Dependence, Tolerance and Addiction Explained
Needing a medicine, noticing that it works differently, or feeling unwell after a missed dose can be frightening. These experiences deserve a careful conversation. The terms below describe different things and help you explain what has happened.
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What the Words Mean
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| Term | Plain meaning | What it does not tell you by itself |
|---|---|---|
| Physical dependence | The body has adapted to a substance. Reducing or stopping it can cause withdrawal symptoms. | Dependence alone does not establish addiction. It can develop while a medicine is taken as prescribed. |
| Tolerance | The same amount produces less of a particular effect over time. | It is not an instruction to increase a dose. A change in symptoms may have other causes. |
| Addiction | Compulsive substance use that continues despite harmful consequences. Problems controlling use and its effects on life matter. | A missed dose, tolerance or withdrawal alone is not a complete assessment. |
Sources: [1]
Sources: [2]
Fictional example: someone takes a prescribed benzodiazepine as directed and develops symptoms after missing it. Physical dependence is one possibility to discuss; the example alone cannot establish addiction. The useful next step is a medication review, not a self-directed dose change.
Prepare for a Medication Review
- What you take and what has changed
- Medicine/substance, dose as prescribed, actual use, timing, symptoms and when they occur. Bring the container or medication list.
- What is affecting your life
- For example: running out early, missed responsibilities, pain or anxiety returning, side effects, or fear about stopping.
- Your question for the clinician
- For example: What might explain this change, and what is the safest next step?