Recognizing and Understanding Opioid Dependence

Brain Disease Model of Addiction

Despite decades of public misinterpretation of substance use disorder being viewed as a sign of moral weakness or a unwillingness to exert self-control; physical and behavioral health professionals have brought to light the common neurobiological patterns that underlie chemical and behavioral addictions. The stigmatization of those suffering from chemical dependency is still prevalent among those who have unscientific, shaming beliefs about substance use and unfairly minimize the challenge of overcoming this illness. Similar to other chronic diseases such as type II diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease; addiction is also classified as a chronic disease, but is perceived in a different manner.

For those chemically dependent individuals may experience:

  1. Craving for the substance;
  2. Loss of control over its use; and
  3. Desire to continue using despite adverse consequences.

Recovery is Possible

Understanding Tolerance vs. Dependence vs. Addiction

Tolerance: To need higher and/or more frequent doses of a substance to get the desired effects.

Dependence: The absence of the substance in the body causes physiological reactions ranging from mild to potentially life-threatening. Repeated exposure to the substance causes neurons to adapt to the presence of the substance, resulting in physical symptoms of withdrawal when the substance is not present.

Addiction: A chronic disease characterized by uncontrollable substance use, despite known harmful consequences. Addiction is caused by changes in the structure of the brains’ reward pathway that can result in harmful behaviors.

Supporting Resources