I am sure this has been discussed previously, but I have been thinking about Cullen's withdrawal from Lyrium. Do we actually know what are the actual physical/psychological symptoms and why is Cassandra so certain Cullen can manage them. Is it because of his ability to withstand torture and torment (ie Uldred)?
Also, in previous games it seems withdrawal results in insanity, senility or death. What, if anything is different now?
" The effects of lyrium addiction for templars include paranoia, obsession, and dementia.[24] Symptoms of lyrium hunger pangs include fatigue, forgetfulness, an unquenchable thirst, and cold hands.[25] Over time, templars grow disoriented, incapable of distinguishing memory from present, or dream from waking. They frequently become paranoid as their worst memories and nightmares haunt their waking hours.Cullen Rutherford states that templars also lose their memories to prolong imbibing of lyrium. It starts small at first- a misplaced item or words to a song- but more fades away over time. Mages have additionally been known to suffer physical mutation.[11] According to Vivienne, anything that increases the capacity of a mage's magic (such as lyrium) creates a damaging effect on the body. For mages, this is known as mana imbalance. Some adverse effects of mana imbalance may include conscious dreaming in the Fade (such as those experienced during the Harrowing), periods of dizziness, and hearing voices. Unlike templars, mages are able to recuperate from the adverse effects.
Justice's unique ability to equip the lyrium ring implies that spirits are resistant to lyrium's toxic effects."
http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Lyrium
Also, since this is still the spoiler free section, in Trespasser
Wow - fabulous answer and thanks for the link. Are these symptoms the result of prolonged usage or withdrawal from or both? Sorry but I am still not clear. I didn't see this in article but how is Cullen able to withstand the withdrawal and why is Cassandra so convinced that he can.
Cause Cullen is protected by plot magic? 
That's really the only reason I can think of. I would say Cassandra's faith in him is more her being supportive than knowing, somehow, that Cullen possesses some super Templar stamina. (But if you do his romance path, you know he totally does.) And the Inquisitor can emotionally support Cullen through the withdrawal as well, and having a support system is a huge part of recovery.
The "hunger pangs" is essentially the beginning of withdrawal. Each time a Templar has a craving for Lyrium, it's a result of the body going too long without it. The symptoms they list would probably be more severe the longer the Templar has gone without. Cullen also talks about his nightmares and is greatly agitated in one of his scenes as a result of his withdrawal.
Plot magic... I love it!
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