Dependence: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Disease Insights: dependence

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Welcome to the ultimate guide on dependence. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.

Description for dependence

A physical or psychological reliance on substances, medications, or behaviors.

Symptoms of dependence

behavioral changes, cravings for substance, inability to control use, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms

Precautions for dependence

Seek professional counseling, Avoid triggers for substance use, Develop a support network, Attend regular support group meet

Questions Covered:

what is dependence?
What are the usual symptoms of dependence?

Answers:

Question: what is dependence?

What is drug dependence?
Drug dependence occurs when you need one or more drugs to function. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) used to distinguish between dependence and abuse. Abuse was considered the mild or early phase of inappropriate drug use that led to dependence. People viewed dependence as a more severe problem than abuse.
The APA replaced 'dependence' and 'abuse' with 'substance use disorder' in the 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This diagnosis focuses on the disorder involving the use of the substance.

Question: What are the usual symptoms of dependence?

You can often determine if an addiction has turned into dependence by looking at behavior. When a person addicted to drugs hasn't had them for a period of time, this can cause a physical reaction. Physical symptoms of withdrawal occur when the body becomes stressed without the drug. These symptoms include:
anxiety
depression
muscle weakness
nightmares
body aches
sweating
nausea
vomiting

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Conclusion & Takeaways

Learning about dependence is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.