Alcohol withdrawal syndrome - Definition and Overview

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can occur to an alcoholic (one who is addicted to alcohol) in reaction to the discontinued use of alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can be quite extreme, and can even result in death.

Alcohol triggers the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in a person's brain. This chemical acts mainly as a neurological stimulant but is depleted once the intoxicant wears off, and, thus creates dependency. The extreme depletion of this neurotransmitter in the brain of sober alcoholics causes them to seek alcohol in order to replenish the amount of dopamine in their brains.

Symptoms can vary greatly but can include: nausea, vomiting, muscular tremors, extreme pain throughout the entire body, sweating, diarrhea resulting in dehydration, unconsiousness, and death.

See also

• Alcoholism