What is the term for the symptoms that arise after discontinuing an addictive substance?

The term that describes the symptoms arising after discontinuing an addictive substance is "withdrawal." When a person who is physically dependent on a substance reduces or stops its use, their body reacts to the absence of that substance, leading to a range of physical and psychological symptoms. These can vary in intensity and duration depending on the substance involved and the level of dependence. Common withdrawal symptoms may include cravings, anxiety, tremors, nausea, and more.

Understanding withdrawal is crucial in the context of addiction and recovery, as it plays a significant role in the challenges faced during the cessation of substance use. It highlights why medical supervision and support are often necessary when an individual attempts to stop using an addictive substance.

In contrast, intoxication refers to the state of being under the influence of a substance, tolerance indicates the need for increased amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect, and dependence pertains to the physiological adaptation to a substance, which includes withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Each of these terms describes different aspects of substance use and addiction, but it is withdrawal that specifically focuses on the symptoms experienced after stopping the use of a substance.