Physical dependence

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Physical dependence refers to a state resulting from habitual use of a drug, where negative physical withdrawal symptoms result from abrupt discontinuation.^[1]

1 Drugs that cause physical dependence
2 Treatment
3 References
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Drugs that cause physical dependence

[edit] Treatment

Treatment for drug dependence depends upon the drug being withdrawn and often includes administration of another drug, especially for substances that can be dangerous when abruptly discontinued. Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates are the only commonly abused substances that can be fatal in withdrawal. Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure, sweating, and tremors are common signs of withdrawal; confusion, seizures, and visual hallucinations indicate a serious emergency and the need for immediate medical care. Treatment usually requires the initiation and then tapering of a medication that has a similar action in the brain but a longer half-life. Though extremely unpleasant and potentially dramatic, withdrawal from opiates is safe without medical intervention.^{[citation needed]}