Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur when a person who has been drinking excessive amounts of alcohol on a regular basis abruptly stops drinking alcohol.
Causes
Adults are the most likely to experience alcohol withdrawal. However, it can also happen to teenagers or children.
The more you drink on a regular basis, the more likely it is that you will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.
If you have certain other medical issues, you may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms
Collapse Section
Symptoms has been expanded.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually occur within 8 hours after the last drink, but can occur days later. Symptoms usually peak by 24 to 72 hours, but may go on for weeks.
Important links:
Common symptoms include:
Anxiety or nervousness
Depression
Fatigue
Irritability
Jumpiness or shakiness
Mood swings
Nightmares
Not thinking clearly
Other symptoms may include:
Sweating, clammy skin
Enlarged (dilated) pupils
Headache
Insomnia (sleeping difficulty)
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Pallor
Rapid heart rate
Sweating, clammy skin
Tremor of the hands or other body parts
A severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens can cause:
Agitation
Fever
Seeing or feeling things that aren't there (hallucinations)
Seizures
Severe confusion
Important links: