Substance withdrawal is a common medical problem and is widely prevalent in many countries. Each withdrawal syndrome has 2 primary characteristics: a compensatory physiologic adaptation, which is intrinsic to the continuous exposure of the body to a drug or substance, and when decreasing amounts of the substance are available, the withdrawal develops. In addition, substances that produce withdrawal can be treated with the same or similar drug to relieve and treat the symptoms.
Withdrawal development is the hallmark of physical dependence on a substance, and the withdrawal response varies significantly depending on the specific substance and duration of use. Withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable, as with opioid or caffeine withdrawal, to life-threatening, as with the discontinuation of ethanol or benzodiazepine usage. Treatment focuses on the reintroduction of the substance with a slow and controlled taper or removal or administering similar drugs to relieve symptoms and allow for a slow taper.
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