What Is the Difference Between Substance Addiction, Substance Abuse and Substance Dependency?

Published March 29, 2014

Question by Alain: What is the difference between substance addiction, substance abuse and substance dependency?

Best answer:

Answer by gpn7504
real simple

substance abuse is using substances other than for its intended form…abusing it
no matter what it is…beer… wine… crack…cigarettes

substance addiction is being addicted to a substance whether you only think you need it or you physically do

substance dependency is being dependent on a substance again whether thinking you do or actually do… usually hand in hand with the term addiction

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The Greying Elephant in the Room: Substance Abuse and Older Adults – Vignette with a social work intern and an older adult client from _The Greying Elephant in the Room: Substance Abuse and Older Adults_. Copyright 2009 NYU Sc…