What is the main characteristic of alcohol withdrawal?

The main characteristic of alcohol withdrawal is the presence of physical symptoms such as tremors and anxiety. When an individual who has developed a dependence on alcohol suddenly reduces or ceases their alcohol intake, their body reacts to the absence of the substance. This can lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Tremors, which are involuntary shaking movements of the body, are commonly associated with withdrawal, and anxiety is also prevalent as the brain adjusts to the lack of alcohol, which it has come to rely on for normal functioning.

Understanding this helps to recognize that withdrawal is a physiological response that includes discomfort and can manifest as various physical symptoms. Other options, such as increased risk-taking behavior or improved cognitive function, do not accurately reflect the withdrawal experience. Although reduced appetite and weight loss can occur in some alcoholics, they are not defining characteristics of withdrawal specifically when compared to the immediate effects of tremors and anxiety experienced during this phase.