It is often difficult for people to recognise that they have become dependent on or addicted to alcohol or drugs. They may see it as a temporary situation because they are in physical pain or because they are dealing with grief or loss. Recognising there is a problem is the first step to dealing with a dependence or addiction.
Asking for help when you first suspect you have a problem is important so that you can get support to make changes early. If you think you have an addiction, speak to your local doctor or call DirectLine on 1800 888 236 as soon as possible.
Difference between dependence and addiction
Becoming dependent on alcohol or drugs means you rely on a substance to feel good or to cope with everyday life. Your body adapts to it, needing more and more of it to get the same effect (called tolerance). Your body develops specific physical or mental symptoms if you stop using the substance abruptly (called withdrawal). This can happen with many types of drugs when they are used for a long time – even prescription medication.
Just because you are physically dependent on alcohol or a drug, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are addicted, but often the two go together.
People who are addicted to alcohol or other drugs continue to use it despite the harmful consequences. They find it difficult to stop using, which can often significantly impact and disrupt their lives – failure to meet work, social or family obligations, as well as health problems.
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between dependence and addiction. With prescription medication, a person may need more and more because their medical problem is getting worse, or because their body is becoming used to the medication, so its effect is lessened. This is sometimes categorised as dependence rather than addiction.
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Early stages of dependence and addiction
Many alcohol and drug addictions start with experimental use in social situations and often at a young age. Some drugs have a higher risk associated with their use and cause dependency more quickly than others.
Some signs that you may have an alcohol or drug problem are:
changed eating or sleeping habits
caring less about your appearance
spending more time with people who drink excessively or use drugs
missing appointments, classes or work commitments
losing interest in activities that you used to love
getting in trouble in school, at work or with the law
getting into more arguments with family and friends
friends or family asking you if you have a substance abuse problem
relying on drugs or alcohol to have fun or relax
having blackouts
drinking or using drugs when you are alone
keeping secrets from friends or family
finding you need more and more of the substance to get the same feeling.
Often it is family and friends who first recognise that a person they care about has an alcohol or drug problem. They may have noticed them acting differently – being withdrawn, always tired, increasingly hostile or easily upset. They may ask the person straight out if they have a problem.
If that happens to you, listening to what they have to say and asking yourself if they are right is a positive first step.
Difference between dependence and addiction
Early stages of dependence and addiction
Recognising an alcohol and drug problem
Quitting alcohol or drugs
Getting help for alcohol or drug dependence or addiction
Where to get help
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