I began taking pain meds after an accident ten years ago. My orthopedic dr. told me that your body can become addcited to narcotic pain meds after taking them as prescribed for two weeks. I started out taking them for pain, but eventually, that turn into taking them due to the fact that I felt bad if I didn't. Fast forward to now...ten years later.
Before entering rehab ten months ago, I was swallowing thirty, 10mg of hydro or oxycodones per day just to keep from being sick.
As for your question about is it dependency or addiction...all I can say is, your husband sounds just like me...he took them in the beginning for legit reasons, and his body became addicted to the drug...that happens. But now, if he's lying about the pain, or taking more than he's supposed to....that sounds like addcition.
**** luck to you both,
Penny