Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) occurs due to complex responses in the brain that
result from the cessation of alcohol consumption following a steady or prolonged period
of excessive alcohol intake (see Quick Lesson About...Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome ).
AWS develops as a result of brain hyperexcitability when alcohol no longer suppresses
certain brain activity. Signs and symptoms range from mild to severe and often begin
rapidly (e.g., within 4–5 hours) following cessation of alcohol consumption, increase in
severity over a period of about 4 days, and persist for 5–10 days