You can predict in many instances who is at risk, and if you intervene, you may prevent them from escalating,' Volkow told Salon in a call. 'What we are aiming for is a recognition of identifying individuals that may be at risk from the use of opioids. In March, NIDA and NIAAA put out a joint request for information, petitioning physicians and addiction specialists to comment on whether such a concept would help - and some drug policy experts are already expressing concern that a preaddiction label may backfire or deepen America's struggle with fatal overdoses.

Preaddiction, on the other hand, is still a somewhat nebulous concept that may or may not be useful for determining someone's risk of developing a serious issue with drug use. The hallmark of addiction is chaotic use coupled with the inability to control or reduce it, despite harmful consequences. It's possible for someone to be physically dependent on a substance without having a substance use disorder, such as with certain prescription medications, but illicit drugs as well. It's distinct from dependence, which is when using drugs over time increases tolerance and generates withdrawals. Critics of pre-addiction warn that it could burden individuals with a stigmatizing label that could actually make it harder to navigate the healthcare system.Īddiction, known formally as substance use disorder, is defined as compulsive use of drugs and alcohol, even when it leads to significant distress or impairment in one's personal life.

Troy by Don Rittner