Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). It also has a depressant effect on the peripheral nervous system (the nerves throughout the rest of the body). Long-term, heavy drinking often leads to physical dependence on alcohol, a condition in which a person's body cannot function normally without the presence of alcohol. A person who is dependent on alcohol and who then suddenly stops drinking goes through a painful and potentially life-threatening withdrawal syndrome as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol. The goals of treatment of alcoholic withdrawal syndrome are to relieve discomfort and to prevent medical complications. Treatment of withdrawal sometimes involves medications. While alcohol withdrawal requires careful medical attention, getting through this phase does not mean that an individual has received treatment for alcoholism itself. After the immediate problems associated with withdrawal from regular use...