Addiction
Back to Misconceptions About Opioids
Correct! This is a myth. Opioids rarely cause addiction.
Whereas tolerance and dependence are likely (almost inevitable) consequences of chronic opioid use, addiction is a behavioral problem that arises only in certain individuals.
Definitions
Addiction
Addiction is a primary, chronic, and neurobiological disease. Its development and manifestations are influenced by genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving.
Physical Dependence
Physical dependence is a state of adaptation indicated by a medication class-specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dosage reduction, decreasing blood level of the drug, or administration of an antagonist.
Pseudo-Addiction
Pseudo-addiction is an iatrogenic syndrome with behaviors that mimic addiction and are driven by unrelieved pain. It is caused by inadequately prescribed analgesics, leading to patient demands for opioid analgesia that the care team considers excessive. When patients are provided with adequate dosages of medications at regular dosing intervals, the drug-seeking behaviors generally cease.