withdrawal

withdrawal /with·draw·al/ (with-drawl´)

1. pathological retreat from interpersonal contact and social involvement.

2. substance w.

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substance withdrawal  a substance-specific mental disorder that follows the cessation of use or reduction in intake of a psychoactive substance that had been regularly used to induce a state of intoxication.

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with·draw·al (w-drôl, wth-)

n.

1. Detachment, as from social or emotional involvement.

2. Discontinuation of the use of an addictive substance.

3. The physiological and mental readjustment that accompanies such discontinuation.

4. A pattern of behavior, observed in schizophrenia and depression, that is characterized by a pathological retreat from interpersonal contact and social involvement and that leads to self-preoccupation.

5. Coitus interruptus.

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Withdrawal

Those side effects experienced by a person who has become physically dependent on a substance, upon decreasing the substance's dosage or discontinuing its use.

Mentioned in: Addiction, Substance Abuse and Dependence

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withdrawal

[withdrô′əl]

Etymology: ME, with + drawen, to take away

a common response to physical danger or severe stress characterized by a state of apathy, lethargy, depression, retreat into oneself, and in grave cases, catatonia and stupor. It is pathologic if it interferes with a person's perception of reality and ability to function in society, such as in the various forms of schizophrenia. See also schizophrenia.

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withdrawal (abstinence) syndrome,

n the somatic and psychosomatic symptoms recognizable after the abrupt termination of regular drug or other substance use. The types of symptoms are specific to the type of the withdrawn substance.

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withdrawal

pharmaceutically speaking, cessation of treatment with a particular drug.

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withdrawal reflex

see flexor reflex.

withdrawal time

time interval after cessation of treatment before the animal or any of its products can be used as human food. Based on determination of the time interval required for tissue levels of the substance to fall below critical levels as decreed by legislation. Called also withholding period.

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withdrawal

Psychology A retreat from interpersonal contact, which may be a normal reaction–eg, to uncomfortable social situations or unemployment, or a sign of mental disorders–eg, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder Substance abuse A specific constellation of signs and Sx due to the abrupt cessation of, or reduction in, regularly administered opioids; opioid withdrawal is characterized by 3 or more of the following Sx that develop within hrs to several days after abrupt cessation of the substance: 1. Dysphoric mood, 2. N&V, 3. muscle aches & abdominal cramps, 4. lacrimation or rhinorrhea, 5. pupillary dilation, piloerection or sweating, 6. diarrhea, 7. yawning, 8. fever, 9. insomnia. Cf Alcohol withdrawal syndrome, Physical dependence.

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Patient discussion about withdrawal.

Q. I may be healthier now, but miserable… I’ve not been smoking for a whole month (my longest period in the last decade), and I do feel a bit better physically, but it seems that I lost the joy of life – I don’t go out with my friends any more (because they’re all smokers), I envy other smokers, and generally I feel nervous and dull. Will it be like that forever or is there hope?

A. Well, try to think about what are you missing? The foul smell? The yellow teeth? The feeling of suffocating next morning? Whenever you feel longing to cigarettes, try to think again why you stopped smoking- and it’d help you to keep with it.

Q. ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL what are the symtoms of it?

A. thank you dagmar--i hope this answer will help people to understand what this drug can do to you---peace---mrfoot56