Quote:
Originally Posted by jayswin
I only posted that as there seems to be a discussion right now on what types of addicts are outside this safe injection site. The people that Ozy knows and others who function in their life likely aren't addicts, just dependent. Although, addiction can easily stem from dependence.
Ozy is right though, there's millions of people that have huge drug problems that go about their lives and don't end up walking around the streets, committing crimes for their next fix, but they're also not likely classified as addicts.
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I agree with you, there is a difference between addiction and dependence. I will also correct myself in making that distinction. Addiction is both a mental and physical reliance on the substance. I think the correct term to be using these days is "substance abuse disorder", which includes people who need help but do not have a debilitating addiction. This is probably more applicable to the two friends I know who hold down jobs and personal lives but aren't at the level of committing crimes and/or desperate. They can function, but this is not something they can likely change cold turkey, without help.