The most common withdrawal syndrome is the presence of 'hangover' the following day, but the symptoms may be of a more serious nature.

The withdrawal syndromes occurs as simple or severe symptoms.

Common simple withdrawal symptoms include-

• Mild tremors
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Anxiety

The severe withdrawal symptoms are characterised by-

a) Delirium tremens This is considered as the most severe of the alcohol withdrawal syndromes. It occurs 2-4 days after total abstinence from heavy alcohol drinking. It has a short course, usually lasting 3-7 days. It is classified as an acute brain syndrome, with characteristic features such as

Clouding of consciousness with lack of orientation of time and place.

Poor attention span and easy distractibility.

Visual and auditory hallucinations.

Tactile hallucinations (feelings of insects crawling all over the body).

Tachycardia, fever, Sweating, Pupillary dilatation.

Ataxia.

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Death could occur due to cardiovascular collapse, infection, or sometimes self-inflicted injury.

b) Alcoholic seizures (Rum fits)

They are seizures that might occur in single or in multiple numbers.

C) Alcoholic Hallucinosis.

Hallucinations, usually auditory, occurs during abstinence, when the individual's is clearly conscious.