Drug Addiction Versus Drug Dependence: Changes in Diagnostic Procedure
Drug addiction and drug dependence sound a lot alike; in fact, many publications use the two terms interchangeably even though the two are defined slightly differently. In the past, both drug addiction and drug dependence have been reason enough to enroll in a drug rehab or drug detox facility despite the fact that they aren’t identical disorders. However, due to upcoming changes in diagnostic standards, this may no longer be the case. The new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V) seeks to update and change how one defines drug addiction and thus change who can get what types of services for different disorders.
Drug Dependence
Drug dependence refers solely to the physiological tolerance that one develops over time while taking a drug or medication. No matter who you are, most will begin to need more and more of any medication in order to experience the same effects it originally supplied. That is to say, when you first take aspirin for a headache, one tablet may suffice. But if your headaches persist daily, then you will need a tablet and a half, then two tablets, then three and so on in order for the medication to do its job effectively.
For those who take prescription painkillers to treat pain (i.e., Vicodin, OxyContin, hydrocodone, Percocet, et cetera), the same is true. They start out with a small dose and then, when that stops working and the pain persists, doctors usually increase the dose, until that no longer works and increase it again or add other pain relievers, and so on. This buildup of tolerance when you take addictive drugs like painkillers means that if you stop taking the drug abruptly, you experience withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms do not signify drug addiction, says the new DSM-V. Rather, they signify drug dependence and a detox may be beneficial, but a simple step down program that helps you stop taking the drug slowly may work as well when there are no psychological cravings.
Drug Addiction
The psychological cravings, according to the DSM-V proposed changes, are the key to what defines drug addiction. Drug addiction is characterized by the same physiological tolerance found in drug dependence but it is worsened by the overwhelming drive and need for the drug. Simply cutting back a little more of the dose each day does nothing for those who are struggling with drug addiction; they require treatment for the psychological dependence in order to learn how to overcome the chemical changes in their brain and the rewiring that occurs over time with continued drug use and build a new life without drugs and alcohol.
Treatment for Drug Addiction and Drug Dependence
If drugs are overtaking your life or if the withdrawal symptoms are too much to bear, treatment may be indicated when drug dependence is an issue. Depending upon your co-occurring disorders and the reason you began using the drug in the first place as well as your drug of choice, different types of treatment may be a good choice for you. It depends on your circumstance.
If you are a drug addict, however, it is clear: the only way out drug rehab. The more intensive, long-term and all-inclusive the drug rehab is that you choose the more likely you will be to successfully complete the program and begin a new life for yourself. Learn about your options and get the help you need today.
