Addiction and dependence are distinct concepts often confused. Dependence refers to a physical reliance on a substance, characterized by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used. It can occur even when a substance is used as prescribed, such as with certain medications.

Addiction is a compulsive and
uncontrollable to use a substance
despite associated consequences.

Dependence occurs as a body
physiologically adapts to a
medication. In other words,
addiction is a psychological
disorder. Whereas dependence
pertains to the physical need for
a substance to maintain normal
functioning, like insulin or
medication for epilepsy.

Pain medication works similarly.

While dependence can exist without addiction, addiction typically involves both mental and physical dependence.

@ cindisue

Many are like me and cannot take NSAIDS. I have dibilitating pain throughout my body. Tylenol does very little to quell the pain. I have been through many rounds of steroid injections. Tried Elavil and other drugs that I find I am allergic to. I take oxycodone .. it works because I take it as I need it. 2-4 5mg tablets a day. When my pain goes higher I go up to 5 tablets a day. I do ice and heat as needed and use a TENS unit to help pain too. I don't take oxycodone to just take it.

These are MY definitions:

Addiction to opiod: Taking an opiod when the drug is not needed. Either not needed at all or a less dangerous drug will work.

Dependence to opioid: Taking an opioid when it is needed for high or chronic pain and other medications have been tried and failed to control the pain or cannot be taken.

ZeeGee