What is the Difference Between Substance Abuse and Dependence?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between substance abuse and dependence lies in the patterns of drug or alcohol use and the physical and mental reliance on the substance.
Substance abuse is characterized by a pattern of drug or alcohol use that leads to negative consequences, such as problems in work or school, strained relationships with friends or family members, and dangerous or potentially life-threatening situations. Signs of substance abuse include:
- Using substances in high quantities
- Inability to control intake
- Feeling the need to use substances to perform specific functions, such as unwinding or feeling confident
On the other hand, substance dependence is a physical and mental reliance on drugs or alcohol. People who struggle with substance dependence are unable to stop using despite the negative consequences and experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. Dependence can be physical, where the body adapts to the substance and requires it for normal functioning, or psychological, where the mind believes it needs the substance to perform certain tasks or cope with stress. Signs of substance dependence include:
- Developing a dependence on the drugs being used
- Using substances on a more frequent basis
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit
In summary, substance abuse refers to the negative patterns of drug or alcohol use, while substance dependence refers to the physical and mental reliance on the substance, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms and cravings when trying to quit.
Comparative Table: Substance Abuse vs Dependence
The terms "substance abuse" and "substance dependence" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe two different conditions. Here is a table outlining the differences between substance abuse and substance dependence:
| Substance Abuse | Substance Dependence |
|---|---|
| A pattern of drug or alcohol use leading to negative consequences. | A physical and mental reliance on drugs or alcohol, making it impossible to stop using despite the negative consequences. |
| Increased drug or alcohol usage over time, in terms of both frequency and amount. | Intense cravings that consume thoughts, significant change in personality, attitude, or demeanor, poor work or school performance, mood swings, disinterest in socialization or personal hygiene, and noticeable weight loss or weight gain. |
| Often leads to problems in work, school, and relationships with friends or family members. | Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or reduce substance use. |
| Signs of substance abuse include: losing interest in activities once enjoyed, avoiding family or friends, using substances alone, getting in trouble at work or school, caring less about physical appearance, and changes in sleep patterns. | Signs of substance dependence include: increased usage over time, intense cravings, significant change in personality or demeanor, poor performance at work or school, mood swings, disinterest in socialization or personal hygiene, and noticeable weight loss or gain. |
Substance abuse is a milder form of substance use disorder, while substance dependence is a moderate or severe form of the disorder. Dependence often develops as a result of prolonged substance abuse, and both conditions can be overcome with timely intervention and treatment.
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