Final answer:
The described case of DM is an example of opioid dependence, which is a common adverse effect of long-term opioid use where increasing doses are required to achieve pain relief due to the body adapting to the drug.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario described with DM, a 56-year-old female suffering from degenerative disc disease who is experiencing breakthrough pain despite her stable opioid regimen, is indicative of the adverse effect known as opioid dependence. Opioid dependence occurs when the body adapts to the presence of the medication, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. The situation is complicated by the potential for addiction and the risks of overdose, which are serious concerns with long-term opioid therapy. Moreover, when individuals attempt to withdraw from opioids, they often experience withdrawal symptoms that could be mistaken for their original pain, prompting a continued need for the medication and perpetuating the cycle of dependence.
The opioid epidemic in the United States escalated due to an increase in prescriptions of opioid medications in the 1990s, with promises of non-addictiveness from pharmaceutical companies that were later proven to be false. Patients like DM, who began using these medications for legitimate medical reasons, may find themselves needing to increase doses over time due to tolerance, all while facing the risk of addiction and other serious side effects.