Alcohol withdrawal is a challenging and often uncomfortable process that occurs when someone who has been drinking heavily for a long time suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake. Understanding the timeline of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and the best ways to manage them is crucial for a safe and successful recovery. Whether you are concerned about your drinking habits or want to help a loved one who wants to quit drinking, it is important to know what to expect during alcohol withdrawal.
How long does it take for alcohol withdrawal to go away? The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually begin within a few hours after the last drink and may last for several weeks, depending on the severity of alcohol use disorder. In some cases, people develop a potentially life-threatening condition known as delirium tremens and require professional medical assistance to deal with alcohol withdrawal. In this blog, we will explain the main symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, the typical duration of withdrawal from alcohol, and effective methods to relieve the symptoms.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal
- Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
- How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Last
- Factors Affecting the Duration of Alcohol Withdrawal
- Tips to Manage Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Start Your Recovery Journey Today
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Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal happens when a person who is dependent on alcohol decides to quit alcohol or reduce the consumption of alcohol. Chronic alcohol use affects the chemicals in your brain—in particular, it reduces the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is responsible for having a calming effect on your brain. It also increases the production of excitatory neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine.
When you stop drinking alcohol, your brain may become overexcited, and you may experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms from mild anxiety to severe agitation. It is never a good idea to go through alcohol withdrawal on your own—reach out to friends and family and ask for help from medical professionals to ensure your safety.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Here is a list of physical and mental symptoms you may suffer from when you stop drinking:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle tremors
- Insomnia
- Hyperactivity
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
While most people only have to deal with mild symptoms that go away on their own within a few days, in rare cases alcohol withdrawal leads to a condition called delirium tremens (DTs). If you or the person you are caring for starts shaking and sweating profusely, becomes disoriented and confused, and has visual hallucinations, bring them to the hospital as soon as possible.
How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
On average the alcohol withdrawal timeline spans a week. However the symptoms may persist for weeks and even months
Here is what the timeline looks like:
- 6-12 hours after the last alcoholic drink. Minor symptoms—headaches, nausea, sweating, and anxiety.
- 12-24 hours after the last alcoholic drink. Moderate symptoms include hand tremors, disorientation, and agitation.
- 24-72 hours after the last alcoholic drink. Severe symptoms include high blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures.
- 3-7 days after the last alcoholic drink. The symptoms start to subside after 72 hours, peaking on the fourth day.
- 7+ days after the last alcoholic drink. In some instances psychological symptoms such as anxiety and irritability continue troubling the person.
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Factors Affecting the Duration of Alcohol Withdrawal
The length of alcohol withdrawal depends on several factors—it is unique to every individual.
People who have been drinking for years and have consumed large quantities of alcohol regularly whereas are more likely to struggle with withdrawal. If a person has tried to quit drinking before and gone through withdrawal in the past, the symptoms may be more severe the next time they stop consuming alcohol. Younger individuals have a better chance of coping, with withdrawal; for an older person, it may be more difficult to quit alcohol. Pre-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, may exacerbate the symptoms of withdrawal. It is crucial to have a solid support system made up of friends, family, and medical providers who can offer their assistance and guidance.
Tips to Manage Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
There are several methods you can implement to treat alcohol withdrawal.
It is advised to talk to a therapist or a doctor before you quit drinking, especially if you have an alcohol addiction—a healthcare provider will be able to design a treatment plan suitable for your needs. Let your friends and family know you are planning to give up alcohol—their encouragement and emotional support will be invaluable for your recovery. Even if you cannot enter a rehab facility, you should be under the supervision of a doctor who can prescribe certain medications to deal with withdrawal. Drugs like lorazepam and diazepam can be used to reduce anxiety and prevent seizures.
Make sure you adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Eat nutritious meals, stick to the sleeping schedule you are comfortable with, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You have to avoid situations that trigger you to drink, but it does not mean you should withdraw from social events.
FAQs
What is alcohol withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is a set of physical and psychological symptoms that start when a person who suffers from alcohol dependence stops drinking.
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are numerous—a person may have headaches, nausea, and agitation, and in severe cases, hallucinations and seizures.
How soon do alcohol withdrawal symptoms start?
In most cases, the withdrawal symptoms begin 6 hours after the last drink—a person may feel anxious, have a headache, and struggle to fall asleep.
How long does alcohol withdrawal last?
Typically, it takes 3-7 days to get through alcohol withdrawal—the symptoms will peak on the fourth day after you stop drinking.
Should you get a doctor to help you with alcohol withdrawal?
Yes, it is recommended to reach out to a healthcare provider and ask for their assistance with alcohol withdrawal—they will be able to prescribe you medications to manage the symptoms.
Silicon Valley Recovery Center
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
We hope that our guide was able to answer your question—how long does it take for alcohol withdrawal to go away?—and that you learned the basics of alcohol withdrawal and its treatment. Remember that you do not have to go through this challenge on your own—rely on your close ones and bring in professionals to help you!
Silicon Valley Recovery specializes in alcohol addiction treatment—our team will be glad to assist you! Reach out to us to discuss your unique circumstances, and we will design a personalized plan to fit your needs.
