Drug Dependence and Addiction Essay

Drug dependence means that an individual must use a substance for him or her to function usually. This highlights that stopping the drug would lead to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms would make an individual to appear dull and inactive. On the other hand, drug addiction refers to the compulsory use of the substance despite the impacts associated with it.Drug Dependence and Addiction Essay

Drug addiction refers to a chronic intoxication generated by using a drug repeatedly. It is characterized by an overpowering need to consume the drug and to look for using all means. It is also characterized by the tendency to increase the amount of the drug taken and its detrimental impacts on the user and society as a whole. In general terms, an individual can have physical dependence on a substance without being addicted to it. For instance, drugs like cocaine may cause addiction but not dependence while certain medications on blood pressure may cause dependence and not addiction. (Morgan, 2010)