When describing substance use, many terms are used interchangeably, such as misuse and addiction. Because they often have overlapping symptoms and causes, making the distinction between the two diagnoses can be challenging. However, for those ready to recover and seek treatment, knowing the difference between drug misuse and drug addiction will help you understand your next crucial steps.
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Drug misuse is the use of illegal or legal substances in ways that differ from their intended purpose or in amounts considered excessive. For example, a person may exceed the amount of their prescription dosage or use someone else's prescription. Misused substances can also include alcohol and illicit drugs like heroin and methamphetamine.
In many cases, people misuse substances for experimental and recreational reasons. They try alcohol and other drugs (AOD) due to curiosity, continuing their use as they enjoy being under the influence. Sometimes, substance misuse is linked to specific challenges or situations. People might turn to AOD to ease negative symptoms of medical conditions, relieve stress, avoid reality or even seek creative inspiration. Certain religious rituals also involve drug use.
Not everyone who uses AOD becomes addicted, but regular misuse often leads to addiction. Ultimately, everyone's bodies and brains react differently — some may use a substance for a short period and become addicted quickly, while others may continue to misuse the substance without ever experiencing an addiction.
Even if someone is not addicted, any substance misuse has serious risks. Through decades of research and imaging scans, repeated drug misuse has been proven to cause physical changes to the brain in areas that affect judgment, decision-making, memory and behavioral control. There are also social and legal consequences, such as:
If you are concerned that you or a loved one is misusing a substance, recognizing these signs early can be a crucial step in seeking treatment:
Drug addiction is a complex, chronic disease that can lead to intense cravings, causing people to compulsively seek and use AOD. This condition is recognized as a brain disorder because it involves how the brain functions, specifically in the areas that regulate reward, stress and self-control.
Addiction is by no means a moral failing or a lack of willpower, and reducing the associated stigma is vital for encouraging treatment. Because seeking drugs is caused by habit rather than conscious and rational decisions, those experiencing addiction may continue using even though they are aware of the adverse effects. Some of the other characteristics of drug addiction include:
As addiction progresses, individuals may develop a tolerance, meaning that their brain or body becomes less responsive to the substance over time. As a result, they seek larger or more frequent doses. Drug tolerances can speed up the negative effects of substance use, such as increasing the likelihood of dependence. Using larger doses also makes one's risk of accidental overdose much higher.
Here are some signs that you or your loved one may be experiencing addiction:
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Besides the physical signs, misuse and addiction can cause individuals to be irritable, feel paranoid, act secretively and continuously exhibit dishonesty. They may change their friends, become oversensitive and disengage from family activities.
Though they share similarities, drug misuse and drug addiction are considered two different diagnoses. Substance misuse is a pattern of harmful use, whereas addiction is a disease that causes changes in the brain that lead to cravings and compulsive behavior. Drug misuse is generally considered a milder form of harmful drug use, whereas addiction is more severe. As mentioned, one can misuse a substance without developing an addiction, but chronic drug misuse often leads to addiction.
Let's take a closer look at the differences between drug misuse and addiction:
While “addiction” is often used interchangeably with "substance dependence," these are also two separate concepts. Dependence is when an individual's body starts to rely on AOD, and it can happen with many drugs, including prescription medication taken as per a doctor's instructions. Someone with a dependence would experience severe withdrawal symptoms if drug use stops abruptly.
Unlike addiction, dependence isn't a disease that involves difficulty controlling one's behavior. Another difference is that if one is dependent on a substance, gradually cutting it out can help them stop using it. However, this approach wouldn't work in the context of addiction. An individual can also be physically dependent on a drug without experiencing addiction, and vice versa. Someone experiencing both addiction and dependence will usually require medically assisted detox as part of the treatment.
Mental dependence is another possibility. This refers to when someone relies on AOD to help them deal with emotional distress. For example, someone may turn to a substance when they are stressed but feel no compulsion to use it otherwise. This person would be engaging in drug misuse but may not experience addiction. With addiction, the individual would feel compelled to use most of the time rather than only in certain situations.
Many mental health professionals and addiction specialists no longer distinguish between misuse and addiction. In the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), both drug misuse and addiction are referred to as substance use disorder (SUD). SUDs are defined as complex conditions where individuals repeatedly and compulsively use substances despite adverse consequences. They include:
Today, addiction is defined based on different levels of severity that are characterized by a person's relationship with drugs — an SUD can be mild, moderate or severe. More than 20 million Americans over 12 are affected by SUDs to varying degrees. While differentiating between terms like “misuse” and “addiction” is outdated, making the correct diagnosis is still critical for finding the right treatment plan to help individuals find success.
Addiction is both a mental illness and a disease, and it often co-occurs with other conditions like anxiety, depression, mood disorders and trauma. Moving forward, you can expect to see addiction professionals incorporating more neurology, biology and mental health care into the diagnosis process. Understanding the complexities of addiction better allows medical professionals to address a broader range of diagnoses for the most effective treatments.
Additionally, health care reform and evolving policies regarding addiction treatment are making it easier for clients to find the care they need. With greater access to health care services, more people are finding accurate diagnoses for both addiction and co-occurring conditions and getting individualized treatment plans that help them succeed.
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At Diamond House Detox, we understand that addiction is a chronic condition that affects everyone differently. That's why our specialists provide individualized treatment for varying degrees of SUDs, ensuring you or your loved one gets the necessary help. Once we understand our clients and their situation, we explore the various options available, including residential treatment, a sober living home and outpatient care.
Our dual diagnosis treatments take a holistic approach — we're committed to addressing the whole person to support lasting recovery. Our care includes addressing our guests' substance use, mental health, and medical, psychological and spiritual needs. In addition to providing guidance and a nurturing but structured environment, we offer individual therapy, group counseling, medically assisted detox and incidental medical services.
The effects of SUDs can have lasting impacts on many areas of a person's life, regardless of the extent of their condition. However, determining the severity of your or your loved one's drug use makes it easier to find a successful treatment. Our expertise allows us to assess your individual needs so we can give you the best possible care.
To learn more about our Northern California facility, contact us today.
