What about the stories of addiction surrounding opiates? is there a difference between physical dependence and addiction?

Yes: Physical dependence involves use to avoid withdrawal both physiologic and substance dependent without compulsive, lack of control behavior. You can have dependence without addiction.

Yes: Physical dependance is a gradual change in your body adapting to the medication and may require higher doses of medication. Addiction is likely 1) if taking the medication produces problems at home, work or social functioning 2) if medication is taken despite bad effects 3) frequent requests for refills 4) withdrawal symptoms occur after doses are missed 4) there is social withdrawal.