What symptom is associated with Stage 2 of alcohol withdrawal?

Stage 2 of alcohol withdrawal is characterized by a range of physical and psychological symptoms that can intensify as the withdrawal progresses. One of the hallmark symptoms of this stage is increased body temperature, which may occur due to the body's hyperactivity as it adjusts to the absence of alcohol. This is often linked to elevated sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to symptoms like diaphoresis (sweating) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate).

Increased body temperature in alcohol withdrawal can be critical to recognize, as it may indicate more severe complications, like delirium tremens, if the withdrawal progresses further. While insomnia, agitation, and hallucinations can be present at different stages of withdrawal, the distinctive feature of Stage 2 tends to emphasize physiological symptoms, with increased body temperature being a key indicator of the body's struggle to regain homeostasis after cessation of alcohol use.