Drug Addiction vs. Drug Dependence: Same or Different?

The fear of addiction keeps doctors from prescribing opioids to relieve pain and keeps patients from controlling their pain, according to a report from Discovery Health. Without question addiction is serious, but is drug addiction being confused with drug dependence? What is the distinction between the two?

A patient being treated with pain medication can become dependent, but with controlled and appropriate use of the medication, the patient can return to some level of normal living and normal activities. Physical dependence on a drug indicates that sudden stopping of the drug may result in negative consequences.

• The Facts of Painkillers
• Preventing Abuse of Pain Medications
• When Are Pain Medications Appropriate for Arthritis Patients?
• Do Arthritis Patients Vary in Pain Tolerance or Pain Perception?

Addiction is both a biological and psychological condition whereby a person exhibits compulsive behavior to satisfy their craving for pain medication even when there are negative consequences associated with taking the drug. An opioid-dependent pain patient has improved function with the use of the drug while an opioid-addicted patient does not.

More Related Resources:

• Guide to Arthritis Pain
• The Pain Relief Quiz
• 10 Ways To Increase Your Pain
• The Pain Quiz: Acute vs. Chronic Pain
• Pain Management: Ways to Manage Your Pain

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum

_{Photo by Steve Rabin (iStockphoto)}