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Physical adaptation of the body to a medication with resultant withdrawal symptoms following its abrupt discontinuation is ________.

a. tolerance
b. dependence
c. placebo effect
d. paradoxical response

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Physical adaptation to medication with withdrawal symptoms upon its abrupt discontinuation is termed dependence. Tolerance is when more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect, while psychological dependence involves craving. Physical dependence causes withdrawal symptoms, which are addressed in addiction treatment and rehabilitation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Physical adaptation of the body to a medication with resultant withdrawal symptoms following its abrupt discontinuation is known as dependence. Tolerance occurs when a drug user requires more and more of a given drug in order to experience the same effects of the drug, while psychological dependence refers to drug craving. Physical dependence involves changes in normal bodily functions, and the user will experience withdrawal from the drug upon cessation of use.

Drug withdrawal includes a variety of negative symptoms experienced when drug use is discontinued. These symptoms are usually opposite of the effects of the drug. For instance, withdrawal from sedative drugs often produces unpleasant arousal and agitation. Physical dependence produces physical withdrawal symptoms which may include tremors, pain, seizures, among others.

The term drug dependence defines a condition in which stopping use of a substance such as a psychoactive drug produces physical and/or psychological symptoms. The use of methadone in heroin addiction treatment is due to its ability to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce craving, thereby helping manage heroin addiction, dependence, and facilitating rehabilitation.

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