This refers to the physical, psychological, and behavioural symptoms that occur when an individual abruptly stops or significantly reduces the use of a psychoactive substance to which their body has become dependent. These symptoms arise as the body attempts to readjust to the absence of the substance and may vary in severity and duration depending on the drug type, dosage, and individual factors.
Withdrawal symptoms often represent the opposite effects of the substance’s action, e.g., substances that depress the nervous system (like alcohol or benzodiazepines) can cause overactivity during withdrawal. At the same time, stimulants (like cocaine) may lead to fatigue or depression.
In some cases, particularly with alcohol and sedative withdrawal, symptoms can be life-threatening and require medical supervision. Properly managed, withdrawal typically resolves within several days.
Withdrawal can also occur with other substances such as synthetic cannabinoids, MDMA, volatile inhalants, and cathinones, and in newborns (neonatal withdrawal) following maternal drug use during pregnancy.
Sources: UPenn; ProjectKnow; Gosnold; Recovery Research Institute; HRB