Dependence vs. Addiction

Dependence vs. Addiction

Physical dependence occurs because of normal adaptations to
chronic exposure to a drug and is not the same as addiction.
Addiction, which can include physical dependence, is distinguished
by compulsive drug seeking and use despite sometimes
devastating consequences.
Someone who is physically dependent on a medication will
experience withdrawal symptoms when use of the drug is abruptly
reduced or stopped. These symptoms can be mild or severe
(depending on the drug) and can usually be managed medically or
avoided by using a slow drug taper.
Dependence is often accompanied by tolerance, or the need to take
higher doses of a medication to get the same effect. When tolerance
occurs, it can be difficult for a physician to evaluate whether a
patient is developing a drug problem, or has a real medical need for
higher doses to control their symptoms. For this reason, physicians
need to be vigilant and attentive to their patients’ symptoms and
level of functioning to treat them appropriately.