Substance use disorder vs Addiction
Similar, but different…
Source- NIDA
Substance use disorder (SUD): A disease that leads to problematic substance use that causes physical, mental, and social impairment or distress.
Characteristics include:
- Continuing to use the substance despite negative consequences
- Spending a lot of time using or obtaining the substance
- Having strong cravings or urges for the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used
- Using the substance in larger amounts or for longer periods of time than intended
- Giving up important activities or social events in order to use the substance
Addiction: A disorder of the brain that is considered to be a medical condition and mental illness that leads to compulsive drug seeking, use, and potential relapse, despite the harmful consequences. While there is no cure for addiction, it is treatable with professional help.
- It involves functional changes to the brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control, making it physically difficult to stop or change the behavior.
Characteristics include:
- Loss of control over drug use
- Continued use of the drug despite negative consequences
- Cravings for the drug
- Inability to stop using the drug, even when wanting to
- Using the drug in larger amounts or for longer periods of time than intended
- Giving up important activities or social events in order to use the drug
- Spending a lot of time using or obtaining the drug
- Using the drug even when not in a safe environment
- Developing a tolerance to the drug, meaning that higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not used
Source- Urban Recovery