Let's make this clear.
When addicts die, it is not due to taking it for medical reason as directed.
Most of the addicts get their drugs from their friends, family, and etc. The drugs were not directly prescribed to them.
The definition of addiction, according to NIDA (The National Institute on Drug Abuse): “…a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.”
Person does not just become an addict by just taking it for a valid medical reason.
Most people can stop once the medical reason is resolved.
However, the progressions to addiction happen to some people with genetic predisposition for addictive personality and/or un-diagnosed/untreated underlying psychological conditions. And it can ultimately lead them to the death associated with their addiction.
Here are the 5 stages of addiction from one of the addiction web site.
https://www.inspiremalibu.com/blog/a...ioral-roadmap/
It is general as there are exceptions, like any other conditions.
"1. First Use
First Use encompasses experimentation with alcohol or drugs, but also includes a person taking medication that their physician prescribed them for a specific issue.
Whether the first use is out of a sense of adventure, peer pressure or a medical necessity, they learn how the substance makes them feel at this point.
2. Continued Use
Continued Use of the substance, in the case of a person with a prescription, might be out of a requirement or feeling the need to use the medication.
For an individual that experimented not too long ago and returned to the substance, it’s clearer that they like how the drug makes them feel.
Also, in the continued use stage, a person is likely to notice that they’re not bouncing back as quickly after getting “high.” This is because it’s taking the brain longer to chemically repair itself and return to normal balance.
3. Tolerance
Tolerance arrives after a period of continued use, the duration of which varies among individuals and whatever substances their using.
This is one of the first warning signs of addiction.
Tolerance means the brain and body have adjusted to the drug and it now takes a greater amount to feel the effects of it.
A person that’s developed a tolerance to a prescription painkiller their doctor prescribed might start to notice that the same dosage no longer takes care of their pain.
4. Dependence
Dependence is the stage where a substance abuser will become physically ill without alcohol or drugs, perhaps even developing serious withdrawal symptoms. There are several biological elements in play here.
Chemically, the brain has become accustomed to the substance and doesn’t function well without it.
This also presents physically, sending a person into withdrawal where they can experience flu-like symptoms with opiates, or sweats and shakiness with alcohol.
These symptoms often disappear when they’re able to get a drink or a fix of their drug.
With dependence to drugs or alcohol, individuals don’t feel “normal” if they’re not using. This stage is a sign that addiction is taking hold.
5. Addiction
With the last stage, addiction, individuals find it nearly impossible to stop misusing drugs or alcohol, even when they no longer enjoy it or their behavior has caused serious life problems.
They might last for periods of time where they don’t use drugs or alcohol, but are unable to stop themselves just when things seemed to be going well.
On other side of the coin, a person in the throws of addiction who’s lost everything might be in total denial, unwilling or unable to face the disease. "
So, you are not an addict if you are taking it for pain but are able to stop once the pain is resolved.- either by other treatment or by natural healing process.
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