Withdrawal Syndrome (also referred to as physical dependence) refers to the consequences of repeated administration of certain drugs, whose abstinence can increase the intensity of drug-seeking behavior because of the need to avoid or relieve withdrawal discomfort and/or produce physiological changes of sufficient severity to require medical treatment.⁽²⁾ Patients who use opioids for pain relief on a long-term basis will likely develop a withdrawal syndrome when therapy is stopped abruptly, the dose is reduced sharply or an antagonist is administered. However, this can be avoided if opioids are tapered gradually over a period of time.