Which nervous system is primarily responsible for withdrawal symptoms after stopping heavy alcohol use, and name two severe withdrawal signs.

• A. Peripheral nervous system; numbness and tingling in extremities
• B. Digestive system; vomiting and diarrhea
• C. Central nervous system; tremors and autonomic hyperactivity with potential delirium tremens
• D. Endocrine system; hypoglycemia and dehydration

Answer: (C)

Withdrawal symptoms after stopping heavy alcohol use come from changes in the brain’s activity—the central nervous system. Alcohol is a CNS depressant, and with long-term, heavy use the brain adapts by increasing excitatory activity and dampening inhibitory signals. When alcohol is removed, this rebound leads to CNS hyperexcitability, producing withdrawal signs. The two severe signs to watch for are tremors and autonomic hyperactivity, which can escalate to delirium tremens if not managed. Delirium tremens involves severe confusion, agitation, fever, and perceptual disturbances. Other bodily systems, like the peripheral nerves or GI tract, aren’t the primary drivers of withdrawal, so their symptoms aren’t the core features of the withdrawal syndrome.