Alcohol withdrawal is characterized by a physiological and psychological reaction of the body after regular and/or significant alcohol consumption has stopped. As the body responds to the absence of alcohol, withdrawal begins to manifest through a variety of neurological symptoms including physical discomfort and may progress to a possible life-threatening medical crisis.

As alcohol is consumed in a regular and excessive manner, the body attempts to respond and function normally in order to maintain a state of equilibrium, or homeostasis. With regular use over time, the body eventually adapts to the continued use of alcohol and builds tolerance or becomes insensitive, and the individual becomes accustomed to the sustained levels of alcohol in the blood. As tolerance develops, the individual needs to have more alcohol ingested ...

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