A patient on long-term opioid therapy reports their pain is well-controlled but expresses concern about dependence. Which statement best distinguishes physical dependence from addiction?
-
A
Physical dependence means the body adapts to the drug and withdrawal occurs if stopped abruptly, while addiction involves compulsive use despite harm
-
B
Physical dependence and addiction are the same condition requiring the same treatment approach
-
C
Physical dependence always progresses to addiction in patients on long-term opioids
-
D
Addiction is defined solely by the need for increasing doses over time