Substance Dependence vs. Abuse

[golfman]

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I am so confused by this in FA. Here is what it says that has me all confused. Page 447. I'm not going to quote the ENTIRE section, just what has me confused.

Abuse: "Continued use in spite of persistent problems caused by use. Recurrent substance related legal problems. Recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home. SYMPTOMS HAVE NEVER MET CRITERIA FOR SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE".

That's fair enough. But for dependence it says: "Continued use in spite of knowing the problems that it causes. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities reduced because of substance use."

I just don't understand the difference between these, they sound so similar. It would be tough to pick them out. Any tips on these? Or am I just tired and there is a clear difference?

 

[kryptik]

i am interested in this also, if someone can clarify

 

[drizzt3117]

http://www.sis.indiana.edu/DSM-IV-Criteria.aspx

 

[kryptik]

http://www.sis.indiana.edu/DSM-IV-Criteria.aspx

thanks for the link, can you or someone put it in other words please

 

[aashkab]

The DSM guidelines are legit.

The way I think about it is that substance abuse is more episodic use that really SCREWS crap up in that moment.

And substance dependence is like a continuous, all the time, addiction including tolerance, withdrawal, everything revolving around it.

 

[drizzt3117]

easiest way to think about it is that dependence = addiction = can't go without it, while abuse has negative effects but you aren't dependent on the drug.

 

[IMGUSMLEStep1]

easiest way to think about it is that dependence = addiction = can't go without it, while abuse has negative effects but you aren't dependent on the drug.

👍

 

[kryptik]

thanks for the responses guys