Which statement best describes NOT a typical withdrawal symptom of alcohol?

• A. Hallucinations
• B. Hypertension
• C. Sedation
• D. Tremors

Answer: (C)

Withdrawal from alcohol produces CNS hyperexcitability as the brain adapts to chronic alcohol exposure. When intake stops, autonomic arousal and excitability rise, leading to tremors, tachycardia, hypertension, sweating, anxiety, and sleep disturbance; in severe cases, perceptual disturbances such as hallucinations and delirium tremens can occur. Sedation is not a typical withdrawal feature because withdrawal involves increased brain activity rather than a depressed or sedated state. Among the options, sedation would reflect ongoing depressant effects or intoxication rather than withdrawal, making it the best choice for NOT a typical withdrawal symptom. Hallucinations are associated with withdrawal in more severe cases, hypertension is a known autonomic sign, and tremors are a classic early sign. In practice, management focuses on preventing progression with benzodiazepines, thiamine, and careful monitoring.