Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms & Signs

Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person who is accustomed to drinking large amounts of alcohol suddenly stops drinking alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually are most severe after 48 to 72 hours, but they can persist for weeks. A severe form of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens (DT).

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include

• depression,
• anxiety,
• fatigue,
• nervousness,
• nightmares,
• jumpiness,
• mood swings,
• insomnia,
• nausea, and
• vomiting.

Other symptoms can include

• sweating,
• tremor,
• pallor,
• high blood pressure,
• rapid heart rate,
• headache, and
• dilated pupils.

Symptoms of DT are more severe and may consist of

• seizures,
• fever,
• hallucinations,
• confusion, and
• agitation.

DT may also cause

• fear,
• delirium,
• decreased attention span, and
• other changes in mental function.

Causes of alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal is caused by suddenly stopping alcohol consumption in an individual who normally consumes large amounts of alcohol.

REFERENCE:

Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.

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