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Old 11-28-2013, 01:35 AM
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Dr. Smith Dr. Smith is offline
Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lost in Space
Posts: 3,515
10 yr Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Myelogirl View Post
If you take a drug that is likely to produce very nasty withdrawals if you cease taking it, isn't that an addiction?
No, that's dependence. It can get confusing because a person can be both addicted to, and dependent on, a medication.

It may help to think of it this way: Dependence is physical—the body becomes chemically acclimated/accustomed to a medication such that abrupt reduction/cessation causes physical withdrawal; Addiction is psychological—evidenced by cravings, continued ab/use despite harm to onesself/others (usually family members).

Definitions Related to the Use of Opioids for the Treatment of Pain: Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine

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Dr. Zachary Smith
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Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE.
All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor.
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