Morphine Desk
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Three different things

Dependence vs addiction

Tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction are not the same. You can be dependent on a prescribed dose without being addicted.

Tolerance

The same dose stops working as well, so more is needed for the same effect. This is expected with regular opioid use.

Physical dependence

The body has adapted. Stopping suddenly causes withdrawal: restlessness, sweating, diarrhea, muscle aches, runny nose, anxiety, insomnia. This is expected with regular medical use. It is not the same as addiction. Do not stop morphine abruptly unless a clinician tells you to (for example in overdose).

Addiction (opioid use disorder)

Compulsive use despite harm — craving, loss of control, continued use when it is damaging work, health, or relationships. Morphine has a high risk of this. A person can be physically dependent on a prescribed dose without being addicted. Both are real.