Posted by ace on November 28, 2006, at 20:14:04
In reply to Re: Difference between Ativan and Valium? » ace, posted by Quintal on November 27, 2006, at 23:28:05
> > >Also addiction (within the context of dependence) denotes that the user needs higher and higher doses to sustain efficacy
> >
> > Is that not tolerance?
>
> >See above.
> --------------------------------------------------
> The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.
>
> TOLERANCE
>
> SYLLABICATION: tol·er·ance
> PRONUNCIATION: tlr-ns
> NOUN: The capacity to absorb a drug continuously or in large doses without adverse effect; diminution in the response to a drug after prolonged use. <Hence requiring a progressive *increase* in dose.>
>
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >> >The term 'dependence denotes compulsive or chronic need
> >
> > Isn't that addiction?
>
> >Not by the medical dictionary I have. But, there always seems to be some semantic confusion with these two terms.
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.
>
> ADDICTION
>
> SYLLABICATION: ad·dic·tion
> PRONUNCIATION: -dkshn
> NOUN: 1a. Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance: a drug used in the treatment of heroin addiction. b. An instance of this: a person with multiple chemical addictions. 2a. The condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or or involved in something.
> --------------------------------------------------
> Yes, it seems there is a semantic overlap between addiction and dependence putting it loosely, in the sense that dependence is a chronic need for the substance and addiction is the compulsive desire. It's hard to tease out addiction from tolerance, since there is often a craving for a stronger 'hit', but that may not reflect changes in physical tolerance to the drug, rather a mental desire for a stronger effect. Tolerance being changes in the amount needed to produce the same effect.
>
> >But I do think benzo's are wonderful agents and should be issued more. Maybe one day I will see certain phenomena with regards to benzo's that steers my mind, but for the moment, I am definitely a strong advocate of the drugs.
>
> Agreed!!!
>
> Q
>I can get the dictionary details I got my defintions from...but I think, to be honest, your citation is more closer to the truth than mine!
poster:ace
thread:707968
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061123/msgs/708346.html