If someone is a frequent, hard drinker and they make a decision to all of a sudden quit drinking, it is quite likely that they will experience some form of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.  The degree of severity of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms will depend on how physically dependent (AKA addicted) their system has become on alcohol.  If the alcohol withdrawal symptoms are extreme enough, their craving for alcohol will more times than not start and usually overwhelm someone's wish to stop drinking leading that person back to drinking to alleviate the alcohol withdrawal symptoms rather than holding to their plan of “never again.”The cause of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is the physical dependence developed over years and years of hard drinking.  The hard drinker’s (or alcoholic’s) body has become so used to the presence of alcohol that immediately taking it away prompts the body to switch into a reactionary mode telling the hard drinker (or alcoholic) that is requires more alcohol to survive (AKA cravings).  It is somewhat analogous to restricting the flow of oxygen.   Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include the following:• The Shakes-for less chemically dependent drinkers alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually include the shakes.  These are normally partnered by a rapid heartbeat, anxiety, high blood pressure, and a headache.  While considered to be a mild type of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, the shakes are uncomfortable and most often accompanied by cravings making it tough for an individual wishing to quit to continue their sobriety.• The DT’s (delirium tremens)-within 6 hours to 48 hours after the person's  last drink, most heavily dependent drinkers (AKA alcoholics) will undergo hallucinations.  Usually the hallucinations associated with alcohol withdrawal symptoms are visual, but they can also include hearing related hallucinations as well as olfactory hallucinations (smells).  When these alcohol withdrawals symptoms continue to go on then seventy-two hours to 5 days after their last drink, the alcoholic can undergo extreme non-stop hallucinations, disorientation, confusion, hyperactivity, and extreme difficulties with their cardiovascular system.  These can include rapid heartbeat, dangerously high blood pressure, heart palpitations, even strokes or heart attacks.  Once the DT’s start, there exists no known medical treatment to get them to stop.• Seizures-for the worst cases of alcohol withdrawal symptoms convulsions or seizures can occur within six to 48 hours after the last alcoholic drink was consumed.   If the alcohol withdrawal symptoms have reached this point, then some type of medical treatment in a hospital like setting is needed or the alcoholic’s life will be at high risk.There exists an good ending for those alcohol dependent people (alcoholics) who really do wish to quit drinking.  Most alcohol withdrawal symptoms will be eliminated or alleviated with professional healthcare in a certified alcohol treatment program.  Most often for those heavy, frequent drinkers that less dependent then a proper diet and doses of Thiamine (vitamin B1) will alleviate most, if not all, of their alcohol withdrawal symptoms.  For extremely dependent alcoholics, then detox medications can be given that will replace the system's need for alcohol.  After a few days, the detox medicines will be gradually reduced and eliminated until the alcoholic is drug free.