What symptoms might be observed during alcohol withdrawal?

The symptoms observed during alcohol withdrawal can include agitation, fever, and seizures, which are indicators of the body's reaction to the absence of alcohol after a period of heavy consumption. When a person who has been drinking heavily suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake, the central nervous system becomes hyperactive due to the absence of alcohol's depressant effects.

Agitation may occur as the individual experiences heightened anxiety and restlessness due to withdrawal. Fever can develop as the body attempts to stabilize its physiological functions and recover from the disruption caused by alcohol. Seizures are one of the more serious potential complications of withdrawal and can occur due to the neurochemical imbalances that result from suddenly stopping alcohol.

In contrast, other choices describe states that do not align with the physiological and psychological state of someone undergoing alcohol withdrawal. Drowsiness, fatigue, and confusion might occasionally occur but they are not defining characteristics of this withdrawal syndrome. The feelings described in the last options, such as relief, calmness, clarity, happiness, euphoria, and relaxation, are not typically experienced during withdrawal, as these terms reflect positive effects associated with alcohol consumption rather than withdrawal.