Alcohol withdrawal syndrome are Sx which can occur when a Pt reduces or stops alcohol consumptiona fter long periods of use.

• Prolonged and excessive use of alcohol causes tolerance and physical dependence
• Withdrawal syndrome is largely a hyper-excitable response of the CNS due to lack of alcohol
• Sedative-hypnotics, e.g. alcohol, are wlel known for their ability to cause physiological dependence. This dependence is due to alcohol-induced neuro-adaption
• Withdrawl is characterized by neuropsychiatric excitability and autonomic disturbances
• Dependence on other sedative-hypnotics can increase the severity of the withdrawal syndrome

• Agitation
• Seizures
• Delirium tremens

• 50% of Pt's w/ alcoholism develop withdrawal Sx upon reducing their use
• 3-5% develop delirium tremens or have seizures

• Alcoholism (category)