Important Drug Dependence Journals

   Drug dependence occurs when you need one or more drugs to function. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) used to distinguish between dependence and abuse. Abuse was considered the mild or early phase of inappropriate drug use that led to dependence. People viewed dependence as a more severe problem than abuse The APA replaced “dependence” and “abuse” with “substance use disorder” in the 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This diagnosis focuses on the disorder involving the use of the substance. People sometimes use the terms “addiction” and “dependence” interchangeably. Dependence is not the same as addiction. Addiction Addiction can occur without being dependent on drugs. Addiction may involve: ·         using drugs despite the consequences ·         being unable to stop using drugs ·         neglecting social and work obligations because of drug use Dependence It’s possible to be dependent on drugs without being addicted. Dependence can be a bodily response to a substance. This often occurs if you rely on medications to control a chronic medical condition. These conditions may include: ·         high blood pressure ·         diabetes ·         glaucoma ·         Dependence may involve: ·         some or all the symptoms of addiction ·         development of a high tolerance for the substance as your body adapts to the drug, leading to a desire for larger or more frequent doses