Substance Abuse-It means consuming a substance or drug in amount or in a method that is not approved by medical professionals or against guidelines and government policies. If a person is involved in drug abuse he/she may be
Substance dependence-
It is a condition in which a person behaves normally only if he is under the influence of drugs. This happens because of drug overuse and experiences withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not available. A person under drug dependency
Let us now elaborate on the differences
Substance Abuse |
Substance Dependence |
Buying and consuming drugs without a doctor’s prescription. |
Addicted to consuming drugs. |
A person gets the desired effect by consuming even a small amount. |
The amount is increased to get the desired effect. |
A person doesn’t have a strong and sudden urge to consume the drug. |
More quantity is used to get the desired effect. |
It is a physical craving. |
It is psychological craving. |
Easy to get rid of this habit. |
Not easy to quit. |
Withdrawal symptoms are mild. |
Withdrawal symptoms are severe. |
Brain cells do not adapt to substance abuse. |
Brain cells get accustomed due to repeated use and function normally only after a person is under the effect of a drug. |
Does not cause addiction. |
Leads to addiction. |