So Physical Dependence and Addiction are not the same thing?
This is correct. Physical dependence is not the same as addiction to a drug. Physical dependence is largely a result of taking a certain drug on a regular basis for a long time. It may occur with some drugs and not with many others.

The compulsive use of addiction tends to result when a drug is regularly used for its immediate and desirable effect on mental state or feeling.

“I have heard no explanation, no rationale or reason to explain the pull those drugs had on me.

I used without thinking. I used to not think. If I thought, it was about using. It was the same with feeling.

Any of the reasons why I used or abused drugs in the first place had no role in why I was still using at the end.”

Different drugs and patterns of drug use hold different risks for addiction or physical dependence. Genetic and biological differences may also influence risk for physical dependence or addiction. But physical dependence and addiction are not the same thing. They do not always occur together.

Sadly, the regular use of an opiate drug may involve all of the above factors. Drug tolerance, fear of withdrawal and powerful addictive potential may all occur together. A deepening cycle of compulsive use can rapidly occur. The consequences may be severe and tragic for all involved.

Without treatment, the compulsion to use opiate drugs - and/or the use of these drugs to avoid withdrawal - will increasingly take precedence over other life priorities and responsibilities.

It is this driving need to obtain and to take opiate drugs that gives rise to the reckless and dangerous behaviors that may occur with severe opiate addiction.