Addiction or dependence? An attempt at a conceptual clarification and terminological distinction

Abstract

The paper provides a terminological and conceptual analysis of addiction and dependence. The use of these terms is generally indiscriminate and chaotic, both in Slovenia and in scientific and popular literature as a whole. Because of their inherently different meanings, this has unwelcome consequences both in terms of treatment and for scientific research, as well as for a broader cultural attitude towards the issue. The initial overview of the use and definitions of both terms is followed first by an analysis of the possible meanings and manifestations of dependence. Then, an attempt is made at a definition and a psychodynamic explanation of addiction. Building on this, some implications for diagnosis and treatment, as well as for the appropriate use of both terms are proposed. As a result of our overall analysis we propose a return to the prevalent use of the term addiction and clarify the appropriate use of the term dependence.