Addiction Science Forum - Latest comments on Why Distinguishing between Drug Dependence and Drug Addiction is Important

In response to: Why Distinguishing between Drug Dependence and Drug Addiction is Important

Annon [Visitor] — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:24:53 +0000

I am dependent on Klonipin as an aid in maintaining daily living activities due to fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, and other chronic pain disorders. I am addicted to nicotine (patch, gum, or smokes I don't care I just need it). I am a recreational user of marijuana because sometimes even with all the meds and self care I just can't relax enouch to sleep. Education is key and as I was hit with an increasingly long list of dx's I became more educated about what will work and what will not. Pop-psychology is of no help because it just makes me "feel" like I am a "looser-type" person because I am never "normal" Keep up the good work and the free exchange of ideas and information.

In response to: Why Distinguishing between Drug Dependence and Drug Addiction is Important

Emmanuel [Visitor] — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:50:34 +0000

Not knowing the difference and using these terms interchangeably can create confusion and allow patients to seek wrong treatment and get false information.

In response to: Why Distinguishing between Drug Dependence and Drug Addiction is Important

Emmanuel [Visitor] — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:46:57 +0000

I think people should be knowledgeable of the differences between the terms addiction, abuse and physical dependent becauce if someone categorized as an addict and seeks treatment for physical dependent that wouldnt help the patient much because addiction occurs in the brain which is created by a motivation and not for daily normal functions.