The Difference Between Tolerance, Dependence & Addiction

By Author: Care Addiction
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Even when we see how substances negatively impact someone's life, it can be hard to understand another person's decision to continue using them. Can't they just stop?

Consequences of actions often do not occur until some time later in everyday life. It may be easy to ignore the decision to stop, resulting in a loss of control.

When someone loses control, it is referred to as addiction, and it can actually be split into three different categories - tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

How do you tell the difference between tolerance, dependence, and addiction?

Tolerance

The chemical messenger serotonin helps boost your mood in the brain. A person can also release serotonin when they use a substance - by using a substance, the brain is tricked into releasing this feel good chemical.

The pleasure received with repeated use will diminish over time. After a while, a small amount isn't as effective, and more is required.

What does tolerance mean? According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) ...
... tolerance is a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.

An individual may develop tolerance to a substance without being addicted to it. If this is the case, it means that the current level of the drug is not causing the same effects. Not just illicit substances, but also prescription medications can lead to tolerance.

Dependence

It is possible for drug dependence and drug addiction to go hand in hand, but they are slightly different. NIDA characterizes dependence as a physical dependence in which the body adapts to the drug, requiring more of it to achieve a certain effect. Also, it may mean withdrawal symptoms, such as drinking more to alleviate shakes or withdrawals.

Addiction

The definition of addiction is the continued use of a substance or engagement in a behavior regardless of negative impacts such as problems in relationships, health problems, harm and negative consequences.

Substance use becomes an addiction when an individual has attempted to stop and has not been successful, or there are major impairments in life with work, family, or financial situations that are related to substance use.

Oftentimes the simplest way to define addiction is when these factors unique to addiction - known as the four Cs of addiction - are present.

Compulsion: an overwhelming urge or desire to use substances.
Craving: an urge or powerful desire viewed as an absolute need in everyday life.
Consequences: when consequences become apparent, but the behavior continues.
Control: unable to set limits and stick to them (loss of control).

Understanding the subtle differences between tolerance, dependence and addiction can help an individual and their loved ones find the best path to recovery and healing.

If you or a loved one need help for an addiction and want to know more about treatment programs, feel free to contact us at 630-402-0144.

Care Addiction Center provides compassionate, confidential & professional treatment services for adults suffering from alcohol & substance abuse. We believe that recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction is possible, even in very late stages. Our experienced and caring staff is dedicated to providing comprehensive drug treatment services for alcoholism and substance abuse with multiple levels of care. Substance Abuse Treatment for Kane County, Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, Elburn, South Elgin, West Chicago, and Aurora Illinois.