Drug addiction and drug dependence are terms people often use interchangeably, but they are different conditions. Even the treatment centers sometimes define addiction and dependence in different ways. However, the most important thing to know for someone battling these conditions is that both are treatable in the right program. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we offer a range of treatment options to support you. Do you need addiction counseling? Call us today at 866.957.7885.
What Is Drug Addiction?
The term addiction refers to a marked change in a person’s behavior. A person feels compelled to use the drug of their desire on a constant basis. They recognize that there are risks to doing so. Some characteristics of drug addiction include:
- Failure to meet family obligations
- Inability to stop using the drug
- Lacking in social obligations
- Struggling at work
A person with an addiction can experience tolerance as well. This condition occurs when the body becomes used to the person using a certain amount of the drug. As a result, to get the same high, a person needs to use more of that drug, which increases the risk of overdose.
What Is Drug Dependence?
Dependence is a bit different. There are two forms: physical and psychological. In physical dependence, the body adapts to the presence of the drug. If the person stops using the substance suddenly, their body reacts with withdrawal symptoms, which may include physical pain, insomnia, and seizures. Psychological dependence occurs when the brain has adapted to the drug and relies on it to function normally. If a person stops using this drug, they feel intense cravings for it. These cravings, along with withdrawal symptoms, make it nearly impossible for a person to stop using on their own.
What’s the Difference Between Drug Addiction and Dependence?
That’s often hard to see. While dependence on its own doesn’t constitute addiction, both conditions often occur together. Dependence typically requires more advanced treatment, including detox, to stop the symptoms of the disorder.
During detox, the body goes through a period of cleansing. This process is natural and normal. The brain still desires the drugs, which leads to the onset of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. In a professional detox setting, it is possible to reduce some of those symptoms to make it possible for a person to stop using the drug without pain and discomfort.
Those who have an addiction still need treatment in a professional setting but may not require detox.
Both addiction and dependence require a drug therapy program that addresses the damage caused by addiction. That includes counseling through individual and group therapy. Therapy ensures a person can control their behaviors more effectively, consisting of better management of stress and negative thought processes. Therapy also reduces the risk of relapse by providing helpful strategies and tools for managing intense moments. Family therapy may also be a component of this type of treatment plan.
How Professional Treatment Can Help
When you’re facing either condition, it’s critical to find comprehensive help. Treating addiction and dependence means utilizing both talk-based therapy and detox programs. It is possible to break dependence and, over time, learn to improve the symptoms of addiction when we use these treatments in combination with each other. Some of the ways we can do this include:
Drug Detox Services
Drug detox services are an essential part of addiction treatment. They involve the removal of substances from your body in a safe and monitored manner, allowing you to start on the road toward recovery. Detox can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and minimize physical cravings for drugs or alcohol. In some cases, medications may be used to help manage these symptoms.
Men’s Drug Rehab
Men’s drug rehab is a specialized type of substance abuse treatment designed to meet the needs of men struggling with addiction. Treatment focuses on helping people understand their addiction, develop coping skills and making positive lifestyle changes that foster long-term sobriety.
Women’s Drug Rehab
This specialized form of treatment is specifically designed to meet the unique and complex needs of women dealing with substance abuse issues. It provides comprehensive services, including gender-responsive assessments, individual counseling, group therapy, family support services, medical care, and aftercare planning.
Residential Treatment Programs
Residential treatment programs provide 24-hour support and care in a supportive environment. These programs are designed to treat individuals with moderate to severe substance use issues. Participants typically attend the program for an extended period of time, ranging from weeks to months, and receive comprehensive therapies throughout their stay.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are treatment programs designed to treat substance use disorders, such as alcoholism and drug addiction. IOPs provide comprehensive treatment services that may include group therapy, individual counseling, education about addiction, relapse prevention training and family counseling.
It’s Time to Fight Your Addiction
Don’t allow drug addiction to take you down the wrong path or limit your overall wellbeing. Instead, learn more about treatment for drug dependence in Texas at San Antonio Recovery Center. We can provide comprehensive care to help you overcome your addiction. Let’s talk about your options when you call 866.957.7885 or reach out to us online.
