A teen asks a nurse, "What is physical dependence in substance abuse?" Which is the correct response by the nurse?

A) Problem that occurs in conjunction with addiction
B) Involuntary physiologic response to drug
C) Culturally defined use of drugs for purposes other than accepted medical purposes
D) Voluntary behavior based on psychosocial needs

Physical dependence is an involuntary response to the pharmacologic characteristics of drugs such as opioids or alcohol. A person can be physically dependent on a narcotic/drug without being addicted; for example, patients who use opioids to control pain need increasing doses to achieve the same effect. Dependence is a physiologic response; it is not culturally determined or subject to voluntary control.