Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a set of symptoms that can occur when an individual reduces or stops alcohol consumption after long periods of use. Prolonged and excessive use of alcohol leads to tolerance and physical dependence. The withdrawal syndrome is largely a hyper-excitable response of the central nervous system due to lack of alcohol. Symptoms typical of withdrawal include agitation, delirium tremens (DTs), and seizures. About half of people with alcoholism will develop withdrawal symptoms upon reducing their use. Of these, about three to five percent develop DTs or have seizures.