Withdrawal

Withdrawal is defined as both the act of ceasing to use an addictive substance and the physiological and mental changes that accompany such discontinuation. These changes are often referred to as a physical or psychological addiction. Most drugs result in some sort of physical addiction that may produce discomfort, pain, and illness and can, in rare cases, result in death during the withdrawal process. A few drugs result only in a psychological addiction, where the cravings or desire to use the drug have no biological basis.

There are many drugs that one can become addicted to and therefore, suffer the consequences of withdrawal. This section will focus on the most commonly reported drugs of abuse and will include illicit and legal drugs, beginning with alcohol.