Discuss your take on the difference between physical addiction and adaptation.
Differentiating between addiction and adaptation can be very difficult, particularly when dealing with opioids and prescription medications. In fact, some people often mistakenly use the two terms interchangeably. These terms are very closely related, but they are also quite different. Discerning the differences helps one to understand the dangers and make informed decisions.
So, what is physical adaptation?
Physical adaptation involves dependence and tolerance to drugs. Dependence on a drug simply means that your body relies on a particular drug, and lack of it in the body results in withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to intense and life-threatening symptoms. For instance, dependence on caffeine can lead to mild headaches that are simply resolved by taking caffeine. Dependence on drugs, including alcohol and opioids like heroin, is associated with more serious and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
People taking pain prescription medications can quickly develop a dependence on the medication. Luckily, physical dependence is manageable. The process involves slowly and gradually reducing the dosage of the drug taken instead of stopping abruptly. This allows the body time to adjust slowly and eventually regain normal functionality.
Dependence is likely to result in drug tolerance. Tolerance to a drug occurs when the body fails to respond to a particular drug in the same way it used to. This means that the body requires more of the drug to achieve the same initial effects. People dependent on pain medications often develop a high tolerance and, therefore, the need to keep increasing the dosage to reduce pain. Tolerance to alcohol and opioids means that the individuals require more and more of the drugs to achieve the “high” effect they seek.” Dependence and tolerance are often early signs of addiction but do not necessarily result in addiction.
Addiction
Addiction, by itself, is a disease. It is characterized by intense withdrawal symptoms and the manifestation of uncontrollable cravings. The drugs take over the physical, emotional, and social control due to the inability of the individual to control or stop drug use. If an individual continuously takes a drug despite negative effects on oneself and the people around them, they have reached addiction. Like dependence, addiction causes a physical change in the brain functionality rendering the addict powerless in controlling the need to use the drug.
When someone is addicted to a drug, their behavior changes, and they behave abnormally when they fail to use the drug. This prompts them to try to access the drugs using adverse means, including lying, stealing, and involvement in violent activities. Fortunately, addiction is treatable in all ages and genders through canceling by establishing and addressing the underlying causes of addiction.

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