Question by playswithmatches: What is the difference between physical dependence and addiction?
I’m talking about prescription painkillers.
I have a slipped disc in my lower back, I can hardly walk or stand upright when I get up in the morning, I’ve been taking painkillers off and on for a while…My doctor prescribes me to take 2 a day, If I don’t have to go to work, I don’t take any. Does anyone know how long it would take for withdrawl symptoms to start, and how long they last?
I’m taking Lortabs

Best answer:

Answer by JULIE J
Physical dependence involves your bodies need/expectation for the drug. With out the drug your body does into a series of changes while “withdrawing”. The addiction part is when you WANT to drug. Your body isn’t demanding it your head is.

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