Dependence, Tolerance and Addiction Explained
Dependence, tolerance and addiction describe different things. Knowing the difference can help you explain changes in your medicine or substance use and ask for help.
For: People seeking help or planning their own support · 2 PDF pages
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What the Words Mean
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| Term | What it means | How to understand it |
|---|---|---|
| Physical dependence | Your body has adapted to a substance. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you reduce or stop it. | This can happen even when you take medicine exactly as prescribed. Physical dependence on its own does not mean addiction. |
| Tolerance | Over time, the same amount has less of a particular effect. | A medicine feeling less helpful can have other causes, too. Tell your prescriber what has changed. |
| Addiction | You have trouble controlling substance use and keep using even when it harms your health, relationships or daily life. | A clinician looks at your pattern of use and how it affects you, along with any tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. |
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For example, imagine someone who takes a prescribed benzodiazepine as directed and feels unwell after missing a dose. They could be physically dependent without having an addiction. A prescriber can review the symptoms and help them decide how to continue or change the medicine safely.
Notes for Your Appointment
- What you take and what has changed
- List the medicine or substance, how much and when you take it, and when symptoms happen. Include the prescribed dose if it differs. Bring the container or medication list.
- What is worrying you
- For example, running out early, missing responsibilities, pain or anxiety returning, side effects, or worry about stopping.
- What you want to ask
- For example: “What could be causing this change? What should I do next?”