Abstinence means depriving yourself of something.
Abstinence is the action of abstaining (containing, depriving oneself of something). The word comes from the Latin term abstinentia .
Some of these deprivations are done voluntarily. Such is the case, for example, of total or partial abstinence from certain foods or drinks to comply with a precept imposed by ideological conduct or the fulfillment of some religious precept or a special vow. It is considered that those people who manage to put aside certain things that they like or that could give them satisfaction, will be considered virtuous for having a willpower capable of overcoming any obstacle that stands between that person and the fulfillment of the fundamental ideas in the what he believes
In this way, abstinence consists of a voluntary renunciation of satisfying a desire , which usually takes the form of certain bodily activities that produce pleasure. Temporary abstinence from food , for example, is known as fasting and is used as a protest mechanism with the aim of obtaining certain attention. For example: "A person condemned to death fasts for ten days in protest against the judge's ruling." They can also be done for religious reasons, as an offering to the god they believe in, as Muslims do during Ramadan .
sexual abstinence
Sexual abstinence consists of not having sexual relations for a certain period of time. In many cases, it is due to a religious imposition.
There are several religions , such as Christianity , that promote sexual abstinence until marriage and condemn as a sin any sexual relationship that takes place outside of marriage. In it, consecrated persons (priests, nuns, monks, etc.) must commit to putting aside that part of their life (sexual life) to serve God correctly.
When an alcoholic stops drinking, he or she may suffer a withdrawal syndrome.
Psychological and physical symptoms
There are various substances that have the quality of causing dependence and that induce the so-called tolerance phenomenon in subjects; It refers to the decrease in the effects of said substance when it is used regularly, a decrease that is maintained even if the dose consumed increases . This phenomenon is present in both alcoholic people and those addicted to substances such as cocaine.
There are times when the sudden suspension or reduction of the usual dose consumed of a substance generates what is known as a withdrawal syndrome , which is a set of psychological and physical symptoms. It should be noted that this concept is closely linked to the tolerance phenomenon and is present when the consumption of a substance , on which there is already dependence, is interrupted.
Although this syndrome varies according to the type of substance with which the subject is "hooked"; According to various studies, the one that causes alcohol withdrawal is the most serious. It can have different levels of danger, depending on the degree of dependency and the most serious level being a possible cause of mortality , if said problem is not treated in time. This alcohol withdrawal syndrome is called delirium tremens .
The symptoms of this syndrome are body tremors, headache, nausea , chills, insomnia , irritability , vomiting and extreme sweating and can lead to a high level of anxiety that prevents the normal functioning of the entire body.
Treatment of withdrawal syndrome
It is important to note that both tolerance and the syndrome are perfectly reversible, but it is necessary to go to a specialist to know how to act appropriately and not make decisions that could cause health consequences.
The treatment that is carried out with people who suffer from this pathology consists of detoxification based on medications, detoxification and therapy .
Finally, we can also mention neonatal abstinence syndrome , which occurs when a pregnant woman is addicted to a substance and causes the baby to have the same dependence.