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This section will introduce you to terms used throughout the course. Words printed in bold text can be found in Appendix A. It may be useful to review (Appendix A: Glossary) now. Three commonly used terms are abuse, dependency and addiction. Often these terms are used interchangeably. It is important to consider the differences.
Substance abuse: The use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of legal drugs. The repeated use of drugs to produce pleasure, to alleviate stress, or to alter or avoid reality (or all three). 2
For example, tobacco use in any amount is considered abuse; limiting consumption of wine to one glass with dinner is not considered abuse. Abuse leads to social and legal problems and risk taking behavior such as driving under the influence.
Chemical Dependence: dependence is the continued use and abuse of mood altering substances despite repeated adverse consequences to self and others. The illness is determined by genetic, physiological, biochemical and emotional vulnerability. 3
Drug Addiction: addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning and on behavior. For many people, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence. 2
Note: The difference among abuse, dependence, and addiction can be confusing and often these words are used interchangeably. For the purpose of this course, “abuse’s” definition and intent is clear chemical dependence and addition may overlap. Addiction professionals are in disagreement about how these terms should be used, and whether or not some of these terms should be abandoned. For the purpose of this course, we will use the terms as defined here and again in Appendix A: Glossary.
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