Chemical dependence is a normal reaction to an addictive chemical. The body becomes dependent on the drug/medication/alcohol and it’s effects, and when the substance is stopped, the individual may suffer symptoms of withdrawal while the medication is leaving the system. Chemical dependency versus substance abuse can be further clarified by looking at the body’s need for the substance. An individual that suffers from a substance use disorder will obsess about the drug long after it has detoxed out of their system. An individual that does not suffer from a substance use disorder is able to proceed with their life and never even think about the medication again.
Johns Hopkins University previously described substance, or chemical, dependency as, “the medical term used to describe abuse of drugs or alcohol that continues, even when significant problems related to their use have developed.” Some such problems include withdrawal symptoms if the substance is unavailable, higher tolerance, social or health issues, and the inability to stop using even when you are aware of the negative consequences. The ongoing abuse of drugs or alcohol can lead to chemical dependency. This means you are mentally and psychically dependent on the substance. One of the best examples of dependency is when an alcoholic experiences delirium tremens. Violent shaking, hallucinations, sickness, and anxiety are just some of the symptom that will occur when someone is withdrawing from alcohol. The safest way to conquer chemical dependency is clinical detoxification. Here you can be supervised and monitored by health professionals. There are safe and effective ways to properly rid the body of harmful toxins.