Question 1

what is the difference between physical dependence vs addiction?

Accepted Answer

Very little: I believe we are splitting hairs. Same thing. If you are physically dependent, that describes the hallmark of addiction. Hope this helps.
Whatever you wish to call it, get help yesterday. Talk with your doctor the day before.

Question 2

what physically happens in the body with alcohol addiction and dependence?

Accepted Answer

A great deal !!: Books have been written on just what alcohol addiction does to the nervous system no system in the body in immune from the harmful effect of abuse  of this commonly used substance.

Question 3

is physical dependence the same as drug addiction?

Accepted Answer

No: People being treated by prescription can become dependent but not addicted.

Question 4

what about the stories of addiction surrounding opiates? is there a difference between physical dependence and addiction?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Physical dependence involves use to avoid withdrawal both physiologic and substance dependent without compulsive, lack of control behavior. You can have dependence without addiction.

Question 5

what is the medical definition of addiction versus dependence?

Accepted Answer

Addiction/Dependence: Addiction is persistent engagement in rewarding behavior inspite of consequences.
Dependence is continued use to avoid withdrawal.

Question 6

what is the difference between a tolerance/dependence and an addiction?

Accepted Answer

Three things: You have mentioned three different things:
tolerance - needing more of a drug to get the same effect. Very common in many drugs.
Dependence - a physical/psychological need for a drug, often accompanied by specific symptoms if you stop taking it.
Addiction - pattern of [harmful] behaviors involving a substance or behavior; typically involves dependence/tolerance related to the substance/behavior.

Question 7

what's substance dependence vs addiction?

Accepted Answer

Addiction vs.: Dependence.  Some drugs have effects on the body that the body becomes used to.  This is dependence.  If the drug is suddenly withdrawn, the patient will experience a withdrawal syndrome untill the body readjusts.  Addiction is an uncontrollable, compulsive need for and use of a substance despite negative consequences (deteriorating health, memory, loss of relationships, legal problems, etc.).

Question 8

is benzodiazepine dependence tantamount to benzodiazepine addiction?

Accepted Answer

: Different conditions, dependence has to do with physical symptoms developed when benzos are stopped, addiction is inability to stop use, by itself a medical condition.

Question 9

what can be initial signs of alcohol addiction / dependence?

Accepted Answer

Here are some signs: There are four areas that you want to look at to see if there's any dysfunction or consequences or interference in your overall functioning. Have you had any legal problems like a dui? Has your drinking affected your job? Are you depressed ? Do you find it hard to stop once you started drinking? Do you drink daily and drink to get drunk? When you stop is there shaking and sweating and nausea?

Question 10

how can i tell if i'm experiencing alcohol dependence / addiction?

Accepted Answer

Check symptoms: These terms are used interchangeably     
alcohol dependence occurs when you have to take higher doses to get the same effect and you develop withdrawal symptoms when you quit "cold turkey"
addiction is the case when you have major areas in your life negatively being impacted and you are still not able to stop.

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Doctor answers about:

Understanding addiction the physical dependence model

A member asked:

What is the difference between physical dependence vs addiction?

A member asked:

What physically happens in the body with alcohol addiction and dependence?

A member asked:

Is physical dependence the same as drug addiction?

A member asked:

What about the stories of addiction surrounding opiates? is there a difference between physical dependence and addiction?

A member asked:

What is the medical definition of addiction versus dependence?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a tolerance/dependence and an addiction?

A member asked:

What's substance dependence vs addiction?

A member asked:

Is benzodiazepine dependence tantamount to benzodiazepine addiction?

A member asked:

What can be initial signs of alcohol addiction / dependence?

A member asked:

How can i tell if i'm experiencing alcohol dependence / addiction?

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