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What is addiction and dependence

While people often use the words addiction and dependence interchangeably, they aren’t the same thing (especially in drugs services, medical and psychological settings). There is an overlap: many people with addiction are also dependent, but not everyone who is dependent has an addiction.

Dependence
Dependence is a strong word for extreme need. It means your body has adapted to a substance, 'G' for example, and now needs it to function normally.

Signs of dependence:

• Withdrawal symptoms if you stop, eg: shaking, sweating, anxiety, insomnia.
• You may tolerate more over time, needing higher doses to get the same effect.

Addiction
Addiction involves compulsive (repetitive) behaviours and a psychological drive (head stuff) to keep using, despite harms.

Signs of addiction:

• Craving or obsessing about the substance or behaviour
• Continued use despite negative consequences, eg: health, relationships, work)
• Feeling unable to stop, even if you want to
• Can involve both psychological and physical dependence

Habit, dependence, and addiction
Another word you may have heard, habit is a regular behaviour that you do automatically or routinely. It can be harmless, helpful, or harmful. They are behaviours that you are in control of and that you can modify as needed to suit your needs and goals. In relation to drug use, habit, dependence, and addiction are closely linked but they aren’t the same thing. Think of habits as a seed, and dependence or addiction as what can grow out of it under certain conditions and circumstances.