Which of the following terms refers specifically to the physical symptoms that occur when a substance's use is abruptly stopped?

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Get ready for the UCF PSY2012 General Psychology Exam. Practice with hints and explanations to improve your understanding. Master your exam preparation today!

The term that accurately describes the physical symptoms that arise when the use of a substance is suddenly halted is "abstinence syndrome." This condition often occurs with various substances, including alcohol, opioids, and certain medications. When a person develops a dependence on a substance, their body adapts to its presence, leading to physical changes. If the substance is then no longer available, the body reacts negatively, resulting in withdrawal symptoms that can be quite severe and include a range of physical and psychological effects.

Tolerance refers to the process by which an individual requires increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the desired effect, which is different from the symptoms of withdrawal. Substance dependence encompasses a broader concept that includes the inability to stop using a substance despite negative consequences, whereas substance abuse typically refers to patterns of usage that could lead to significant impairment or distress. In contrast, abstinence syndrome specifically captures the experience of withdrawal following abrupt cessation of substance use.