Dependence vs. Addiction

Draka,
Well, I have to disagree some with wolftrades on this, and I've got some professional background in this area. Addiction isn't just psychological; it involves physical and multiple aspects of a person's life, and the medical diagnostic criteria reflect this. I posted a link to an article awhile ago that clarifies the distinction that was a collaboration between addiction professionals and pain management professionals. When I get a chance, I'll try to find the link.

There are two diagnostic classifications which are possible regarding addiction; substance abuse and substance dependence. Two different diagnoses with different criteria. Substance dependence is what most people would think of as addiction, and does involve consideration of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, along with other criteria. Substance abuse does not have to involve those areas (tolerance or withdrawal). This is an area I've worked in profesionally, and I'm not a doctor but am licensed in another field to diagnose mental health and substance abuse/dependence conditions.

I'll try to find the link.

Hope this helps a bit. We periodically have this discussion, and it is an important one for us because we're often thought of as addicts when that's not true for the overwhelming majority of CPP's.

PaLady

This topic has been discussed many times since I have been on here and I can honestly say we will discuss it again. This is something that many people who use opiads will have to deal with in their own lives in their own way. Clinically, yes there is a difference. I live in a realm of dependence but I work in the realm of addiction. I face the issues every day. Experiencially for me there is a big difference but that is because I have been the addict. I work constantly with the addict. But I also know that by my experience and knowledge, not everyone will agree. Many will have to face the issue themselves and then make decisions that will effect their own lives. I don't want anyone else putting me in a catagory and I will not put others there. If someone thinks that I am an addict because I seek to function as a living person with a manageable amount of pain, then they are free to make their decision. The people that I hear on this site and who constantly give of themselves to help comfort and encourage others are certainly not the same as those I deal with that are looking for a fix at any cost.

This does not settle the issue because we all have to make that decision for ourselves. I have made the decision and for me I want to live and be normal but pain has taken away what I used to see as normal. Now life is defined by a different standard. If someone feels that they are an addict because they take a pill to relieve real pain, then they can make a decision that will effect them. We have the freedom to make decisions for ourselves and I am so glad. This is probably stronger than I intended but I hope it is received in love because that is the way it is intended. Blessings!

Drake, Thanks for posting and I look forward to seeing you around the site. This is the best place and sometimes the only place where we find the words that give us the strength to get through another day. I hope you will continue to join us and some days we give comfort and encouragement and some days we need it. We are here for both.

Post Edited (fatherjohn) : 6/29/2009 11:14:43 PM (GMT-6)