Addiction vs. Dependence

There's a fine line between addiction and physical dependence and we should draw the distinction. The dangers of synthetic opiates manifest themselves in both forms and while physical dependence is more likely than addiction, it is still important that addiction be addressed as a real possibility.

Addiction is characterized as a behavioral and psychological disorder. When you lose control, continuing use despite the obvious self-destruction and develop an uncontrollable desire to get a hold of the drugs, you may well be addicted. The three sisters highlighted in a previous post show these signs. With the addiction may come tolerance and with an increase in dosage comes increased risk of overdose and death. We see this all too often in teenagers and young adults as well as people who have previously had a bout with addiction including alcohol and drugs.

Physical Dependence on the other hand is the body's reaction to the drug, the ensuing dependence and withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped. Physical dependence is a very real problem and many patients with legal prescriptions for real problems find themselves dependent on the drug. When physically dependent individuals try to quit, varying degrees of withdrawal symptoms ensue, the severity of which depends on the amount of the drug being taken.

In either case, the consequences, both long and short term can be devastating and a detox program may need to be employed in order to withdrawal comfortably and safely.