EXPLORING ALCOHOL-WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is characterized by hyperactivity of the n ervous system. This hyperactivity represents the brain's attempt to fu nction normally despite the inhibitory effect of chronic alcohol consu mption. The syndrome manifests when alcohol consumption ceases. Experi mental, clinical, and genetic research have linked the development of withdrawal to alterations in the sensitivity of neuronal communication systems. Early treatment of the syndrome is advised, because the symp tom severity may increase with each subsequent episode.