Dependence typically occurs when a patient uses a drug such as an opioid for long term (six months or longer) to manage pain associated with a medical condition. In this time frame, the body builds up a natural tolerance to the medication and becomes dependent on it to maintain status-quo. When a patient is prescribed drugs in this capacity, a medical doctor oversees the patient to wean them off the medication in a way that without the risk of withdrawal or desire to continue using it. This is called tapering.