Which scenario is an example of medication dependence?

The scenario that exemplifies medication dependence is illustrated by an older adult who skips a dose and subsequently experiences feelings of anxiety. This situation indicates that the individual has developed a reliance on the medication, where the absence of the drug leads to psychological discomfort, such as anxiety. Medication dependence can be characterized by a cycle where the body and mind come to rely on the drug to maintain equilibrium or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

In this case, the anxiety reflects a physiological or psychological response to not taking the medication, suggesting a certain level of dependence upon it. This dependence manifests when someone alters their emotional or physical state based on the presence or absence of the medication, demonstrating the intricate relationship between medication use and personal well-being.

The other scenarios do not illustrate medication dependence in the same way. For example, a young mother increasing her morphine dosage may signal potential issues related to pain management or undertreatment, but it does not automatically imply dependence as it could be a response to increased pain. An adult controlling pain with ibuprofen could indicate effective pain management without signs of dependence, as the usage does not provoke anxiety or withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, while a recent graduate compulsively using heroin indicates substance use issues, it relates more to illicit drug dependence rather than the context of medication