Understanding the Differences 1 Use: Substance use is any consumption of alcohol or drugs. ... 2 Abuse: Substance abuse is when someone continues to use drugs or alcohol even when it causes problems, such as trouble with work, family, or their health. ... 3 Dependence: Substance dependence is an addiction to alcohol or drugs. ...
Understanding the definitions can help you, or a loved one, make an informed decision about your relationship with substances and when it may be time to seek help. The terms use, abuse and dependence (or sometimes addiction) are used frequently – and sometimes interchangeably – when talking about alcohol and drugs.
Abuse: Substance abuse is when someone continues to use drugs or alcohol even when it causes problems, such as trouble with work, family, or their health. For instance, continuing to use drugs knowing you’ll be fired if you fail a drug test is a sign of abuse.
The terms use, abuse and dependence (or sometimes addiction) are used frequently – and sometimes interchangeably – when talking about alcohol and drugs. But what do they really mean? Use: Substance use is any consumption of alcohol or drugs.
Dependence: Substance dependence is an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Dependence : Substance dependence is an addiction to alcohol or drugs. You may be unable to stop drinking or using drugs, and have physical withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit.
But what do they really mean? Use: Substance use is any consumption of alcohol or drugs.
Using substances in larger amounts for longer than intended. Making efforts to stop, but being unable to do so. Spending more time getting, using and recovering from using the substance. Having cravings and urges to use the substance. Continuing to use the substance even though it causes social and relationship problems.
Even with these three definitions in mind, it may still be difficult to distinguish between use, abuse and dependence . For this reason, the American Psychiatric Association has updated its criteria for talking about addiction and now uses the term “substance use disorder,” which includes the following signs and symptoms:
It’s important to keep in mind that only a mental health professional or addiction specialist can make an accurate diagnosis of a substance use disorder. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drugs, it’s important to talk to your doctor to get the help you need.
For children and young adults whose brains are still developing, any alcohol or drug use is too much. For adults, the answer is a little more challenging and involves individual choice, your personal and family history of addiction, and how you manage your lifestyle and goals.