Which statement best distinguishes physical dependence from addiction in analgesic therapy?

• A. Physical dependence is a physiological adaptation with withdrawal symptoms; addiction is compulsive use despite harm with behavioral patterns
• B. Addiction is a withdrawal syndrome
• C. Physical dependence is a myth
• D. They are the same

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that physical dependence and addiction describe two different things: a body’s automatic adaptation to long-term drug exposure, and a problematic pattern of use driven by compulsive seeking. Physical dependence occurs when the body becomes accustomed to an analgesic (often an opioid) and withdrawal symptoms appear if the drug is stopped abruptly or a antagonist is given. Addiction, in contrast, is a behavioral disorder marked by compulsive drug use despite harm, loss of control, and cravings. In analgesic therapy, a patient can be physically dependent without being addicted, especially with legitimate medical use; addiction is not simply about dependence or withdrawal, but about the drive to take the drug despite negative consequences. Tolerance may occur with prolonged use, but it is a separate concept from dependence and addiction. Therefore, the statement that physical dependence is a physiological adaptation with withdrawal symptoms and addiction is characterized by compulsive use despite harm best captures the distinction.