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Understanding Substance Use, Dependence, and Addiction

Substance use seems to be everywhere. Many people drink, have medical marijuana cards, or use cannabis recreationally. Others misuse prescription medications like painkillers, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. While heroin or cocaine use might be less common, it’s easy to get the impression that people are using all kinds of substances without major consequences. So, why should you be concerned about your own substance use?

The answer lies in an age-old lesson: just because everyone seems to be doing something doesn’t mean you should. Moreover, just because people who misuse alcohol or drugs appear to be “fine” doesn’t mean they truly are.

If you suspect that you or someone you care about is developing a substance use problem, trust that inner voice. While it’s easy to ignore early concerns, addiction’s consequences eventually become harder to overlook. Over time, you may find it increasingly difficult to manage your job, relationships, or even daily life.

Recognizing Signs of Addiction

One way to assess whether substance use is becoming a problem is to try stopping. Do you feel sick, irritable, or fearful when you quit? Do intense cravings lead you to start using again quickly? These could be signs of dependence or addiction.

Tolerance and Dependence

Addiction often begins with tolerance—the need to use more of a substance over time to achieve the same effect, whether it’s feeling relaxed, euphoric, or numb. As tolerance increases, so does the risk of dependence, where your body begins to rely on the substance to function. Dependence is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms when use stops, which may include:

  • Sweating or chills
  • Headaches
  • Stomach issues like cramping, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Appetite loss
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive fatigue)
  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

These symptoms signal that your body has adapted to the substance, setting the stage for addiction.

What is Addiction?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a chronic, treatable medical condition influenced by brain circuits, genetics, environment, and life experiences. Addiction often involves compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.

The key difference between dependence and addiction lies in this: addiction includes not only physical reliance but also a psychological compulsion to continue using, even when it’s clear that substance use is damaging your life.

Common Signs of Addiction

If you’re concerned about your substance use, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you use the substance regularly, such as daily or multiple times a day?
  • Do you experience intense cravings that overshadow other thoughts or responsibilities?
  • Have you increased the amount you use to achieve the same effects?
  • Do you spend significant time, energy, or money obtaining and using the substance?
  • Are you falling behind on responsibilities at work, home, or school?
  • Have you avoided social or recreational activities you once enjoyed because of substance use?
  • Do you continue using despite knowing it’s causing harm to your health or life?
  • Have you engaged in behaviors you wouldn’t normally consider, like stealing, to obtain the substance?
  • Do you use substances in risky situations, like driving under the influence?
  • Have you tried unsuccessfully to stop using the substance?
  • Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop?

If it’s a loved one’s substance use that concerns you, these questions can help you assess their situation and start a conversation about your concerns.

Seeking Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance dependence or addiction, help is available. While addiction isn’t curable, it is treatable, and long-term recovery is possible. Treatment typically begins with medical detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, followed by residential or intensive outpatient care to address the underlying causes of substance use and develop strategies for lasting recovery.

At Pacific Sky Recovery Center, we take a comprehensive approach to treatment, including biopsychosocial assessments to evaluate risk factors, identify co-occurring mental health disorders, and recommend non-addictive medications to support healing.

It’s never too late to seek help. Contact Pacific Sky Recovery Center in Bellevue, Washington, to begin your journey toward health and well-being. Let us help you or your loved one reclaim your life.

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