Alcohol withdrawal is characterized by which cluster of symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal is characterized by which cluster of symptoms?

• A. Autonomic hyperactivity, tremors, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and possibly seizures or delirium tremens
• B. Euphoria and increased sociability
• C. Weight gain and improved appetite
• D. Improved concentration and calmness

Answer: (A)

Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person who has been using alcohol heavily and regularly reduces or stops drinking. The hallmark cluster is autonomic hyperactivity (like a racing heart and sweating), tremors, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, and, in more severe cases, seizures or delirium tremens. This pattern happens because, after the depressant effects of alcohol wear off, the nervous system becomes suddenly hyperexcitable. The other options describe states associated with drinking itself (euphoria and sociability) or unrelated changes (weight gain, improved appetite, and better concentration), not the withdrawal syndrome.

Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person who has been using alcohol heavily and regularly reduces or stops drinking. The hallmark cluster is autonomic hyperactivity (like a racing heart and sweating), tremors, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, and, in more severe cases, seizures or delirium tremens. This pattern happens because, after the depressant effects of alcohol wear off, the nervous system becomes suddenly hyperexcitable. The other options describe states associated with drinking itself (euphoria and sociability) or unrelated changes (weight gain, improved appetite, and better concentration), not the withdrawal syndrome.