A large majority of the drugs that people take on a daily basis are addictive; this has led to the heroin drug crisis. In many cases, they develop a dependency on these drugs. What is a chemical dependency, and how does it differ from substance use disorder (SUD)? It’s important for people to know the difference.
What Is Chemical Dependency?
In short, a chemical dependency is a physical dependence on a drug. It typically occurs with mind-altering drugs that cause addiction. Because of the dependency, people tend to use these drugs habitually which reinforces the need for heroin addiction treatment in Hawaii.
What’s the Difference Between Dependency and SUD?
Many people mix up chemical dependency and SUD. However, each of these terms refers to something different. Knowing the difference can help people combat these problems.
Dependency is a normal reaction that the body has to an addictive chemical. After using the drug for a long period, the body becomes dependent on it. Then, it needs the drug to function normally.
When people stop taking the drug, they typically experience withdrawal. The symptoms are the result of the drug leaving their bodies. Despite the dependency, they generally continue to function during everyday life.
SUD, on the other hand, is a brain disorder. People who have this problem tend to obsess about the drugs that they use. They often see that they have a drug problem but are unable to stop using. If they can stop, they no longer obsess about the substance.
SUD precedes dependency. When people obsess and use a drug too much, they eventually develop a dependency on that drug. Once dependency develops, they need to seek professional help that starts with detox.
What You Need to Know
To completely understand chemical dependency, people need to know a few things. First, dependency is progressive. When individuals don’t seek treatment, it becomes persistent and relentless. Simply developing the dependency isn’t the end of it.
Next, dependency can become fatal. Using drugs causes many physical and mental changes. When people use chemicals obsessively, they increase their risk for overdose and organ failure. They could also have thoughts of suicide when they can’t get the drug.
Getting Help
Getting help starts with detox. When people have a dependency, they experience symptoms when they stop taking drugs. For instance, a heroin addiction can cause uncomfortable, flu-like symptoms. Professional detox programs can help people manage the symptoms to help them avoid relapse. However, detox is just the first step in a long process.
After detox, people have to attend rehab. Failure to do so typically leads to relapse. Heroin addiction rehab in Hawaii uses a variety of treatment methods to help people get over an addiction. In most cases, however, they use a mix of therapies.
It’s common for facilities to use a step-down treatment method. In such cases, they start with inpatient rehab to keep a close eye on the residents. Eventually, they move to outpatient rehab, which gives the residents more freedom.
Don’t let your addiction or drug dependency control your life. Find out what it takes to live a life of sobriety by reaching out for help today.
