Drug addiction symptoms and ways to seek assistance
Physical dependence is a physiological condition that arises from prolonged substance use, causing the body to adapt to the presence of a particular substance. If the substance is stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms may occur. These symptoms can range from mild, such as nausea, sweating, and headaches, to severe, including seizures or delirium [1][3][5].
Common symptoms of physical dependence include anxiety or agitation, increased heart rate, difficulty concentrating, detachment from reality, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea [1]. In extreme cases, a person may require emergency care before they receive treatment for substance use disorder (SUD).
It's essential to note that physical dependence does not always lead to addiction. A person can experience physical dependence on prescription opioids, antidepressants, anti-epileptics, or benzodiazepines without having an addiction to them [2].
Substance Use Disorder (SUD), on the other hand, is a complex psychiatric condition. It involves uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences, impaired control over consumption, and social or occupational impairment. SUD also includes psychological symptoms such as intense cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior [2].
The causes of SUD are multifactorial, including biological, psychological, and social factors. Treatment for SUD requires a comprehensive, individualized approach beyond detoxification, incorporating behavioral therapies, counseling, and long-term support to address both addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues [2][3][4].
Doctors have the same right to treat people with physical dependence as they do for people with any other health condition. They can work with individuals to find a treatment that reduces the chances of relapsing in the case of SUD. In some cases, this may involve referral to rehabilitation centers for treatment of SUD, although these centers may not specifically address physical dependence [3].
In conclusion, understanding the differences between physical dependence and SUD is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. Physical dependence refers to the body's reliance on a substance to function normally, while SUD involves compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. Treatment for physical dependence focuses on medically managing withdrawal symptoms, while treatment for SUD requires a multifaceted approach addressing both biological and behavioral aspects for long-term recovery [1][2][3][5].
[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). What is substance use disorder? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-disorder
[2] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
[3] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 53: Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (3rd ed.). Rockville, MD: National Institute on Drug Abuse.
[5] World Health Organization. (2018). Clinical management of withdrawal syndromes: The psychoactive substance use disorders. Geneva: World Health Organization.
Therapies and treatments for Substance Use Disorder (SUD), rooted in science and health-and-wellness, may include a combination of behavioral therapies, counseling, and long-term support to manage the psychological symptoms, such as intense cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior, associated with mental-health issues. It's important to understand that physical dependence does not always equate to addiction, but both conditions require medical attention and can be managed with appropriate health-and-wellness interventions.
