Final answer:
Maceo has developed a physical dependence on Dilaudid, suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms, which indicates a physiological need for the drug.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maceo has a physical dependence on the narcotic Dilaudid, evidenced by severe physiological and emotional reactions upon cessation of the drug. A physical dependence to substances like Dilaudid involves adaptive changes in the body's functioning that lead to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not present in the system. In contrast to psychological dependence, which is primarily an emotional or mental need for a drug often used to alleviate psychological distress, physical dependence is characterized by the body's reliance on the drug to function normally. Tolerance can often accompany physical dependence, necessitating an increased amount of the drug to achieve the same effects.
Painkillers such as Dilaudid have analgesic properties, providing pain relief, but they are also narcotics that can cause drowsiness or loss of consciousness at higher doses. When a person develops a dependence on such narcotics, they might experience intense cravings and require larger doses due to developed tolerance, a phenomenon linked to physiological changes in the body. Prolonged use of opioids can unfortunately lead to this sort of dependence in less than a week, even when taken as prescribed, leading to addiction—a compulsive use of the drug despite negative consequences. Withdrawal symptoms from opioids can include severe pain, contributing to a cycle that fuels ongoing use of the narcotics.