That’s actually the correct definition. Addiction is using a medication or substance for other than its intended purpose to achieve a desired or pleasurable effect. So you are correct. Using something for what it is not meant for. In the case of pain giving narcotics cannot lead to addiction as the receptors for pain relief are present. If you are in pain and get a narcotic then you don’t get the euphoria of taking opioids when not in pain. So it is almost impossible to addict someone in true pain. What often confuses people is that occasionally one can become tolerant and require increasing doses. My job as an anesthesiologist is tomorovode safe and effidroce pain relief at the minimal dose possible. It takes a lot of time and understanding of the patients unique needs.
I’ve taken Opioids on and off for a decade. But since the Gastropresis got so bad, they are highly restricted. Anti-Inflammatory drugs for OA damaged my GI tract. So it leaves Tylenol as the only daily med. I’m 70 with a completely degenerative spine, OA, OP, FMS, Enlarged Heart with small Mitral valve leak, Meniere’s, Neuropathy down legs/arms. Suspect Sjogren’s too. All 4 drain ducts are cauterized closed, tear film breaks in 3-5 seconds. I react to nearly every med they try. 14 FMS/Neuropathy med reactions. Only Valium works, and not all that great. But it doesn’t cause side effects that send me to the ER with stage 3 Hypertension and in Seizures from the Gastropresis.