In the US, more than 1.5 million people are admitted to general hospitals for alcohol dependence-related complications or in treatment centers for alcohol use disorder. Many of these individuals, along with other undiagnosed Americans, experience alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol withdrawal, or alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), refers to a set of symptoms that occur when a heavy drinker significantly reduces or suddenly stops drinking. The severity and specific symptoms of AWS can vary greatly from person to person. Understanding these symptoms and how long they can last is important for managing AWS and overall recovery.
How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 6 to 12 hours after your last drink and can last for a few days to a week. Some people, especially those with severe alcohol dependence, may experience withdrawal symptoms for a longer period.
The duration and intensity of withdrawal symptoms can be influenced by several factors including amount of alcohol intake, regularity of drinking, and overall mental and physical health. The symptoms can range from mild and uncomfortable sensations to severe and life-threatening.
People reducing their alcohol intake usually experience these withdrawal symptoms:
- Pain: headaches, abdominal discomfort
- Digestive issues: nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances: tiredness, exhaustion, insomnia
- Temperature regulation problems: fever, chills, excessive sweating
- Neurological symptoms: tremors, tics, shaking, shivering
- Cardiovascular changes: rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Cognitive difficulties: confusion, difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes: irritability, agitation, mood swings
- Abnormal dreams: vivid, disturbing dreams
- Cravings: intense desire for alcohol
Approximately 10% experience more serious withdrawal symptoms. Severe symptoms include:
- Delirium tremens (DTs): characterized by visual and/or auditory hallucinations, severe disorientation and mental confusion
- Seizures: consist of generalized convulsions alternating with spasmodic muscular contractions
- Mental health issues: anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and the rare psychotic symptoms of delusions and hallucinations unrelated to DTs
- Protracted withdrawal symptoms (PWS): includes AWS symptoms that last beyond their typical course and persist for at least 1 year
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
The length and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms depend on your particular situation. There is, however, a general alcohol withdrawal timeline divided into 3 stages – mild, moderate, severe. The American Academy of Family Physicians outlines the appearance of withdrawal symptoms into 4 time stages.
Stage 1 (6 to 12 hours post-alcohol)
Symptoms appear as early as 6 hours after your last alcohol intake. These include:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Mild anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Excessive sweating (diaphoresis)
- Shaking (alcohol shakes)
- Palpitations
- Hand tremors
- Brain fog and trouble concentrating
Stage 2 (12 to 24 hours post-alcohol)
Symptoms in this stage are generally resolved within 48 hours. Many of the symptoms in this stage include Stage 1 symptoms that persist and/or intensify. Other symptoms include:
- Alcohol cravings
- Alcoholic hallucinosis (auditory, tactile, or visual hallucinations)
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Racing heart rate
- Confusion
- Fast breathing
- Paranoia and agitation
Stage 3: (24 to 48 hours post-alcohol)
In this stage, seizure risk for those with severe or complicated withdrawal symptoms is at its peak. This stage is mainly defined by generalized tonic-clonic seizures often accompanied by reduced awareness or complete blackout. Immediate medical attention is usually required. Symptoms in this stage can manifest as early as 2 hours after an individual stops drinking.
Stage 4 (48 to 72 hours post-alcohol)
In most cases, symptoms begin to subside after 48 hours as you start to adjust to the absence of alcohol in your system. However, symptoms can also evolve into the most severe and dangerous phase – alcohol withdrawal delirium. In this phase, delirium tremens (DTs) manifests, although DTs symptoms can manifest 10 days after your last alcohol intake. DTs is characterized by agitation, disorientation, excessive sweating, hypertension, low-grade fever, tachycardia, and hallucinations. These symptoms usually peak at 5 days.
How to Deal With Withdrawal Symptoms of Alcohol
Dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary based on how severe the symptoms are and the risk of complications. The goal of treatment is to ease the symptoms, prevent complications, and provide options for treating alcohol use disorder.
Here are some ways to effectively manage withdrawal symptoms:
- Talk to Your Healthcare Providers
If you’re planning to reduce or quit drinking, consult your healthcare provider first. Your doctor can assess the severity of your drinking issues and advise you on how to tackle symptoms. They can also prescribe medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms. Alternatively, contact a medical detox program to assess if you need to be in a medical facility with 24-hour medical supervision.
- Build a Support Network
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family to help you manage symptoms as the withdrawal process begins. They can monitor your symptoms and get medical help if necessary. Having people you trust around can make the process less challenging. Be sure to have adequate supplies to keep you hydrated, well-nourished and relaxed.
- Have a Plan and Know when to Seek Professional Help
If you or a loved one develops any concerning symptoms of withdrawal, it’s important to seek professional help by going to the nearest hospital emergency room or calling 911.
- Avoid Triggers
Strong alcohol cravings can occur during withdrawal. To cope with symptoms, adjust your lifestyle and avoid triggers. Stay away from high-risk places like parties or bars, and consider distancing yourself from friends who drink alcohol.
- Stay Active
Exercise can improve your mood and help you sleep better. Instead of staying in bed waiting for mild symptoms to pass, engage in physical activities to cope with withdrawal. Even light exercise like walking can make a big difference.
- Meditate and Stay Healthy
Relaxation techniques can help with anxiety, a common withdrawal symptom. Practice meditation or deep breathing exercises. Focus on eating nutritious food to stay healthy during the withdrawal process and support your body’s recovery.
- Have a Plan for Next Steps
Consider what support you will need to maintain sobriety post withdrawal. Whether it’s going to support meetings, seeing a therapist, or going into a treatment program that offers inpatient, residential or outpatient treatment, having a plan in place is imperative for long-term recovery.
FAQ
What causes withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms are caused by significantly reducing or suddenly stopping alcohol intake after a long period of heavy drinking. Prolonged drinking alters how the brain works and it struggles to readjust when alcohol is abruptly removed. This leads to physical and psychological symptoms.
How long does it take to get addicted to alcohol?
The time it takes to become dependent on alcohol varies for each person. Factors like genetics, drinking patterns, and individual susceptibility also come into play. For some, alcohol dependence could happen in just a few months of heavy drinking while for others, it may take years.
Can you quit alcohol on your own?
Yes, quitting alcohol on your own is possible but it can be very challenging. It is also potentially dangerous, especially if you have been alcohol-dependent for a long time. It’s safer and more effective to seek medical support. Trained professionals can guide you in managing withdrawal symptoms towards a successful recovery.
Contact Positive Sobriety Institute Today
Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult and sometimes dangerous but it is possible to overcome it with the right help. If you’re struggling with the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of quitting alcohol, seeking professional help can help ensure a safe start on the road to recovery.
Positive Sobriety Institute’s addiction recovery in Chicago, IL has an expert team that can help assess what level of care you need to begin the process of recovery from alcohol use disorder and guide you on that journey.
Let us help you achieve successful recovery and build lasting sobriety. Contact us today!
