Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is the set of symptoms that are manifested when a person who has become dependent on alcohol stops drinking.
The variation in severity of the withdrawal symptoms depends on various factors, the most important of which of course are how much alcohol the person has been taking, and how long they have been taking it. Other influences include age, weight and general health, and can possibly include genetic factors as well. The symptoms can also be made more severe if the person is dependent on other substances of this type – that is, sedative-hypnotic substances. If the symptoms are very severe, the patient may need to be admitted to hospital.
The main reason people experience physical symptoms when stopping drinking is the sudden drop in the alcohol level in the blood. This affects the central nervous system and drives the nerves and brain into a state of extreme excitability. This results in the mental confusion which can be manifested in cases of severe withdrawal. The physical condition can also be complicated by the liver damage which has probably occurred.
Most people have in fact experienced alcohol withdrawal syndrome in its mildest form, when they over-indulge one night to an unaccustomed degree, and have a hangover the next morning. This is the result of withdrawal as the blood alcohol level begins to drop, and symptoms can include headache, nausea, and anxiety or depression. Other mild symptoms can include the sweats or the shakes, and a rapid heartbeat, plus an intense craving for drink. These symptoms can be fairly quickly alleviated by having another drink, which of course makes it much harder for the person to stick to the decision to stop drinking.
However, if consumption has been prolonged and heavy, there can be much more severe symptoms including hallucinations, which can be visual only, or aural as well. These are caused by the effect of blood changes on the brain. They can continue for weeks and can be accompanied by seizures or convulsions. The next stage can be full DTs or delirium tremens, which includes not only hallucinations but extreme disorientation and confusion, accompanied by cardiovascular disturbance.
If symptoms progress to this stage, the sufferer must be admitted to hospital. However, milder cases of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be dealt with in the community. An effective medication is a regular dose of complex vitamins such as Thiamine, plus a good diet and keeping well hydrated. Much more important than medical treatment is a supportive environment, where sufferers can be helped in their determination to stay away from drink.