Withdrawal effects of alcohol use

Withdrawal effects of alcohol use can occur when people with alcohol use problems suddenly decrease or stop using alcohol. The majority of people with alcohol use problems have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms, including tremors (shaking hands), sweating, sleep disturbance, decreased appetite and nausea. These withdrawal symptoms usually disappear in less than seven days with or without treatment. Sometimes the withdrawal symptoms can be very severe, and lead to an emergency medical condition called delirium tremens. Delirium tremens is characterised by loss of consciousness, agitation, restlessness, tremor, disorientation (difficulty in knowing place and time or recognising familiar people), sweating and high fever, visual hallucinations, and paranoia. It commonly occurs three to seven days after drinking has stopped.