Define dependency vs. addiction

[CadillacJack]

I'm serious about this question; are some people simply physically dependent on a drug, and therefore get through the physical withdrawals, and go about their happy way, as opposed to addiction, which results in a mental craving long after physical withdrawals are done? Or if a duck = a bird, then a bird must equal a duck? What defines these two terms?

[bubbaganoosh]

Also im sure the dependant's of the world have some mental worry about will they be ok without it too, be good if there was a quiz we could take lol

[bubbaganoosh]

For myself i think its dependancy although i could be wrong, I've had friends in the past say have a bottle of something take alot from it as sometimes  i wouldnt, but years ago when i drank i drank or binge drank, But i also have anxiety issues and i think i may have used to cover up socially to be comftorbale, so does that make me an addict if per say its a seconday condition the substances?? I havnt drank in 8years so if i was an addict surely i would no??

[avisg]

Some people get withdrawals some don't I have known people that have used and abused heavily for years get minimal to no withdrawl. So you cant really use that as an indication of abuse

[Sajonna]

Someone explain this then:  People here told me that even after a taper off the meds (my case Norco's) I would still feel a withdrawal.   I followed the taper to a T.  I had no one to dole them out. Never once in the whole taper did I feel like taking more than I should.   I am on day 2 of NO PILLS.  I am not suffering mentally.  And not even physically.  My taper was 5 pills for days; 4 pills for 2days etc...ending with a 1/2 pill for the final 2 days.   I did notice on everyday that I stepped down a pill (the first day of the taper dosage) I felt a little punchy and irritable. But by the 2nd day of the step down I felt fine. Other than that, I had none of the other horrible w/d symptoms everyone else here claims.  Everyone else sounded like they had a bad flu.

Could it be that I did not get these symptoms because I did not take these pills to chase a high or as some would say abuse them?

[J_friend]

One can take an opiate as prescribed and, if done long term, will become physically dependent.  For example, if someone is taking  Oxycontin 40  3 times daily, and perhaps 2/3 Percocet daily (as needed for breakthrough pain) ... they can take as directed, yet they will eventually end up physically dependent on the pills.   On the contrary, someone who addicted will most likely take more than is needed, mentally obsess on their next "rush", possibly doctor shop, try to increase dosage because they want more of a rush ... the list goes on.

[wishforchange]

SableZen you nailed it.  You have actually for the first time I have read on this site explained properly the difference between those using drugs for pain and those using for recreational purposes.  Yes there is a fine line between the two, but as in my case, as I keep explaining to doctors and family and whoever else who asks, who just look at me incredulously, I do not take these drugs to feel euphoric.  I take these drugs to enable me to move.  I am not perfect and have on occasion taken more than I needed, and then felt the pscyhcological changes others may seek.  Personally though I do not like them, and once I get into such a state immediately decided to reduce my dose back down to the pain relieving levels.  I am not superhuman, it is just how I work.  I do not like to have my mind altered by drugs, and am so tired of being accused of it directly and indirectly.  Thank you for so articulately experessing the difference.