Questions regarding drug dependence and addiction stem from a debate about opioids, specifically their use in pain management. Opioids are a type of analgesic drug, such as morphine and codeine, that are typically derived from poppy flowers. In recent years, their use as a pain-management tool has come under fire because of growing concerns over the highly addictive nature of opioids such as heroine (a semisynthetic opioid). Nonetheless, doctors maintain that there is a distinct difference between drug dependence and drug addiction.
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a condition in which a person engages in drug-seeking behaviors. Drug addiction is marked by constant thoughts about a chosen drug, persistent use of the drug and withdrawal from the drug. It is a condition with physical, psychological, emotional and social factors and consequences.
Drug Dependence
Drug dependence is a condition in which the body has become accustomed to a drug, usually prescribed to treat chronic pain. The body eventually develops a need for the drug to maintain normal function. It is considered to be primarily an adaptive, biological response to a drug and has few or no emotional, psychological or social factors.
Pseudoaddiction
Pseudoaddiction is a condition that, on the surface, mimics drug addiction at the behavioral level. Typical drug-seeking behaviors occur and even attempts to acquire drugs illegally. This is, however, considered a problem with dosage in cases of acute pain, and the drug-seeking behaviors tend to subside when the dosage is adjusted.
Identifying Addiction
In the case of addiction, drug use typically takes precedence over all other life matters. Drug-seeking behaviors will lead to job loss, family dispute and financial disaster. The drug use is often an attempt to escape the problems of reality and tends to limit the ability of the addict to engage in socially useful activity.
Identifying Dependence
In the case of dependence, drug use typically exists as a means of re-engaging with life. The pain-control function of the drug tends to enable the user to maintain employment, engage in family affairs and manage their affairs responsibly.
Tags: drug-seeking behaviors, condition which, dependence drug, Drug addiction, drug dependence, drug typically, social factors