The terms “dependence,” “tolerance,” and “addiction” are usually used interchangeably as far as substance abuse is concerned. However, they don’t mean the same thing.
The vocabulary we use can influence how we feel about ourselves. It may also affect how we get assistance from medical professionals.
So, what’s the relationship between these terms? Read on to find out!
Tolerance
Tolerance develops when a person abuses a drug for a long time. When a person uses a drug over time, their body adapts to it, and it loses its potency.
After developing a tolerance to a drug, they will start taking higher doses to maintain the same effects. High dosages might have numerous harmful effects in the long run.
Dependence
Individuals may become dependent if they continually take an addictive drug in heavy amounts. Someone whose body and mind cannot function effectively without using drugs is said to be dependent on them. Both physical and psychological drug dependency can have a severe impact on a person’s life.
Addiction
Addiction impacts a person’s mind and actions. Generally, addiction is the incapacity to regulate one’s consumption of alcohol or drugs.
Addicts may attempt to quit taking the drug, knowing that doing so will have detrimental effects. However, they may feel powerless to do so. Addicts who want to quit must get proper support and assistance.
Effect on the brain
Continued substance use that results in tolerance, dependence, or addiction could cause significant harm to the brain.
Continued substance use will disrupt the brain’s neurotransmitters’ sending, receiving, and processing of signals. The abuse can influence an individual’s behavior and critical thinking.
Drug abuse also disrupts the brain’s regular dopamine production. Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical linked with pleasure.
Addictive drugs trigger the brain to produce excessive dopamine, which explains why using these drugs makes individuals feel euphoric. Eventually, the brain becomes dependent on the substance to produce dopamine.
You will start feeling exhausted and like you cannot function well without consuming the substance. This feeling frequently causes cravings for the substance and may even cause irrational behavior.
What Is Tolerance?
Drug tolerance is the gradual adaptation of the body to a drug. People who develop tolerance need larger amounts of the drug to attain similar effects.
Causes of tolerance
Using an addictive drug over a prolonged period is the primary cause of tolerance. Generally, tolerance arises when the body begins absorbing the drug more quickly, making it less effective than it was before.
Once the body becomes used to a drug, the cell receptors the substance binds to in the brain decrease, making the user feel like they need higher amounts to achieve the same “high” as before.
Examples of tolerance
For instance, a person using a prescription drug, an opioid that results in a euphoric “high” when ingested in larger doses, is an example of someone who has developed drug tolerance.
The high feeling will gradually reduce if the user continues taking the drug. This person must take higher prescription drug doses to maintain the same high.
A person may become physically or psychologically dependent or addicted as they take ever greater amounts, which increases their risk of overdosing.
Signs and symptoms
Typical signs and symptoms of drug tolerance include:
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Depressed mood
- Trouble sleeping
- Decreased appetite
- Drug cravings
- Nausea
- Consuming larger doses of substances
If you or your loved one is manifesting these signs, you need proper care and support to get the drug abuse under control.
Risks of tolerance
Here are some of the risks linked with drug tolerance:
- Addiction
- Overdose
- Chronic pain
- Seizure disorders
- Mental health problems
- Cross-tolerance
- Physical or mental dependence
- Immune-related disorders
These risks can be grave, so those struggling with drug abuse need proper care and support.
What Is Dependence?
Someone who doubts their ability to function properly without using drugs is said to be dependent on them. Dependence ranges from physical to mental, adversely affecting a person’s life.
Causes
Continued abuse of an addictive drug is the primary cause of drug dependency. Often, a person starts using a substance for recreation when dependent on it.
Recreational use eventually develops into chronic substance abuse, the onset of tolerance, and gradually taking higher amounts.
After these phases, the person will be tempted to continue using that drug to feel like their mind and body are working correctly.
Examples of dependence
A good example of dependence is a person who smokes cigarettes often. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that can cause long-term physical and mental dependency.
After regularly consuming it, someone experiences physical dependency symptoms when they try to quit, including shaky hands, cravings, and burnout.
They may also face symptoms of psychological dependence, including the notion that smoking makes them feel calmer or helps them function throughout the day. Both types of dependence make quitting more challenging and increase the risk of relapse.
Signs of dependence
Signs and symptoms of drug dependence include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Aching muscles
- Shaking
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations
If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek appropriate care and support.
Difference between tolerance and dependence
Tolerance is when the body becomes used to a drug and needs higher dosages. On the other hand, dependence is the resulting physical or mental symptoms that make a person feel the need to continue using the drug.
Usually, tolerance and dependence coexist. Someone with drug tolerance will likely develop drug dependence on repeated abuse.
Risks associated with dependence?
The primary risk associated with dependence is that it can lead to addiction. But dependence can also lead to:
- Overdose
- Impaired judgment
- Developing tolerance
- Changes in the chemical structure of the brain
- Long-term health problems
These risks can be severe. It would be best to seek proper treatment and support if you are battling drug dependence.
What Is Addiction?
Drug addiction is distinguished by the inability to quit or moderate drug use despite suffering adverse effects.
Forms of addiction
There are two primary forms of addiction – behavioral and chemical. Chemical addiction comes from drug use, while behavioral addiction entails compulsive actions that someone maintains despite not being beneficial.
Signs of addiction
Drug addiction signs and symptoms include:
- Onset of tolerance
- Withdrawal from routine activities
- Strong cravings
- Difficulty quitting substance use
- Using drugs in unsafe scenarios, such as at work or when driving
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit
Addiction is a serious condition that calls for proper treatment. If you or your loved one is experiencing these symptoms, seek help.
Risks of Addiction
Common risks linked with addiction are:
- Overdose
- Financial challenges
- Mental health issues
- Irrational behavior
- Relationship issues
- Legal problems
- Changes in brain chemistry
- Physical health problems
Difference between addiction and tolerance
The key difference between addiction and tolerance is that. In contrast, addiction relates to a person’s inability to regulate drug use; tolerance is the state where the body becomes accustomed to consuming a drug. Addiction and tolerance often coexist because one might cause the other.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing drug addiction necessitates a thorough evaluation, frequently involving a consultation with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or certified counselor.
The first step in seeking help for an addiction, whether for yourself or a loved one, is to speak with a doctor or visit a treatment facility.
Drug Addiction Treatment
Several treatment options are available for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Both inpatient and outpatient settings can provide the care and support they need for drug addiction recovery.
Inpatient care
Inpatient treatment entails admitting patients to a treatment facility where they have therapy, undergo detoxification, and learn coping mechanisms for dealing with their addiction problem.
It allows you to stay in a controlled environment free from impulses to use substances while receiving.
Inpatient treatment programs are especially good for those with other health problems besides drug addiction. The programs integrate medical care and addiction treatment, improving overall well-being.
Outpatient treatment
In an outpatient program, patients regularly come to a facility to get counseling for addiction management and help with detoxification.
Outpatient treatment is a better option for people who don’t want to leave their jobs or family duties while undergoing treatment.
Residential treatment
Like inpatient treatment, residential treatment involves admission to a treatment facility for a while. The difference is that residential therapy is less rigorous and more closely imitates a cozy home environment.
You will get counseling and detox as part of residential treatment, which will also help you develop a strategy for maintaining sobriety in the long term.
Moreover, since you share this residence with friends with a similar problem, you can encourage each other to maintain sobriety.
Find the Professional Help You Deserve Today!
If you think that you or your loved one is suffering from tolerance, dependence, or addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. These conditions are treatable.
CCIWA is here to help you get the care and support you need. We can connect you to qualifies health professionals who will walk with you every step of the journey.
Our partner medical professionals offer personalized treatment programs to get to the root of the problem and provide the tools and resources you need to regain your life.
Contact us at 888-217-1376 for help today!
