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The culture in the UK allows drinking alcohol to excess and taking drugs each weekend as a common fixture of life. Quickly, though, casual consumption of substances can turn into something more serious that will eventually lead to a full-blown addiction.
When discussing issues around addiction, the word ‘dependence’ can be substituted. Addiction and dependence are separate things, and using the terms interchangeably confuses the points being made about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
If you are considering rehabilitation, it’s important to know the difference between addiction and dependence, what the signs of each are and what treatment is available to help you or someone you know.
The Definition of Dependence vs Addiction
First, it’s important to know the definitions of dependence vs addiction to begin to understand what sets them apart.
Definition of Dependence
When talking about dependence, you are talking more about the physical reliance on drugs or alcohol. A person who is taking pain medication becomes dependent on that drug to function and may find they need a higher dosage to get the same effects.
Dependent people will also suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the substance.
Definition of Addiction
Addiction is the evolvement of dependence. If you are addicted, you will experience the same physical withdrawal symptoms as someone dependent. The difference is in behaviour and psychology.
A person who suffers from addiction will continue to use the substance despite the negative impact it is having on their life. Everything in their life will fall to the side, and the only focus is gaining access to the substance to which they have become addicted.
What is the Difference Between Addiction and Dependence?
In the simplest form, the difference between dependence and addiction is a person’s ability to function. Someone dependent may suffer from physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, but it will not cause much chaos in their life.
A person suffering from addiction will be on a downward path that is infecting every part of their life. Addiction destroys marriages, livelihoods, bank accounts and a person’s physical and mental health.
Someone dependent will take their substance to feel normal. An addict will use their substance because they have no choice anymore.
Signs of Addiction and Dependence
Before deciding if you or someone you know should look at a private drug and alcohol rehab, it’s best to get clued up on the signs of addiction and dependence. Knowing specifically what you or someone else suffers from will make deciding what rehabilitation pathway to choose easier.
Signs of Dependence
Dependence may manifest with more physical symptoms. If you suffer from shaking hands, physical cravings for your substance and fatigue – these are signs of dependence. You can also expect to suffer from aching muscles, sweating, vomiting, increased heart rate and nightmares.
Signs may also be psychological. If you begin to suffer from depression and anxiety, or it is worsening, this can be a sign of dependence. You may also struggle to concentrate and experience hallucinations or delusions.
Signs of Addiction
As stated above, the difference between dependency and addiction comes down to behaviour. With addiction, you will experience all the physical and psychological symptoms of dependence if you stop taking your substance for any amount of time.
It becomes an addiction when you begin to prioritise the substance above everything else. Relationships may begin to break down as you withdraw from people, your work will suffer, and you might slip into financial trouble. Soon you will struggle to think about anything else or function at all without your substance of choice. Some individuals with severe addiction may also begin being under the influence in risky situations like driving and be unable to stop no matter what.
Treatment Options for Addiction
If you are suffering from addiction, then time at a rehab centre may be the only thing that can help you. At Rehab Clinics Group, you are guaranteed to go to a facility that provides industry-leading addiction treatment under the care of dedicated and knowledgeable staff.
The journey you will go on will be bespoke, a programme specifically catered to you and your situation to be the most effective. In all cases, treatment follows a tried and trusted pathway.
Detoxification
To end your physical dependence on a substance, you have to undergo detoxification. This is the process of flushing the harmful toxins from your body by stopping your consumption of substances. Doing this will make you go through withdrawal. In rehab, you will undergo this process in a calm environment that is tailored for comfort. You may be provided with medication to ease the worst of symptoms, and the whole time, medical professionals will monitor you.
Therapies
Dealing with the psychological side of addiction is where the battle is. With a range of therapy options, individuals will explore their addiction.
In these individual and group sessions, working on coping mechanisms is common to understand better why you became addicted in the first place and how to change destructive patterns.
These evidence-based approaches will be combined with well-being therapies such as music therapy, Low-Level Laser Therapy and other holistic therapies to provide a comprehensive programme. These types of therapies are about improving your mental well-being and leaving you in a better state of mind to deal with your addiction.
Aftercare
Once someone has left rehab, the journey isn’t over. To stay on top of recovery and ensure that relapse is prevented as much as possible, participating in aftercare is encouraged. Through group meetings and additional support, people can connect with others and hone their coping skills to better deal with triggers and temptations down the line.
Get Help with Addiction and Dependence Today
Drug dependence vs addiction is perhaps a more complicated issue than you were previously aware. If you are worried about your drug-taking or drinking habits and not sure whether you are dependent or addicted, then you should reach out.
Rehab Clinics Group provides expert advice and our team will find the residential addiction treatment you need to get better. Start your recovery journey today by calling us at 0800 470 0382 or texting HELP to 83222.
