Millions of people in the United States and around the world live with substance use disorder (SUD). This complex condition can have devastating effects on a person’s health, relationships, emotional well-being, and more.
Recognizing the signs of SUD is the first step in treating it. People use different terms related to SUD, including tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Understanding these terms and recognizing the signs of these conditions can help you identify and treat SUD.
But what is the difference between drug tolerance and dependence? This article will explore the differences between these terms. You will learn:
What you will learn:
- What it means to develop tolerance
- The signs of tolerance
- What it means to develop dependence on a drug
- The difference between being tolerant of a drug and being dependent on it
- Where to find comprehensive SUD treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love lives with SUD, you are not alone. Alamo Behavioral Health offers comprehensive addiction treatment in several levels of care. Find the right level of care or learn about our programs by contacting our intake team today.
What is Tolerance?
Tolerance occurs when the body adjusts to a specific amount of an addictive substance. It is one of the first signs that someone is developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
People may begin to use addictive substances for many reasons. They may:
- Be curious about the effects of drugs or alcohol
- Want to fit in with peers
- Want the desirable side effects of these substances
- Use them to manage the symptoms of a mental health condition or physical pain
Prolonged substance use can change how a person’s mind and body function. Over time, the body can adjust to a certain amount of a substance. The person may notice that they no longer experience the same desirable side effects as they used to.
People who develop tolerance may begin to use larger or more frequent doses of an addictive substance. They may be able to use large amounts of a drug or drink a lot without appearing intoxicated.
Tolerance can occur slowly or develop rapidly. People may not always recognize they are building tolerance. For example, imagine someone has a drink after work every day to relax and unwind.
After a few weeks, they may notice that one drink does not provide the relaxing effects they’re used to. They may begin to have a second drink every day. After several weeks, they may notice they need three drinks to relax.
It is important to recognize the signs of tolerance and seek treatment right away. Without getting help, people are at higher risk of a life-threatening overdose. They are also at risk of developing physical dependence.
Recognizing the Signs of Tolerance
Recognizing tolerance and seeking SUD treatment can help people work toward long-term recovery. Some signs of tolerance include:
- Using larger or more frequent doses of an addictive substance, including prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol
- Having new or worsening mental health symptoms
- Mood changes–mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety, etc.
- Insomnia or other sleep changes
People with certain conditions are more likely to develop tolerance to drugs or alcohol. These include people with:
- Immune-related conditions
- Mental health disorders
- Chronic pain
- Cross-tolerance (tolerance to substances with similar effects)
If a person continues to abuse an addictive substance, dependence will likely occur. If you notice the signs of tolerance in yourself or a loved one, seek treatment as quickly as possible.
What is Dependence?
Drug and alcohol dependence can develop after a period of prolonged or heavy use. People with physical dependence cannot simply choose to stop using drugs or alcohol. Their bodies depend on these substances to function.
If someone with physical dependence on a drug or alcohol suddenly stops using it, they are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. In some cases, they may be life-threatening. Most people relapse (start using a substance again) to relieve these symptoms.
Dependence can occur slowly over a long period of substance use or quickly. The time it takes to develop dependence typically depends on the substance a person uses, physical health, and other conditions.
It can be very challenging for someone with physical dependence to stop using drugs or alcohol. Most people require intensive substance abuse treatment programs to achieve long-term abstinence.
Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our comprehensive SUD treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
Tolerance vs Dependence: What is the Difference?
Tolerance and dependence are conditions related to substance abuse. The primary difference between tolerance and dependence is severity.
Tolerance refers to a person’s body adjusting to the presence of a substance. People may need larger amounts of a drug or alcohol to get the effects they want.
Dependence means the body cannot function without a substance. People typically cannot stop using these substances without experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Muscle aches
- Stomach cramps
- Sweating
People with dependence often require intensive medical treatment and mental health support to stop using drugs or alcohol.
People with tolerance and dependence deserve compassionate, comprehensive treatment. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our supportive treatment and relapse prevention programs.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): The Molecular Basis of Tolerance
- Science Direct: The relationship of addiction, tolerance, and dependence to alcohol and drugs: A neurochemical approach
- NIH: Drug Addiction
