Call Mon-Sun:
1 (800) 301-3753
Alternative to Meds News & Blog Articles

Physical Dependence vs Addiction: Is There A Difference?

Last Updated on September 13, 2022 by Carol Gillette

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr Samuel Lee MD

The terms “physical dependence” and “addiction” are ones that people use interchangeably. However, there are important distinctions between the two. What is the difference? How has the resulting stigma affected individuals and their families? What can we do to address it?

Physical Dependence vs Addiction, How Do They Compare?

Dependence and addiction are two separate terms, with two separate meanings. Though often intertwined, in the case of addiction, the differences are important to note. These differences can greatly impact any discussion about addiction and treatment.

In general, when we use the term dependence, we are referring to a state in which an individual has built up a physical tolerance to a substance. The substance is often some form of an illegal or prescription drug, but can also be another substance, such as a topical cream for dry skin. When the individual stops using the substance, he or she experiences symptoms of withdrawal. For example, in the case of a topical cream, the individual could experience advanced skin dryness.

prolonged dependence affects brainWhile you can experience physical dependence without addiction, physical dependence is often a step on the road to addiction, and addiction can follow shortly thereafter. When we refer to addiction, we refer to the state in which the brain adjusts to prolonged dependence on a substance. These adjustments are biochemical and can cause people to act in ways they otherwise wouldn’t while attempting to pursue the substance to which they are both addicted and physically dependent.

As such, addiction is the state of simultaneous physical and mental dependence upon a given substance. The individual often feels an uncontrollable urge to sate the physical and mental feelings of dependence. However, some organizations have removed the term addiction from their literature, citing the fact that it is seen as too negative in comparison to the more medically friendly terms dependence or substance use disorder.

The Stigma of Addiction

This confusion of dependence vs addiction is just one sign among many that our society perpetuates a stigma against addiction. While not understanding the true nature of addiction and dependence, many people assume it is simply a sign that an individual is weak and lacks the will or the motivation to refrain from using a substance. Others may assume that people choose to become addicts or choose to remain addicts and enjoy the effects of their substance of choice.

As we’ve shown earlier in this article, this is simply not true. The urges the individual feels to participate in the addictive behavior are ever-present and can feel uncontrollable. In fact, the physical and mental dependence often leads the individual to continue participating in the addictive behavior, despite the effects it has on his or her health, financial well-being, and family.

Addiction is often quite expensive, putting the individual and family at risk for financial endangerment. The individual’s health often suffers as well, with severe physical and mental side effects impacting the quality of life. As a result, the relationship between the individual and the family often suffers, since the addiction becomes more important than the family.

How Stigma Impacts Treatment

stigma of dependence addictionAs a result of stigma, individuals often hide their addictions from their families and friends, even though the negative impact on the family has already occurred. Hiding the addiction, or the often-occurring shame that surrounds addiction, in general, can create a barrier between the individual and important addiction treatment that may be beneficial. In addition, the same financial and emotional constraints that presented issues impacting the addiction itself can also serve as a barrier to treatment.

Others in the community may react negatively to addiction. In fact, a survey conducted by a treatment center revealed that most people do not believe that addiction and dependence can happen to anyone; rather, 76% of respondents believed that addiction happened by choice. When the community notices the effects of addiction on the individual and the family, they may assume the individual wanted the situation to happen. This stigma provides a further barrier to treatment.

Finally, institutions can provide their own stigma and barriers to treatment. Often, privately run health insurance does not offer coverage for addiction treatment that has the potential to help individuals struggling with addiction. As a result, individuals experience a financial barrier to treatment that often seems insurmountable.

Similarly, strict government penalties for the possession of addictive substances often land addicted individuals in jail and facing stiff financial penalties. However, neither penalty addresses the source of the addiction itself, leaving individuals with no deterrent, no treatment, and at a financial disadvantage. In addition, these programs waste taxpayer money.

Dependence vs Addiction:  How to End the Stigma

talk about dependence addictionEnding the stigma begins with our own behavior. Willingness to build an understanding of physical and mental dependence and addiction can help us to better understand the actions of individuals dealing with addiction. If we understand that addiction is not a choice, but a result of a long-term dual dependence that promotes uncontrollable urges, we can help others begin to understand as well.

If you have a loved one suffering from addiction, it is important to allow them to talk about it, if they wish, and listen without judgment. Encourage treatment if asked, and do not present yourself as an expert on the subject. The inability to talk about addiction is one of the stigmas that prevents treatment. Showing a willingness to discuss it can help remove the stigma.

Finally, the public must address institutional stigmas and their barriers to treatment by persistently petitioning for change. Write to your senators and representatives and request a review of the laws that cause individuals dealing with addiction to underutilize treatment. Participate in community events that promote treatment for these individuals instead of resorting to jail time and fees.

Originally Published May 27, 2019 by Lyle Murphy, Founder


This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. Samuel Lee

Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente.  He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Social Profile: LinkedIn

View Bio

Physical Dependence vs Addiction: Is There A Difference?
Medical Disclaimer:
Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.

We Accept Most PPO Insurance Plans for Partial Coverage of Fees

Call Now to Verify BlueCross BlueShield Cigna Aetna

Our Success Stories

Medication Withdrawal Success Stories

Can you imagine being free from medications, addictive drugs, and alcohol? This is our goal and we are proving it is possible every day!

Read All StoriesView All Videos