What term describes the physiological reaction to stopping drug use?

Withdrawal is the appropriate term to describe the physiological reaction that occurs when an individual stops using a drug after developing a dependence on it. This reaction can manifest through a range of symptoms that vary depending on the substance that was abused and the level of dependency. Symptoms may include anxiety, nausea, tremors, sweating, and various physical discomforts.

In contrast, intoxication refers to the state of being under the influence of a drug, where the individual exhibits altered physical and mental capabilities. Dependency signifies a condition in which the body has adapted to the presence of the drug, leading to tolerance and the necessity to continue using the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Craving, on the other hand, relates to the intense desire or urge to consume the drug but does not encompass the physiological symptoms that characterize withdrawal. Thus, withdrawal is specifically the body's response to the absence of the drug after habitual use.