When Does the Diagnosis Change from Substance Use to Abuse or Dependence?
Posted by Administrator on November 23, 2006
When the excessive desire and intake of a substance causes the loss of a job, divorce or marital discord, imprisonment or arrest, financial hardship, mental or physical health deterioration, or other noteworthy difficulties, then the situation should no longer be categorized as substance use. When a person experiences social difficulties due to a substance, but no health or psychological problems, then he or she is likely suffering from substance abuse. When tolerance or withdrawal occurs simultaneously with social impediment, then the diagnosis of substance dependence is to be expected. There has been much debate regarding the real difference between substance abuse and dependence; and there is a fine line between the two, though they both cause substantial tribulations. However, when a person actually depends on a substance on a daily or hourly basis, physically or mentally, in a way that nothing else will suffice, then substance dependence is warranted.
Jay said
The word “dependence” in the case of substance dependence involves a situation in which an individual has developed a tolerance to a substance AND displays withdrawal symptoms, which specifically influence the individual to act on those symptoms and seek out readministration of the substance. If the desire to do the substance again is not influencing one’s cognition, a dependence can not be logically argued to exist.
Jay also said
Abuse takes into account the harmfulness of the substance and the attitude surrounding its use. There are many different observances concerning the “diagnosis” of this condition, but they are only serve to confound the argument. Primarily, if self-harm is a motivating factor, or if lack of knowledge of the substance one is self-administering is displayed, one is abusing the substance in the most historical sense (dating back to before humans even existed!)
Dependence can cause an individual to abuse a substance by overshadowing logic and causing chronic administration. (Which is often harmful).
Substance Use= Use of a Substance (imagine that!)