Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment
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. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. For most people, alcohol withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside after 72 hours.
- Individuals may also experience cravings for alcohol during this phase, making it important to have a strong support system and access to professional help.
- The timeline of alcohol withdrawal can be divided into several phases, each with its own set of symptoms and challenges.
- Seeking professional help and medical supervision is crucial for managing these symptoms safely and effectively.
- The protracted abstinence phase can last for months to years and may be marked by symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cravings for alcohol.
- Now a digital nomad, he’s currently a medical journalist and copywriter for hire.
- Alcohol withdrawal typically lasts 5 to 7 days, with peak severity occurring between 24 to 72 hours after the last drink.
Are You or Your Love One Covered for Addiction Treatment? Verify Your Insurance.
Many people experience fear or uncertainty during withdrawal, especially if they’ve heard about serious complications like seizures. The center’s treatment approach emphasizes creating personalized recovery paths. Each client receives individualized attention from qualified professionals who monitor their progress and adjust treatment strategies as needed. This dynamic approach ensures optimal support throughout the detoxification process. Benzodiazepinesare often the first treatment doctors suggest for alcohol withdrawal. A rare but very serious syndrome called delirium tremens can occur during alcohol withdrawal.
As you go through alcohol withdrawal, let your doctor know how you’re feeling, both physically and mentally. Eating healthy foods, trying to get exercise, and getting enough sleep can help reduce some withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings. Once they understand your drinking history, they’ll be better able to suggest treatments that could help you.
Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. By Sarah Bence, OTR/LBence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings.
Mental Health Resources
One of the primary risks of self-detox is the unpredictability of withdrawal symptoms. Mild symptoms like nausea, insomnia, and sweating may seem manageable initially, but they can progress to life-threatening conditions such as seizures or DTs within 48 to 72 hours. Without medical oversight, individuals attempting home detox may not recognize the severity of their condition until it’s too late.
Stage 3
You don’t need to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder in order to quit drinking. If alcohol is interfering with your health or your personal, financial, or professional life, consider quitting. As you experience the stages of withdrawal, a medical detox program can support your needs to help manage symptoms and keep you comfortable.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is also effective in increasing motivation to quit drinking and commit to treatment.
- In some cases, symptoms may progress to severe withdrawal with seizures and delirium tremens.
- People who drink daily or almost every day should not be left alone for the first few days after stopping alcohol.
- Their clinical team conducts thorough assessments to ensure each client receives appropriate care aligned with their specific withdrawal symptoms and recovery needs.
- Delirium tremens can last up to 5 days, with a mortality rate of up to 37%.
Contact your state’s mental health/substance use agency for more guidance alcohol withdrawal symptoms, timeline & detox treatment on how to afford rehab. Your risk of having a seizure is highest within the first 12 hours after stopping or reducing alcohol. You’re also at a higher risk if you have a history of epilepsy, hypoglycemia, or an electrolyte imbalance.
When a person ceases their consumption of alcohol, their CNS becomes overexcited, causing symptoms that have associations with alcohol withdrawal. Depending on a person’s alcohol dependency, inpatient treatment may or may not be necessary. Your team of providers will help determine the right course for your recovery. It is essential to have medical supervision during stage 3 as seizures can occur without warning and be fatal.
Late Phase
These seizures usually strike within 24–48 hours after stopping alcohol but can occur up to 72 hours afterward. Advanced Addiction Center provides personalized treatment plans incorporating both medical intervention and therapeutic support. Their clinical team conducts thorough assessments to ensure each client receives appropriate care aligned with their specific withdrawal symptoms and recovery needs. Behavioral treatment programs are helpful for people who want to quit drinking.
During initial treatment, a person may receive a higher dosage of benzodiazepines to reduce symptoms and the urge to drink alcohol. After symptoms subside, a doctor will taper the dose until they determine the individual no longer requires medication. Individuals experiencing mild symptoms could receive home treatment with the help of close friends and family members.
Other severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include seizures, which can occur within the first 48 hours after the last drink. Approximately 2-8% of individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal will have seizures, and the risk is higher in those with a history of seizures or previous episodes of delirium tremens. Seizures can be dangerous and require medical intervention to prevent further complications. Delirium tremens, also known as DTs, is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal and is a medical emergency.
We understand that each person’s experience with withdrawal is unique, requiring individualized attention and care to ensure comfort and safety throughout the recovery journey. It also serves a lot of other important functions, such as keeping your nervous system healthy. Many people who go through alcohol withdrawal no longer have enough thiamine in their body. If your doctor feels you’re at risk, it will be important for you to have a thiamine supplement by IV for several days. They can continue for several days and are often at their most intense four to five days after your last serving of alcohol. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to serious and can sometimes be life-threatening.
However, medical complications can occur during the acute phase of withdrawal. For those with alcohol use disorder, withdrawal is just the first (but very important) step on a long journey to recovery. These first few weeks are critical because they are when the risk of relapse is highest. For people who experience hallucinations as part of alcohol withdrawal, these may begin in the 12- to 24-hour time frame. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild but annoying to severe and life-threatening. When that person cuts out alcohol, there is a period when their brain hasn’t yet received the message and still overproduces the stimulating chemicals.
High levels of alcohol in the bloodstream lead to greater neuronal suppression, and when alcohol is removed, the rebound effect can be extreme. Seeking professional help is also essential for managing alcohol withdrawal. Medical supervision can provide individuals with the necessary support and care to navigate the withdrawal process safely. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help ease symptoms and prevent complications. As the withdrawal process continues, the third phase typically sets in around hours after the last drink. During this phase, individuals may experience seizures, severe confusion, and agitation.
Medications to Ease Withdrawal Symptoms
These symptoms can be distressing and uncomfortable, but they are generally not life-threatening. However, it is important for individuals to seek medical attention during the early phase of alcohol withdrawal to ensure their safety and well-being. Acute withdrawal generally occurs one to three days after your last drink. This is often the most intense and high-risk period of the timeline of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If you’ve noticed that your initial jitters have grown worse, or if you’ve begun experiencing more severe reactions, you may be entering this phase. Treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptomsis best handled by medical professionals in a detox program, rehab facility or similar inpatient setting.
