The Difference Between an Addiction and an Abuse?

The difference between an addiction and an abuse is that an addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences, while an abuse is a repetitive pattern of behavior in which the person uses a substance or engages in a behavior for non-medical reasons.

People with Drug Addiction and Abuse  have a strong urge to use drugs even when they know it’s harmful. They may want to quit but find they can’t. Addiction changes the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.

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People who abuse drugs may also be addicted, but they may be able to stop using them for periods of time. They may not have the same intense cravings as people with full-blown addiction. However, they are at high risk for developing an addiction if they continue abusing drugs. 

Addiction is a disease that affects the brain and behavior. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the way the brain works. These changes can be long-lasting and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs.

Addiction is different from abuse in that it is a chronic, relapsing disease. This means that people with addiction will continue to use drugs even when they are aware of the harmful consequences. They may want to quit but find they can’t. Addiction changes the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.

People who abuse drugs may also be addicted, but they may be able to stop using them for periods of time.