23 million Americans required treatment for a problem with drugs or alcohol in 2013. And yet, less than 3 million went for professional help.
Part of the problem is understanding the difference between physical dependence vs. addiction. While both require professional help, the fine line between the two can cause confusion and even misdiagnosis.
If you’re struggling with drugs, alcohol, or another external source, knowing the difference can help you get the right kind of help. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between the two as well as how they’re treated.
What is Physical Dependence?
Physical dependence occurs when your body becomes reliant on an external source or substance. This reliance is characterized by the symptoms of withdrawal. In other words, when the body doesn’t have access to that source or substance at the same dosage, you experience withdrawal.
Physical dependence can occur with everything from coffee to antidepressants and blood pressure medications. Your body needs access to those substances to feel “normal”. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re addicted to these substances.
For example, people who have chronic pain need pain medications to control their symptoms. While they’re physically dependent on those pain medications, they may not have an addiction. They don’t develop a compulsion to use their medication or a loss of control over using it.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a disease. It’s characterized by a compulsive need to use regardless of the harmful consequences of using. People can have an addiction to anything from drugs and alcohol to gambling and sex.
When someone is an addict, they’re unable to stop using their drug of choice. Addiction involves uncontrollable cravings, erratic, risky, and harmful behaviors, an inability to meet obligations, and sometimes – but not always – a physical dependence.
It’s these cravings to use that set addiction apart. A person who has an addiction will work to satisfy their craving despite the negative consequences to themselves and those around them.
If you think you or a loved one has an addiction, find out more about the symptoms of addiction before seeking treatment.
What Causes Physical Dependence and Addiction?
The causes of physical dependence and addiction are wide and varied. Generally, there are a number of factors that make someone predisposed to physical dependence and addiction. They are:
- adult trauma
- early childhood trauma
- genetics
- social environment
- age of first use
- mental illness such as depression
While some who experience addiction or physical dependence can relate to one or more of these, others don’t fit under any of the categories.
For example, a person prescribed pain medication for an injury or surgery can become addicted or physically dependent on their medication, and their dependence or addiction was the result of medically necessary treatment.
Treating Physical Dependence vs. Addiction
Treating physical dependence vs. addiction requires different approaches. While you can manage physical dependence by slowly tapering off the substance, addiction requires more work. This is because treating an addiction means reversing the brain changes that occur as a result of addiction. The first step to preventing addiction is to take care of yourself and your wellbeing.