What it means
Physical dependence means the body has become used to a substance, such as an opioid, benzodiazepine or alcohol, and reacts with withdrawal when it is stopped or cut down quickly. It can happen to anyone who takes these drugs regularly, even exactly as prescribed, and it is not the same as addiction. Addiction (substance use disorder) adds craving, loss of control and continued use despite harm.
For the nurse
A client on long-term opioids or benzodiazepines should not stop them suddenly; doses are lowered slowly under the provider's plan. Watch for withdrawal signs, such as anxiety, sweating, tremor, a fast pulse, nausea and diarrhea.
At a glance
| Spanish | dependencia |
|---|---|
| Also written | physical dependence, drug dependence |
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
sedative-hypnotic
A drug that calms a person (sedative) or helps them fall asleep (hypnotic); the same drug can do either, depending on the dose.
poisoning
Harm to the body caused by swallowing, breathing in, touching or being injected with a harmful substance, or taking too much of a drug.