Sudden alcohol withdrawal causes the brain to become dangerously overstimulated like a speeding car with no brakes.

Alcohol acts like a heavy brake pedal on your brain, slowing down its chemical signals. To cope, your brain revs its engine harder to stay awake. If you suddenly take away the alcohol, that revved-up engine has no brakes. This causes extreme overstimulation, leading to shakes, sweating, and anxiety starting within five to ten hours. In severe cases, it can trigger life-threatening confusion.