Opioids affect everyone’s body differently, however, taking a consistent amount of opioids can easily cause physical dependence on opioids. This process is different for everyone, so it may take one person weeks of opioid use and another person months in order to become physically dependent.   It is very much possible, and extremely common, for individuals who are not abusing prescription opioids to develop a physical dependence on opioids. Some individuals are just following their doctor’s orders to take their prescribed medication and will develop withdrawal symptoms if they are without their medication. You do not have to misuse or abuse opioids to become physically addicted to them.   Physical dependence is influenced by medical history, volume, and frequency of opioid use, in addition to factors like diet, pre-existing conditions, and a family history of addiction.