Author: James Anderson

Alcohol Withdrawal: How to Get Through It

If you’re living with alcohol use disorder, quitting drinking is important for your health. But quitting on your own can pose risks to your health and is unlikely to be successful. Rehabilitation facilities can help you on your path to sobriety by addressing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and becoming involved in sober living support groups, like AA. For people who experience mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms, there are safe ways to detox at home.

1. You might run into obstacles along the way that tempt you to drink.
2. But maybe you’re unsure about quitting completely and don’t want to hold yourself to that goal.
3. Emotionally, you may feel some anxiety or sadness about ending a chapter of your life and nervousness about the future.
4. Satisfying hobbies can distract you from wanting to drink, but they also help you relax — something everyone needs to do.
5. Alcohol causes serious changes in the brain, and prolonged symptoms such as sleep problems, mood changes and fatigue may take months to overcome, according to the U.S.

If you’re ready to make a positive change, here’s what you may want to know about the recovery process. If your drinking makes you feel out of control and you are ready to seek help, many organizations can assist you. Doctors may prescribe other medications to treat withdrawal-related symptoms. One example is a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) to reduce high blood pressure. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

Prepare for potential alcohol detox

However, individuals who suffer from alcohol addiction require professional rehab. If you’re addicted to alcohol, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to recover without some form of addiction treatment. You may be able to detox at home and recover from alcoholism with the help of support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. However, medically supervised detox and professional rehab are more likely to help you maintain long-term sobriety. You may be able to detox at home and still attend outpatient therapy or support group meetings.

You might run into obstacles along the way that tempt you to drink. Keep in mind the reasons you chose to cut back on or quit alcohol. At the end of the day, one of the most important tools you have at your disposal is self-compassion. Instead of criticizing yourself for having a hard time or slipping up and having a drink, remember that no one’s perfect. What matters most is your ability to maintain an open, curious outlook as you learn what does and doesn’t work for you.

People who experience tremors, shakes or confusion when they quit drinking should consider medically supervised detox. You should talk to a doctor about the safest way to detox if you experience any withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. To avoid severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you should slowly reduce alcohol consumption. Cautious tapering may take longer than medically supervised detox, but it will help you avoid major health problems. These symptoms may start a few hours or a few days after your last drink of alcohol.

If you think you may have a drinking problem, you’re definitely not alone. In 2021, researchers estimated nearly 30 million people ages 12 years and older in the United States had alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recovery from alcohol addiction generally follows the stages of abstinence, withdrawal, repair, and growth.

People who only drink occasionally probably won’t notice any physical or psychological symptoms. People who have a severe reaction to quitting alcohol should seek emergency treatment. Whether you’re sober curious, know for sure you’re ready to quit, or fall somewhere in between, Dr. Streem shares advice for how to stop drinking. If you’re living with alcohol use disorder (also known as alcoholism), you’ll likely benefit from additional medical interventions.

Early symptoms include headache, sweating, tremors, vomiting and difficulty concentrating. The amount of time it takes to detox from alcohol depends on several factors, including whether you’re detoxing at home or with medical supervision. Detoxing at home usually takes longer because you should be cautious to avoid serious complications.

Alcohol Withdrawal: How to Get Through It

Late symptoms begin between two and four days after the last drink, and they usually include changes in heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. Serious symptoms caused by delirium tremens include hallucination and seizure. Treatment for alcohol use disorder can vary, depending on your needs.

The withdrawal process can be dangerous, and its symptoms vary depending on the severity of alcohol use. Start a new hobby or plan a project to keep your mind off cravings and triggers. Making alcohol difficult to access can help you avoid temptation and increase the chances of a successful detox. The detoxification timeline varies based on the severity of the alcohol addiction. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. By avoiding alcohol, you’re taking a big step toward improving physical health.

More on Substance Abuse and Addiction

Self-detox is an individualized approach without professional or medical support. Because of this, it’s important to plan around the alcohol detoxification process carefully. Family and friends can provide encouragement and support when you stop drinking. By opening up about your relationship with alcohol, you might also encourage others to explore their own drinking habits.

Becoming more aware of your alcohol triggers and reasons for drinking can help you plan ways to help manage the urge to drink. When you are detoxing from alcohol at a rehab center, nurses and doctors monitor vital signs, provide adequate nourishment and treat complications if they occur. The alcohol content in specific beer, wine and liquor products differs. You can use the guidelines to get an idea of how many standard drinks you’re used to. The experience of withdrawing from alcohol can be uncomfortable and difficult. Some people may relapse, or drink alcohol again, to relieve the symptoms.

Although detoxing from alcohol at home can have benefits, the early stages of sobriety pose a dangerous risk for medical complications. Gradually tapering your alcohol use helps ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce alcohol cravings. Tapering increases the length of the detox process, but it might be better for you in the long run. That said, If you’ve been drinking excessively, then stopping drinking cold turkey can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually start about six hours after the last drink.

If you are concerned about potential alcohol withdrawal symptoms, talk to your doctor. A doctor can evaluate your overall health and alcohol abuse history to help you determine how likely it is that you’ll experience symptoms. Talk with a healthcare professional if you’re concerned you may experience detox symptoms when quitting drinking or cutting back.

Change your environment

Most people stop having withdrawal symptoms four to five days after their last drink. Eating healthier helps your body heal from the effects of alcohol. It also ensures your body has proper nutrition to maintain stamina during the stress it will go through during detox. If you feel comfortable doing so, discuss your challenges with your primary healthcare professional. Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional. Exploring, in writing, what you find difficult and when you most want to drink can help you notice patterns that offer more insight into your alcohol use.