Even though an addict may build up a tolerance, there is a physical limit to how much a person can take before it will destroy their health. Also, the reason for the addiction is much more than a mere avoindance of withdrawal. There is a change in self perception that is at the root of all addictions. It does not mean a "stupor", but the addiction takes precedence over everything else in life at a certain point. It becomes more important than sleep, eating, or work. The loved ones of an addict become affected as well as co-dependent.
How much is is "pretty strong"? is it 30 doses in a day? It still does not seem probable.
Well, without getting into specifics, he takes 9 pills a day (3x3). When I had a bad toothache a while back, I took a half of just one of his pills. It knocked both the pain and me out within an hour. So he's essentially taking at least 18 times more than I can handle.
There is a change in self perception that is at the root of all addictions.
Not necessarily. It really depends on the reason the pills were being taken in the first place. I'm sure my husband is probably addicted to his pain-killers. That's never been a problem though because he doesn't take the stuff to get high. He takes it the same way other people take their heart medications or whatever else they have to take every day. That doesn't mean he's not addicted though.