When withdrawal symptoms worsen over time after several setbacks, the “kindling effect” is said to be taking place. After every setback and subsequent attempt at quitting, the next withdrawal can become even harder. Because of the neurological hyperactivity in the brain, reactions to withdrawal become increasingly more severe after going through it multiple times. Inevitably, the result of so many setbacks is a higher risk of continued future misuse of alcohol and an even more dangerous relationship with the substance.