Answer:
SUBSCRIBE
Healthline uses cookies to improve your experience and to show you personalized ads. Privacy Policy.
More information
Drug Dependence
Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph.D., CRNP — Written by Marissa Selner — Updated on April 23, 2018
Definition
Causes
Symptoms
High-risk drugs
Treatment
Outlook
What is drug dependence?
Drug dependence occurs when you need one or more drugs to function. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) used to distinguish between dependence and abuse. Abuse was considered the mild or early phase of inappropriate drug use that led to dependence. People viewed dependence as a more severe problem than abuse.
The APA replaced “dependence” and “abuse” with “substance use disorder” in the 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This diagnosis focuses on the disorder involving the use of the substance.
Drug dependence vs. drug addiction
People sometimes use the terms “addiction” and “dependence” interchangeably. Dependence is not the same as addiction.
Addiction
Addiction can occur without being dependent on drugs.
Addiction may involve:
using drugs despite the consequences
being unable to stop using drugs
neglecting social and work obligations because of drug use
Dependence
It’s possible to be dependent on drugs without being addicted. Dependence can be a bodily response to a substance. This often occurs if you rely on medications to control a chronic medical condition. These conditions may include:
high blood pressure
diabetes
glaucoma
Dependence may involve:
some or all the symptoms of addiction
development of a high tolerance for the substance as your body adapts to the drug, leading to a desire for larger or more frequent doses
physical symptoms of withdrawal when you attempt to stop using the drug
