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Review
. 1998;22(1):61-6.

Complications of alcohol withdrawal: pathophysiological insights

L A Trevisan  1 , N Boutros, I L Petrakis, J H Krystal
Affiliations
Review

Complications of alcohol withdrawal: pathophysiological insights

L A Trevisan et al. Alcohol Health Res World. 1998.

Abstract

Disease processes or events that accompany acute alcohol withdrawal (AW) can cause significant illness and death. Some patients experience seizures, which may increase in severity with subsequent AW episodes. Another potential AW complication is delirium tremens, characterized by hallucinations, mental confusion, and disorientation. Cognitive impairment and delirium may lead to a chronic memory disorder (i.e., Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome). Psychiatric problems associated with withdrawal include anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. In addition, alterations in physiology, mood, and behavior may persist after acute withdrawal has subsided, motivating relapse to heavy drinking. Recent advances in neurobiology may support the development of improved medications to decrease the risk of AW complications and support long-term sobriety.

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Figures

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The relationship between cessation of drinking and the onset of tremors, hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens. SOURCE: Adapted from Victor and Adams 1953.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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