Author: James Anderson

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, Timeline, & Treatment

The main ways to prevent alcohol withdrawal are to avoid alcohol altogether or to get professional help as soon as possible if you think you’re developing alcohol use disorder. Your symptoms may simply be uncomfortable or can be medically significant and require care. Doctors often use medications to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and ensure you’re comfortable during medical detox.

Who is at Risk of Acute Withdrawal?

“I quit two days ago and have just had the unfortunate experience of a seizure, as well as many visual and tactile hallucinations. Massive sweats and tremors.” “I got through day one with hot and cold spells, increased pulse, high blood pressure, and headaches. My jaws hurt as well, but possibly that’s from tension. Already, I feel better and hope every day continues that way.” People who drink a significant amount or drink on a regular basis can develop a chemical dependence on the substance. When they suddenly stop giving the body the substance it has become dependent on, it can send the body, brain and neurotransmitters into shock. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are generally not life-threatening. Most people will recover after these symptoms clear up, which can take up to 7 days.

  1. It’s difficult to predict who will and who won’t experience alcohol withdrawal — and how severe it will be.
  2. By Sarah Bence, OTR/LBence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings.
  3. Physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms will normally peak around 48 to 72 hours after the last drink and lastseven to 10 days, but they can last as long as two weeks.
  4. “Depression is gone, anxiety gone, and all else gone. Didn’t sleep great last night, but tonight will be good.”

Factors That Impact the Severity of Withdrawal Symptoms

Copyright © 2024, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice. View our editorial content guidelines to learn how we create helpful content with integrity and compassion. This overstimulation causes tremors, insomnia, anxiety, and potentially even seizures. “I feel great. To all those that are ready to give up because of withdrawals, hang in there! It does get better.” “I still feel really anxious and panicky and confused sometimes, especially in public.”

Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with an English degree and combines her writing expertise and passion for helping others to deliver reliable information to those impacted by addiction. Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica’s empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community. After a while, the brain increases certain chemical production to counteract the persistent sedative effects of alcohol. When alcohol is suddenly removed from the system, the brain amps up and quickly becomes overstimulated.

“I feel like I am actually going into the honeymoon phase of my recovery. I feel great and am finally starting to be able to think clearly.” “I am much calmer, anxiety has subsided, stomach better, have an appetite, and sleeping eight hours without waking up at 4 a.m.” “Most symptoms are gone except constipation and occasional shakes. Been sleeping really good.” “I feel terrific! I’m still having trouble falling asleep, but once I do, it is very, very sound. And I feel so much better than any morning after having the drink. I had some pain in my esophagus when swallowing, and that is now gone.” “I feel good today but was very irritable last night. My clothes are fitting better, and my face isn’t as puffy.”

Your Body Starts to Detox

If you try to detox on your own, ask someone trusted, healthy, and responsible to keep an eye on you as you go through withdrawal. “Now that most of the physical symptoms have gone away, time to work at staying sober. This is usually where I mess up and drink because I am feeling better and think I can handle it. I know I can’t.” “I am in my first hours of sobriety. I just took the quiz for withdrawal symptoms and scored 60% moderate to severe. Funny, because my average hangover is usually worse than this.”

Outpatient treatment may be available for mild-to-moderate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal; however, should symptoms become severe, inpatient care may be required. However, for some, the physical symptoms will continue even after seven days. If you’re still experiencing physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms after a week, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Day 63

If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. One of the unexpected benefits of giving up alcohol is that you may find yourself more productive than before. This is because alcohol can cause fatigue and decreased motivation, so when you stop drinking, you may find it easier to get things done. One of the surprising side effects of giving up alcohol is that your skin may start to look better. This is because alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry, dull skin. So, giving up alcohol can help your skin to look more hydrated and glowing.

When Does Alcohol Withdrawal Start?

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal tend to peak 24 to 72 hours after your last drink. Doctors will address your addiction and mental health conditions separately to ensure you develop the necessary tools to manage your sobriety and mental health issues moving forward. The alcohol withdrawal process can become life-threatening and, if done without the help of trained staff, deadly in some cases. There is no way to determine how challenging your alcohol withdrawal process will become, but there are factors that can put you at risk of a more challenging withdrawal process. After 2-3 days of the alcohol withdrawal, some of your symptoms will lessen, and your chances of experiencing a medical emergency will decrease around this stage.

For many, it’s very difficult to get past the third day of unrelenting shakes and sweats without picking up a drink. “Last night was horrible. I was soaking wet with sweat, I jumped a few times in my sleep, and I had very vivid dreams.” “I think I’ve seriously damaged my brain. Maybe a seizure. Sudden sharp pains in the head. Visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations. Confusion. Couldn’t walk right.” “Thankfully, I’m able to sleep, and the shakes come and go, but the anxiety and the dark places are tough.” “Shaking so bad I can hardly type, can barely stand up, can’t eat or sleep. Might be time for a trip to the ER.”