Drug Abuse vs Drug Dependence: Understanding the Differences

Dependence is a physical state, while addiction includes psychological and behavioral aspects, such as loss of control and compulsive use. Tolerance usually develops through repeated drug exposure, leading users to increase doses over time. Dependence often manifests through increased consumption over time, where individuals require larger doses to achieve the same effects—a phenomenon known as tolerance. Alongside this, intense cravings for the substance are common and tend to persist despite negative consequences. Withdrawal symptoms can ...