What are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include both physical and psychological manifestations. Anxiety and tremors specifically highlight two key aspects of this condition.

When someone who has become dependent on alcohol suddenly reduces or stops its intake, they can experience heightened anxiety due to the body’s adjustment to the absence of the substance. This anxiety often arises from physical changes in the brain and central nervous system that result from alcohol use. Tremors, or shaking, are also a hallmark symptom of alcohol withdrawal, typically occurring within 6 to 48 hours after the last drink. This physiological response is linked to alterations in neurotransmitter activity, particularly involving gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, as the body tries to regain homeostasis without alcohol.

While other symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, high blood pressure, and arrhythmia can occur in alcohol withdrawal, the pairing of anxiety and tremors is particularly representative of the early stages of withdrawal and is widely recognized in clinical settings. Thus, the selection of anxiety and tremors aptly captures two of the most prevalent symptoms seen in individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal.