A 19-year-old female states that she is addicted to Vicodin because it makes her feel good, and she cannot stop taking the pills. She states that she craves them all the time, and when she runs out she does not feel sick but becomes preoccupied with how she can get more. Assessment reveals no abnormalities, and vital signs are within acceptable limits. This patient's condition is most consistent with:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's description of craving and preoccupation with obtaining the drug even when not feeling physically ill suggests psychological dependence, which is characterized by a strong desire or compulsion to use a drug despite the absence of physical symptoms. Physical dependence refers to the development of withdrawal symptoms when a drug is discontinued, while habituation refers to a decreased response to a drug due to repeated exposure. Tolerance refers to a need for higher doses of a drug to achieve the same effect, but it is not mentioned in the patient's case.

A 19-Year-Old Female States That She Is Addicted to Vicodin