“Dependence occurs when the body has reached the point of relying on a continuous external source of opioids to prevent withdrawal syndrome,” This means that the body has become accustomed to having the opioids present. As a result, it needs the outside influx to feel “normal.”   Opioid dependence can develop very quickly. It is highly likely to occur if you use opioids for six months or more, but it has also been recorded to have occurred after just five days of use, and there is a 13% increase in opioid dependence for people who used them for eight days or more. But, again, many factors impact whether the dependence occurs, including the strength and type of the opioid taken. Reference: What Is Opioid Dependence?   – NWPrevention