What is a common withdrawal symptom of alcohol?

Tremors are a common withdrawal symptom of alcohol because they result from the central nervous system's overactivity following a reduction or cessation of alcohol intake. Alcohol acts as a depressant on the brain, and with prolonged use, the body becomes accustomed to its presence. When an individual who has been drinking heavily stops, the sudden lack of alcohol leads to an imbalance in neurotransmitters, particularly a rebound increase in excitatory signals, which can manifest as tremors, particularly in the hands. This physiological response is part of a broader withdrawal syndrome that can occur in those with alcohol dependency, indicating the body's struggle to adapt to the absence of the substance it has grown used to.

Other withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, and fatigue, may also occur but are less specifically associated with the immediate physiological reactions of the nervous system compared to tremors, which are a direct indication of the body's response to the absence of alcohol.