How Drug Addiction is Different From Drug Dependence

Posted by Trust care on February 15th, 2023

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 anti-depressant 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-addictedpersons 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.

Those patients who are physically dependent on medications will find it less troublesome while quit the use of medications. But, such patients should not suddenly cease intake of medication voluntarily but should consult a doctor before taking such a step.

Thus, physical dependence on a substance can occur without having an addiction, while a person can get addicted to drugs without going through physical dependence. Likewise, psychological dependence can occur without the person getting addicted but it cannot be said that a person can get addicted without getting psychologically dependent. You can contact us through our website, we have the best rehabilitation centre in India.

As there are many facilities to help and deal with such alcohol and drug-related issues in India, there are many top rehab centres in India where top-notch accommodation facilities are thus provided. Having the basic amenities of air-conditioned rooms and dormitories with the supply of hot water, veg, and non-veg food menu, satellite TV, and the availability of indoor games, the rehab centres also have a 24/7 medical and support staff, with a panel of medical and psychiatric staff and also an experienced counselling team with top reputed therapists. One will also have the 24/7 availability of ambulances with clean and modern living areas which would indeed provide positive health being.

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