The terms “addiction” and “dependence” can seem similar, but they are different. Dependence occurs when the body physically relies on a drug. Addiction involves changes in behavior. A person with an ...

Drug dependence, or physical dependence, refers to when a person requires one or more drugs in order to function. Abruptly stopping the substance may cause physical symptoms of withdrawal. Although ...

The words “addiction,” “tolerance,” and “physical dependence” are often used interchangeably when it comes to drug or alcohol use. But they don’t mean the same thing. The words we use can affect how ...