What can cause a pattern of tremor, agitation, and seizures upon withdrawal?

A pattern of tremor, agitation, and seizures upon withdrawal is most commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal. When an individual who has developed a dependence on alcohol suddenly reduces or stops their intake, the body reacts to the absence of the substance, leading to significant neurological and physiological symptoms.

Alcohol functions as a central nervous system depressant, and with chronic use, the brain adapts to its presence. Suddenly withdrawing from alcohol disrupts this balance, triggering symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, agitation, and potentially seizures due to hyperactivity of the nervous system. The risk of seizures is particularly heightened during alcohol withdrawal, which can occur within hours to a few days after cessation of drinking, making it a critical concern in patients with alcohol dependence.

In contrast, although benzodiazepine and barbiturate withdrawals can also lead to similar symptoms, the typical context of these withdrawals is slightly different, and they are not as common in the general population as alcohol withdrawal, which has a broader prevalence of dependence. Stimulants typically lead to different withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue and anhedonia, rather than tremors and seizures. Therefore, alcohol is the correct answer due to its well-documented withdrawal syndrome that includes the symptoms listed in the question.