ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Okay kiddo, so you know how sometimes grown-ups like to drink something called alcohol? Well, when they drink it a lot for a long time, their bodies get used to having it. But if they suddenly stop drinking, their bodies can get very upset and feel really bad. That's called alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Now, when someone has alcohol withdrawal syndrome, they might feel sick to their stomach, have a headache, and just feel really uncomfortable. They might also feel really anxious, shaky, or have trouble sleeping. Sometimes their heart might beat really fast or they might even see and hear things that aren't really there.

It's important to know that alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be really dangerous, especially if someone has been drinking a lot for a really long time. So, grown-ups need to be careful and get help from a doctor if they want to stop drinking. The doctor might give them medicine or help them gradually stop drinking over time so their body doesn't get too upset.