These adaptations result in
decreased effects of the depressant, with the result that higher doses of the agent
are required to achieve similar results.
4,5
Subsequent reductions in blood alcohol
levels lead to symptoms that are, in general, the opposite of the acute effects of
the drug. Withdrawal symptoms associated with depressants such as alcohol include
insomnia,
anxiety,
and
increased
pulse
and
respiration
rates,
body
temperature,
and
blood
pressure,
as
well
as
a hand
tremor.
5,6
Because of the short action
of ethanol (beverage alcohol), withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 8 hours
after blood alcohol levels decrease, peak at about 72 hours, and are markedly reduced
by
day
5 through
7 of
abstinence.