The difference between tolerance, dependence, and addiction can be hard to spot. It doesn’t take long to cross the threshold from one to the other, and all can be dangerous. Struggling with substances like drugs or alcohol can result in drastic life changes, and change the course of someone’s life quickly. Getting proper help and support as an individual decides to end the consumption of these substances is crucial to recovery.

Defining a Drug or Alcohol Tolerance

Chronically using substances can lead to building a tolerance. This means that drugs or alcohol don’t have the same effects they once did. Where it once took one drink or one pill to achieve a desired effect, the continued use of these substances has caused the body to tolerate that dose and requires more of the substance to feel the way someone once felt.

Defining a Drug or Alcohol Dependence

Continued chronic use of these substances can result in dependence. This means that a person’s body begins to need, or rely on, the substance. While tolerance focuses on the amount being consumed, dependence focuses on the physical effects the body experiences without the substances.

If someone were to abruptly end the use and consumption of drugs and alcohol, it could result in withdrawal symptoms. Dependence leads to addiction.

Defining a Drug or Alcohol Addiction

To define addiction, one must understand how it affects the lives of individuals that are struggling. Addiction is a long-term behavioral condition that affects the physical, emotional, and social well-being of an individual. Not only is the body dependent on drugs and alcohol, the mental effects have taken over, and using these substances becomes all that a person wants. These mental cravings lead a person to behaviors and risks they wouldn’t normally take. They could begin stealing, lying, and harming those individuals around them who mean something to them.

The difference between tolerance, dependence, and addiction can be seen in these behaviors that could arise as a result of addiction.

Signs of Drug or Alcohol Tolerance

The signs to look out for when someone could be building a tolerance can include needing more than before in order to feel the effects they are looking for. This could mean using more than one substance, more of the substance, or drinking excessively in order to feel a little bit of a change. It can be a sign of bigger problems to come if this tolerance is not addressed.

Signs of Drug or Alcohol Dependence

Signs of drug or alcohol dependence can include someone needing the substance in order to function normally. They may not have behavioral changes as of yet that could be indicative of addiction.

However, it may seem as though they need drugs or alcohol in order to function on a daily basis. They have to consume the substances in order to go about daily activities. Without the substance, they may begin to feel uncomfortable and excruciating symptoms if they don’t have drugs or alcohol, or if they try to go without it.

The difference between tolerance, dependence, and addiction can drastically change from tolerance and dependence to addiction.

Signs of Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Addiction to drugs can be dangerous. The sign of drug or alcohol addiction can be pretty easily spotted. At this point, a person cannot go a day, or sometimes even an hour without using the substance. They have mental cravings and physical dependence to use drugs and alcohol, and tolerance continues to build. It can be dangerous and lead to severe complications such as overdose and alcohol poisoning.

Getting proper help and support to overcome is crucial to survival.

Treatment

The difference between tolerance, dependence, and addiction can be drastic. Getting help as soon as possible can ensure someone’s safety and health. Addiction is dangerous and often leads to fatality. Both drugs and alcohol can lead to fatal results. Getting help is crucial.

Detox is essential to removing the substances from the body, safely. The symptoms of drug and alcohol detox can be life-threatening. Having proper medical supervision and support is vital to ensuring safety as someone begins the process of a life of recovery.

Treatment for addiction can help a person learn new and positive coping skills. Instead of turning to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping, someone can begin using these positive and healthy skills to get through times when they would normally turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping. Getting help can be life-changing and make the process of recovery smoother.

Getting Better

Struggling with drugs and alcohol can be a life-altering challenge. Leading to broken relationships, trust, and loss of control, tolerance, dependence, and addiction can all be dangerous results of substance abuse. If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, there is help available. At Ocean Hills, we offer help to those who are struggling. We strive to provide a healing and safe environment for individuals to begin living a normal life again.

About the author:

Greg Doss, CATCI

Greg opened his home and heart to alcoholics and addicts in 2003. He is a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATCI). Starting in 2009 Greg has fostered the growth of Ocean Hills Recovery into one of the most respected and effective treatment centers in the area and has been working with people with addictions since March of 2001. Greg believes in a holistic approach to recovery. His focus is on drug alcohol addiction treatment with a combination of 12 Step work, therapy and counseling, and the rejuvenation of the body through healthful eating and exercise. He has designed his program to foster a family-like atmosphere and believes that people in recovery are just beginning their lives. He encourages the people he works with to learn to enjoy life in sobriety. Greg is married to Nicole; they have two adorable sons together and an energetic yellow Labrador Retriever.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

What’s The Difference Between Tolerance, Dependence And Addiction?