What is a serious withdrawal symptom that can occur within 24 hours of stopping alcohol use?

Visual hallucinations are a significant withdrawal symptom that can manifest within 24 hours of stopping alcohol use, particularly in individuals who have consumed large quantities of alcohol regularly over time. This symptom is associated with a severe form of alcohol withdrawal known as delirium tremens (DTs), which can include confusion, agitation, and sensory disturbances such as hallucinations.

Unlike other symptoms such as slight headache, loss of appetite, or mild fatigue, which can be relatively mild and non-specific signs of withdrawal, visual hallucinations are a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The presence of hallucinations indicates a more severe physiological reaction to the cessation of alcohol, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and often medical intervention in individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal.