these terms has progressed in recent years, both are now considered as part of a larger grouping; that of substance use disorder. Addiction and dependence are words both used to describe an unhealthy and problematic pattern of drug or alcohol use. 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. If someone with a drug dependence detoxes, especially by slowly decreasing the amount of the medication they take over a period of time, they may suffer withdrawal symptoms, but can end that physical dependence.

• However, a recent study [1] raises significant concerns about the accuracy of these diagnostic data.
• Instead, say something like, “I care about you and am worried about your safety and health,” and share your observations about their behavior.
• But when people withdraw from these medications, they do not crave them and once successfully tapered, they do not have recurrent use.
• I suppose that some people would have an addiction problem if they were to take some of the meds I take.

Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I’ve been taking Clonazepam, 1mg at bedtime, originally for anxiety, but along the way I found that it keeps me from acting out my addiction vs dependence dreams, something my wife did not appreciate. It’s hard to know just how much it decreases the panic attacks, but they’ve become less frequent. I know that I take more medications than others, but there’s a reason for each one.

History of the Terms Dependence and Addiction

However, treatment usually involves medication, counseling, and community support. However, a person with addiction may not be ready or willing to seek professional medical help, regardless of the negative impacts it is having on their health and wellness. Anyone using substances, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ even socially, should discuss them with a doctor to ensure safe use and monitor for signs or symptoms of addiction. For those who have become physically dependent on a substance, abrupt discontinuation may provoke many unpleasant symptoms, and, in some cases, it may be fatal.

• These are known as “triggers.” Something as simple as the act of driving can trigger a desire to use.
• Physical dependence is when the body adapts to a substance’s presence.
• Misuse refers to the misuse of a substance at high doses or in inappropriate situations that could lead to health and social problems.
• Some organizations have different definitions, use the words interchangeably or even abandon both terms altogether.
• To reiterate, the DSM-5 dropped the categories of “substance dependence” and “substance abuse,” and so the claim that substance abuse disorder is the preferred term for drug addiction is inaccurate.