When describing drug addiction, the terms “abuse” and “dependency” are frequently employed. Unfortunately, many people use these terms interchangeably. But do they refer to the same thing?
In a nutshell, drug abuse is the continued use of drugs despite the abuser’s knowledge that they are harming their health and well-being. Drug addicts will continue to use even if their social and financial lives are in shambles. On the other hand, drug addiction arises when a person develops a tolerance to a specific drug or drugs.
Nevertheless, physicians have found this distinction between drug misuse and drug addiction to be of little benefit in practice.
The Difference Between Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction
Drug Abuse
Many people mistakenly use drug abuse and drug addiction interchangeably, making it difficult to discern whether drug abuse is/becomes an addiction. Nonetheless, their distinction is negligible. A person can abuse a drug without becoming addicted to it, yet abuse can lead to addiction.
In essence, drug abuse is a milder type of dangerous drug or alcohol usage that may or may not progress to addiction. Among other signs, it is characterized by recurring legal difficulties, family issues, and financial instabilities. It is seen as the destructive use of a drug that causes problems in daily life.
Drug Addiction
On the other hand, addiction is defined by tolerance, withdrawal, inability to manage drug use, prolonged use despite adverse effects and other variables. It is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by a physiological and psychological addiction to or needs for drugs.
Because addicts lose control over their drug use, drug addiction is more severe than abuse.
Physical addiction occurs when the body builds tolerance to the substance, requiring more and more of the drug to get the same effect. If the medicine is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms may arise.
Drug addiction also has a psychological component, in which addicts may wish to stop but believe they lack the strength to do so. Their lives are centered on drug usage, and they are unable to function productively.
Self-help groups, counseling, and outpatient treatment may be helpful in the early stages of drug addiction; however, more severe or advanced habits often necessitate detoxification, inpatient treatment, and self-help support.
Consequences of Drug Abuse and Addiction
Drug misuse exposes people to the same risks as infrequent drug users, but it also exposes them to a host of mental and physical health problems. It is important to note that the consequences of both drug abuse and addiction are similar—thus the confusion between the terms.
Cardiovascular Issues
The consequences can range from an irregular heartbeat to a heart attack. Injection drug use can cause cardiovascular issues like blocked veins and bacterial infections in the blood arteries and heart valves.
Cancers
Cigarette smoking has been linked to mouth, throat, stomach, and lung cancer. Nonsmokers are more likely to get lung cancer and other health problems due to secondhand cigarette smoke. Testicular cancer is a concern for young adult males who started consuming marijuana in their adolescence.
Gastrointestinal issues
Gastrointestinal effects of drug use include nausea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and intestinal tissue deterioration. For instance, opioid use causes abdominal pain, acid reflux, and severe constipation.
HIV and Hepatitis
Drug usage is linked to dangerous behaviors, including sharing needles and having intercourse without protection. This can also impair the immune system, making it more likely to contract HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases.
Musco-skeletal Issues
Steroid use throughout adolescence causes artificially high levels of sex hormones. This can cause the bones to cease growing sooner than otherwise, resulting in low stature, acute muscle cramping, and overall muscle weakness.
Deficiencies in the respiratory system
Scientists have linked bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer to respiratory issues such as smoking cigarettes.
On the other hand, cocaine causes significant respiratory problems and lung damage. Drugs like opioids can delay breathing, prevent air from entering the lungs, and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Experts recognize the distinction between drug misuse and drug dependence. Many residential treatment programs are specifically designed to fulfill the needs of drug patients. They spend extra time understanding the scope of their condition, assessing their requirements and goals, and then developing successful plans to assist them in completing the path to recovery.
Are you ready to begin your road to recovery? Call us at 833-364-0736 right now.