Opiate withdrawal syndrome is the term used to describe the symptoms you may experience when abruptly cutting back or completely stopping opiate use. Opiate withdrawal syndrome usually only affects those who have become physically dependent on these drugs. When you use opiates regularly, your body adjusts to the presence of these drugs in your body and comes to rely on them for normal functioning. When you suddenly quit, your body goes through withdrawal as its way of attempting to recover and find balance after having been exposed to drugs long-term.