What Is the Difference Between Drug Dependent & Drug Addicted?

Kathleen’s Story Kathleen experienced a work related injury in which a box fell on her neck while she was standing on a ladder to retrieve something else from a high shelf. She suffered a C4 injury (the fourth cervical vertebra) which resulted in limited control of her shoulders and biceps. It was accompanied by a stinging sensation that she came to discover was related to damage to nerve fibers. She also noticed tingling and numbness in her fingers. It was diagnosed as neuropathic pain. Her doctor explained that the communication between her spine and brain was being mis-translated and that the signals were coming from locations below where feelings were interrupted. She was cautioned that this problem could be chronic. Prior to the accident, Kathleen had been vibrant and active. An athlete, she had ridden her bicycle a few times a week, swam, worked out at the gym and played on a mixed gender soccer team. She had no prior history of addiction herself or in her family. As a result of the injury, she needed to curtail her normal routine as she took time to recuperate at home while receiving treatment. It contributed to a sense of restlessness physically and a growing feeling of despair. Initially she was prescribed Motrin which is considered a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (also known as NSAIDs). When the pain didn’t respond to it, she asked her physician for something stronger. She was offered Oxycodone but was warned that it could become habit forming. At tha...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Addictions Alcoholism Chronic Pain Cognitive-Behavioral Disorders Family General Medications Personal Stories Psychology Psychotherapy Substance Abuse Treatment Anti-inflammatory drug addicted vs drug dependence neuropathic p Source Type: news