Withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms (pronunciation: /wɪðˈdrɔːl ˈsɪmptəmz/) are a group of physical or mental effects that can occur after stopping or reducing intake of a substance such as alcohol or drugs to which a person has become dependent or addicted.
Etymology
The term "withdrawal" comes from the Middle English word "withdrawen", which means to take back or away. The term "symptoms" comes from the Greek word "symptoma", which means an occurrence, sign, or indication of something.
Definition
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. They are typically the opposite of the effects of the substance that was used. For example, withdrawal from depressants like alcohol and benzodiazepines can cause agitation and restlessness, while withdrawal from stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines can cause fatigue and depression.
Related Terms
- Addiction: A chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.
- Dependence: A state in which the body requires a drug in order to function normally.
- Detoxification: The process of removing a drug or alcohol from the body, often under medical supervision.
- Rebound Effect: The return of symptoms that were being treated by the drug once it is discontinued.
- Tolerance: A state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug induces changes that result in a decrease of the drug's effects over time.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Withdrawal symptoms
- Wikipedia's article - Withdrawal symptoms
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