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Detoxing is a vital first step when it comes to overcoming drug addiction or dependence. Thankfully, a number of centers offer both detox and rehab treatments within the same facilities. Medical experts usually refer to alcohol or drug abuse as dependence.
Judy is a Primary Therapist who provides services to clients with dual-diagnosis disorders and is skilled in providing Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eating Disorders. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor. Addiction, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ on the other hand, is not a predictable drug effect, but rather a disease that occurs in genetically, biologically, and psychosocially vulnerable individuals. When genetics, environment, and drug use overlap, addiction may occur. Some people do well at home with regular doctor visits and support groups. And sometimes it takes more than one type of treatment to be successful.
Genetic factors
All of these risks are serious, and proper support is necessary for those struggling with drug dependence. The leading source to diagnose and understand addiction comes from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM-IV defines dependence and abuse as two completely different disorders.
What is the true meaning of addiction?
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. † It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.
There are even perceived differences between addiction versus the abuse of a substance. A person who is chemically dependent on a drug might show different physiological changes around chronic usage, tolerance levels, and even withdrawal symptoms. For a person to be diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder, they must be consistently using alcohol or drugs.
Cultural model
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, contacting a medical professional or a treatment center can be a good first step. The main difference between tolerance and dependence is that tolerance refers to the body getting used to taking a substance and requiring higher doses. Dependence, however, refers to the physical or psychological symptoms that occur that make someone feel like they must continue taking a substance. When someone develops a tolerance, they will likely develop a dependence with continued use. Addiction is defined as the behavior of someone who keeps abusing substances, despite negative consequences. The person’s behavior surrounding the substance progressively becomes more destructive.
So unless it is urgent, gradually cutting down on the amount and how often you use it should make it easier. If you were addicted to the substance, just cutting down wouldn’t ordinarily work. If you develop a tolerance to a substance, it becomes less effective for you. For example, if you take a sedative to sleep, it may work very well at the first dose. When you first start drinking alcohol, it may have taken only a few drinks for you to feel drunk. But over time, you may need more drinks, more often, for the same effect.
What Is Addiction?
Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. He then attended New York Medical College for his residency training. Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional addiction vs dependence Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor. She comes to The Freedom Center with over 14 years of direct experience in residential and outpatient treatment between the private and federal sectors. Being a person in long term recovery, Erin wanted to give back and help those struggling with the disease of addiction.
A drug dependence can be either physical or psychological and can have many negative effects on someone’s life. It’s a scenario that pits addiction versus abuse or addiction versus dependence. But increasingly in recent years, that view has flip-flopped a bit.