A patient exhibits withdrawal symptoms including diarrhea and profuse sweating. Which substance is likely responsible?

The symptoms described—diarrhea and profuse sweating—are commonly associated with withdrawal from opioids, such as oxycodone. Opioid withdrawal can present with a range of physiological symptoms due to the body's dependence on the drug. These withdrawal symptoms arise as the body attempts to readjust to functioning without the substance, which can lead to significant discomfort.

Diarrhea occurs due to the gastrointestinal system becoming hyperactive after the removal of the depressant effects of opioids, while profuse sweating results from the body’s autonomic nervous system being disrupted during withdrawal. These effects reflect a clear physiological response to the absence of the substance, indicating that oxycodone is responsible for the observed withdrawal symptoms.

In contrast, alcohol withdrawal presents with different symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, seizures, and can sometimes involve sweating, but is less commonly associated with diarrhea. Cannabis withdrawal is typically mild and includes symptoms like irritability and insomnia, and lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, can also produce withdrawal symptoms, although they are generally characterized by anxiety and agitation rather than gastrointestinal symptoms. Thus, based on the specific withdrawal symptoms presented, oxycodone is indeed the substance most likely responsible in this case.