Substance abuse and addiction can take a toll on your mental health, physical well-being, relationships, and more. Recognizing the signs of substance use disorder (SUD) is the first step toward getting the help you need to recover.
People use many terms to describe substance abuse, including tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Understanding what these terms mean and the differences between them can help you make informed decisions about your health and treatment.
This article will explore the differences between tolerance and dependence. You will learn:
- The signs and symptoms of tolerance
- The signs and symptoms of dependence
- What leads to tolerance and dependence
- The differences between these terms
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with substance use disorder, you are not alone. Reach out to the caring team at First Step Behavioral Health to explore our holistic addiction treatment and support programs.
What is Tolerance?
Drug and alcohol tolerance can occur if someone abuses these substances for a prolonged period. Over time, a person’s body adjusts to a specific amount of a substance, and the drug’s effects do not feel as strong.
When someone develops a tolerance to drugs or alcohol, they need to use more of a substance to achieve the same effects. Tolerance can also mean that people can drink a lot or use high doses of drugs without appearing intoxicated.
An example of tolerance would include someone who has a glass of wine every evening. In the beginning, they enjoy the “buzz” and relaxation from that glass of wine. After several weeks, they discover that they no longer get the pleasant effects from drinking just one glass. They start to have two every night instead. After some time, they find two glasses are no longer enough, so they drink three.
Tolerance can result in people using higher doses of an addictive substance. This puts people at risk of developing physical dependence and addiction. It also increases the risk of overdose.
Signs of Tolerance
Recognizing tolerance can prevent you from continuing down a path toward addiction. Some signs of tolerance include:
- Anxiety
- Using increasing amounts of addictive substances
- Craving drugs or alcohol
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depressed mood
- Irritability
Some factors can increase the risk someone will develop drug or alcohol tolerance. These include:
- Mental health conditions
- Chronic pain
- Immune-related conditions
- Cross-tolerance (tolerance to similar substances)
If you recognize the signs of tolerance, seek treatment right away. Tolerance is one of the early signs of dependence and addiction. Seeking treatment can prevent the problem from worsening and becoming more challenging to treat.
What is Dependence?
Drug and alcohol dependence occurs when a person’s body becomes dependent on a drug. People with dependence cannot function without using drugs or alcohol. They may experience withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings if they stop taking the addictive substance.
An example of dependence would be someone who abuses prescription opioid painkillers for some time who experiences withdrawal symptoms when their prescription runs out.
The primary cause of dependence is long-term substance abuse. People may develop physical dependence on a drug after using it recreationally. People may also become physically dependent on certain prescription medications, including opioid painkillers.
It is incredibly challenging for someone with physical dependence to stop using substances. People may attempt to quit but begin using again to avoid withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Muscle aches
- Stomach cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
People with drug and alcohol dependence typically require professional treatment programs to help them safely detox from these substances. Then, people must learn skills and find support to avoid relapse in the future.
Tolerance vs. Dependence: What is the Difference?
Tolerance refers to the body adjusting to the presence of drugs or alcohol. People with tolerance need larger amounts of a substance to get the effects they want.
Dependence refers to physical and psychological symptoms that occur when people stop taking a drug. These symptoms can make people feel as though they must continue taking the substance.
Tolerance can lead to dependence. If people continue to take higher and higher amounts of an addictive substance, they will likely develop dependence.
Dependence can lead to an active addiction. An addiction is a total loss of control over substance use. People with addiction cannot stop using drugs and alcohol on their own. They will continue to use these substances, even when they cause severe harm to their health and well-being.
Recognizing the signs of tolerance and dependence is critical. Seek the support of a comprehensive addiction treatment program as soon as you realize there is a problem.
Get Help Now
If you or someone you love recognizes the signs of tolerance, dependence, or addiction, you are not alone. Compassionate, comprehensive treatment is available at First Step Behavioral Health.
Contact our intake team to explore your treatment options or schedule an intake assessment. Take the first step toward recovery by contacting us today.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Drug Misuse and Addiction
- National Institute of Health (NIH): The Molecular Basis of Tolerance
- Science Direct: Drug Tolerance
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Tolerance and sensitization to the behavioral effects of drugs
- Science Direct: Drug Dependence
