Abstinens

Abstinens is a term used in both everyday language and medical contexts to describe the state of refraining from a certain behavior or substance, or the symptoms that occur after such a cessation. The word derives from Latin abstinere, meaning to hold back.

In everyday usage, abstinence refers to voluntary self-restraint, such as sexual abstinence, dietary or alcohol abstinence, or religious and cultural practices that encourage periodic or permanent avoidance of certain substances or activities.

In medical contexts, abstinens (often called withdrawal) denotes the collection of physical and psychological symptoms that arise when a dependent person stops using an addictive substance or abruptly reduces its intake. Onset and duration depend on the substance and pattern of use. Common symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbance, sweating, tremor, nausea, pain, and mood changes; severe cases may involve seizures or delirium. Withdrawal is typically managed with a combination of medical supervision, gradual tapering, and symptom-targeted pharmacotherapy such as opioid agonists or antagonists, benzodiazepines for alcohol or sedatives, and supportive care.

Approaches to abstinence range from voluntary behavior change to structured treatment programs. Some programs emphasize complete abstinence as a goal, while others employ harm-reduction strategies alongside gradual reduction. The choice depends on individual circumstances, medical needs, and social support, and guidelines stress the importance of professional evaluation for withdrawal risks.