Can I become dependent on oxygen?

, this is a great question and I'm sure others in the community will chime in but I did want to share some articles that you might find helpful: https://copd.net/living/oxygen-dependence, https://copd.net/clinical/home-oxygen-benefits, https://copd.net/living/supplemental-oxygen-therapy. All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, team member).

Hi CM24c83d, and thanks for your post and question - it's a good one! I see my colleague, , has already responded and shared some pertinent reference articles for you to look over. I do hope you have an opportunity to review them.
I too, have something to contribute. This disease (COPD), as you may be aware, is a pulmonary disease which affects the lungs significantly. For some people with this disease, the use of supplemental oxygen therapy can be prescribed when the need becomes evident. If you have been prescribed the use of oxygen, my suggestion would be to follow the doctor's orders/recommendations, and to use it as prescribed.
There is no such thing as 'dependency' on oxygen - that is a fairly common misunderstanding of what the oxygen does for the body. Physiologically, a sufficient amount of oxygen is required in order for all organ systems to work properly. Since, in some cases, the lungs cannot provide sufficient oxygen for this to happen, extra oxygen (the therapy), is necessary to insure that everything is working properly. It also can help the patient to actually 'feel better' - one's breathing challenges can improve with the use of oxygen.
I do hope this brief reply has been helpful for you.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)