What is the difference between addiction, physical dependence and tolerance?
When taking medicines for pain, you should be aware of possible long-term side effects or conditions such as addiction, physical dependence and tolerance, as well as the differences between them. • Abuse: Frequent or persistent intentional, excessive drug use which is accompanied by harmful physical or psychological effect. • Addiction: Characterized by one or more of the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving of a medicine. Addiction usually does not occur when you take medicine under your doctor’s supervision • Diversion: Intentional transfer of a drug from a legitimate source (i.e., distribution from a manufacturer, or storage in hospitals, pharmacies and doctors’ offices) and/or from a patient for whom the drug has been prescribed, to unauthorized users and/or for illegal sale • Overdose: Ingestion of more than the normal or recommended amount of something, usually a drug. An overdose may result in serious, harmful symptom
