Substance Dependence vs Substance Abuse

By: Samantha Santo

Is there really a difference between substance dependence and substance abuse?  It might seem like there isn't, but there actually is.

Substance dependence is when a person relies on a certain drug to make them feel a certain way, to essentially feel "normal".  You can tell a person is dependent on a substance if he or she develops a tolerance, meaning it takes a great amount of a substance to feel normal.  A person is considered to be dependent when it is hard to manage drug use and he or she spends a great deal of time trying to obtain the drug.

Substance abuse is when a person misuses a substance.  The person typically consumes an excessive amount of the drug.  When a person abuses a substance, he or she tends to put himself or others in dangerous situations.  A person abusing a substance is also inclined to neglect certain obligations, such as work, school and even relationships.

Substance dependence and substance abuse may be different, but both can have detrimental effects on a person as well as on his or her loved ones.