Definition of Alcohol withdrawal:

Alcohol withdrawal refers to symptoms that may occur when a person who has been drinking too much alcohol every day suddenly stops drinking alcohol.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Alcohol withdrawal usually occurs in adults, but it may occur in teenagers or children as well. It can occur when a person who uses alcohol excessively suddenly stops drinking alcohol. Withdrawal usually occurs within 5 - 10 hours after the last drink, but it may occur up to 7 - 10 days later.

The following is generally considered excessive alcohol use:

• More than 15 drinks per week for men or 8 drinks per week for women
• More than 5 drinks per day for men or 4 drinks per day for women
• Habitual use of alcohol that disrupts a person's life and routines, regardless of amount consumed

In this definition, 1 drink has 12 grams of alcohol, and equals approximately 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 90 proof spirits..

The more heavily you drink every day, the more likely you will develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. The likelihood of developing severe withdrawal symptoms also increases if you have other medical problems.