How is alcohol withdrawal?

Cessation of (or reduction in) alcohol use that has been heavy and prolonged. Two (or more) of the following, developing within several hours to a few days after Criterion A: (1) Autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., sweating or pulse rate greater than 100) (2) Increased hand tremor (3) Insomnia (4) Nausea or vomiting (5) Transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions (6) Psychomotor agitation (7) Anxiety (8) Grand mal seizures