Final answer:
The withdrawal symptoms experienced when a drug is not administered are the body's compensatory responses, which is true. These symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and may require medical supervision for safety during rehabilitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement in question is in fact true. The withdrawal symptoms someone might feel are indeed the body's compensatory responses that occur when it anticipates the arrival of a drug. Over time, as an individual continues to use a drug, their body adjusts to its presence, which can lead to tolerance—this is when increasing amounts are needed to feel the original effects of the drug. When the drug is suddenly discontinued, the body experiences a range of compensatory symptoms, opposite to the effects the drug provided. This state is known as withdrawal. It's also important to distinguish physical dependence, which is often marked by withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of drug use, from psychological dependence, which is an emotional need for the drug commonly used to relieve psychological distress.
Physical dependence can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, particularly in the case of substances like alcohol and barbiturates, which can be life-threatening. That is why medical supervision is recommended during the rehabilitation process. In the case of heroin addiction, methadone may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan because it can alleviate withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high, thereby helping to break the cycle of addiction.