Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is an expected side-effect of quitting alcohol consumption after extended periods of abuse. It is marked by bodily and mental changes including trembling, sleeplessness and extreme forms of anxiety.

Withdrawal occurs due to the lack of a sedating effect in the brain. Alcoholics who have grown used to the habit also get used to having this sedating and depressing effect present continuously. Their bodies have learned to adapt and naturally compensate, triggering bodily adjustment to balance it. This balancing comes in the form of stimulating chemicals released in larger quantities than the body is used to.

Once alcohol is removed, the extra stimulants stay the same, thus normally wreaking havoc on a person’s physiology.

The most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

• Tremors and shaking - this is the most common symptom and happens with almost all cases.
• Hallucinations - seeing imaginary things and visions
• Withdrawal seizures - seizures can be expected from patients and usually occur at various times over the spread of several hours
• Delirium tremens - the patient suffering from this will experience confusion, disorientation, and even loss of consciousness; it is the most extreme form of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and happens in less than 5% of all patients

During the withdrawal, a doctor can help alleviate the condition with prescription medication to help with tremors and some sedatives to control the hallucinations. Emotional support from family and friends is crucial to help the patient get through their withdrawal episodes which can happen for as long as several weeks after their last alcohol intake.