What is Withdrawal?
Withdrawal is the range of physical and psychological symptoms that occur when an individual suddenly reduces or stops using a substance they are dependent on, such as drugs or alcohol. Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and intense cravings. In severe cases, withdrawal can lead to life-threatening conditions like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), particularly with substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Withdrawal is often the first step in addiction recovery, and medical supervision during detox is critical to managing symptoms safely. Detox programs provide medications and support to ease the discomfort of withdrawal and help individuals begin their recovery journey.