ADDICTION, DEPENDENCY TOLERANCE These words are used too often inappropriately by us without knowing their real meanings.
ADDICTION is when one continues to use a substance, goes to extra lengths to get the substance despite knowing the fact that this substance is harming them.
DEPENDENCY is when one has to use a substance to prevent signs and symptoms of
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| Always follow your doctor’s orders. |
withdrawals. When body become dependent to a chemical substance like narcotics, if one does not use the drug, body goes through signs and symptoms of withdrawals. Symptoms are feeling irritable and cold, having chills and rigors. Signs like abdominal cramps and diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, sweating or shakes. These signs and symptoms go away as soon as the narcotic drug is used again.
TOLERANCE is when a patient has to use a higher dose of a medication in order to achieve the same level of relief or any other desired biological effects.
The importance of knowing the meaning of these words is important when it comes to treatment. Treating a patient with tolerance as an addict or a patient with dependency as addiction causes significant problems for patients and the society at large.
Doctors and patients need to educate themselves about the difference in these meanings and how to deal with them. Many patients with tolerance and dependency would benefit from a proper change of medication with a structured dose control. All addicted patients should be treated as patients having a disease and not criminals. It is through clear understanding of these words that we can find the path to proper healing.
