How Long Is Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol addiction is a serious problem affecting almost 30 million U.S. adults [1]. When someone dependent on alcohol decides to stop drinking, they may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This can be a challenging time, both physically and mentally.

Understanding the process of alcohol detox and knowing what to expect can help make this experience easier to manage. Alcohol withdrawal can start as soon as 6 hours after the last drink, with symptoms beginning mild at first and becoming more severe over time. People typically experience severe withdrawal symptoms between 24 and 72 hours after stopping alcohol. Most feel better within a week, but some may experience anxiety and other symptoms for weeks or even months. Do not attempt to withdraw from alcohol on your own, as symptoms can be dangerous. Insurance will cover medical care from a hospital or alcohol detox program.

Read on to learn more about alcohol abuse and addiction, how long alcohol withdrawal symptoms last, and how to find a good alcohol detox treatment program.

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder, is when a person cannot control their drinking. They may continue to drink even when it causes problems in their life, and experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. Alcohol addiction can affect anyone and is considered a chronic condition that changes the way the brain works [2].

5 Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Signs of alcohol addiction can vary from person to person but often include:

1. Increased Tolerance: Needing more alcohol to achieve the same effects.
2. Inability to Control Drinking: Struggling to cut back or stop drinking despite efforts.
3. Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing anxiety, nausea, or delirium tremens (shakes) when not drinking.
4. Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring work, school, or family duties due to drinking.
5. Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: Persisting with alcohol use even when it causes problems in relationships or health.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse, call our recovery team today at 844-576-0144 for immediate help.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start just a few hours after the last drink, and last for days or even weeks. When you stop drinking, these withdrawal symptoms typically begin rapidly as your body begins responding to the lack of the substance it’s grown dependent on. These withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and can be mild or severe, manifesting over distinct alcohol withdrawal stages.

Here are some common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:

1. Shaking and tremors: Many people experience shaky hands or body tremors (delirium tremens).
2. Anxiety: Feeling nervous or anxious is among the most common symptoms of alcohol detox.
3. Nausea and vomiting: Some people feel sick to their stomach and may vomit.
4. Sweating: Excessive sweating, even in a cool environment, can occur.
5. Headaches: Painful headaches are frequent during withdrawal from alcohol.
6. Insomnia: Trouble sleeping or staying asleep is a common issue during alcohol detox.
7. High blood pressure: Blood pressure can rise, leading to more health problems.
8. Rapid heart rate: The heart might beat faster than normal.
9. Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there can happen, especially in severe cases.
10. Seizures: In very severe cases, people might have seizures [4].

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Seek medical help when going through alcohol withdrawal to make the process safer and easier.

Coping With the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal: How to Ease Symptoms

Dealing with alcohol withdrawal can be tough, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are some tips to help cope with the symptoms:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body stay balanced.

• Eat healthy foods: Eating nutritious meals can give you strength and energy.

• Get rest: Make sure to rest and get enough sleep, even if it’s difficult to sleep at night.

• Stay calm: Find a quiet, comfortable place to relax. Practice deep breathing or meditation to help with anxiety.

• Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a counselor who can offer support and encouragement.

• Avoid triggers: Stay away from places or situations where you might be tempted to drink.

• Take medications: If prescribed by a doctor, take medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms [5].

Keep in mind that it is not safe to go through alcohol detox alone. Medical professionals can provide treatment to make the process safer, more comfortable, and help treat withdrawal symptoms.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

The duration of alcohol withdrawal varies from person to person. For most people, mild symptoms to moderate withdrawal symptoms start within 6 to 12 hours after their last drink. The worst withdrawal symptoms usually peak around 24 to 72 hours after stopping alcohol. While many symptoms go away after a week, some, like anxiety and trouble sleeping, can last for weeks or even months.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Everyone who goes through alcohol withdrawal has a unique experience, but the process usually follows a similar timeline.

First 6 to 12 hours:

• Mild symptoms begin, such as headaches, anxiety, and nausea.

• You might feel shaky and start sweating.

12 to 24 hours:

• Symptoms can get worse.

• Hallucinations might occur, where you see or hear things that aren’t there.

24 to 48 hours:

• This is when people experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms at their worst.

• You might have seizures or feel very confused.

48 to 72 hours:

• DTs (delirium tremens) can start, which are severe symptoms like hallucinations, high blood pressure, and fever. 

• This is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms can be dangerous and require medical attention [6].

After 72 hours:

• Symptoms usually start to get better.

• Some people might still feel anxious or have trouble sleeping for a longer time.

It’s essential to get medical help during alcohol withdrawal to manage these symptoms safely.

What Factors Affect the Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Several factors can affect how long alcohol withdrawal lasts and how severe the symptoms are:

• Amount of alcohol consumed: People who drink a lot of alcohol over a long time may have more severe and longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms.
• Length of time drinking: The longer someone has been drinking heavily, the more likely they are to have severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Overall health: A person’s general health, including liver function and nutritional status, can impact the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms.
• Age: Older adults might experience more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms than younger people.
• Previous withdrawal: If someone has gone through alcohol withdrawal before, they might have more severe symptoms the next time.
• Other health conditions: Having other medical or mental health conditions can make alcohol withdrawal symptoms worse.

Understanding these factors can help in managing and preparing for alcohol withdrawal more effectively. It’s always best to seek medical advice to handle withdrawal symptoms safely.

How to Find a Good Alcohol Detox Program

While taking the first step to recovery and deciding to go through detox is always good, it’s critical that you do not attempt to detox at home. Symptoms of moderate to severe alcohol use disorder can include life-threatening symptoms once you stop drinking, and require medical intervention.

While detoxing in a hospital is a safer method than going it alone, finding a professional alcohol detox program can increase the chances of long-term recovery and provide a much more comfortable, caring environment. Here are some ways to find a good alcohol use disorder detox program:

• Ask your doctor: Your doctor can recommend a rehab center that offers alcohol detox. They can provide information about the best options for your needs.
• Search online: Look up a medical detox facility in your area that specialize in alcohol detox. Most reputable treatment centers have websites with details about their programs and services.
• Check reviews: Reading reviews from other people who have gone through detox can help you find a good treatment facility. Look for positive feedback about the staff, facilities, and success rates.
• Contact helplines: There are helplines available that can provide information and support. They can help you find a rehab center and answer any questions you have about the process.
• Ask for referrals: If you know someone who has gone through alcohol detox, ask them for recommendations. Personal referrals can provide insight into what to expect.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last? FAQs

When Does Alcohol Withdrawal Happen?

Alcohol withdrawal happens when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or reduces their alcohol intake [3]. This can start as soon as 6 hours after the last drink. Alcohol detox symptoms like delirium tremens (the shakes) can last for days or even weeks, depending on how much and how long the person has been drinking.

Why Does Alcohol Withdrawal Happen?

Alcohol withdrawal happens because the body and brain get used to having alcohol. Alcohol affects the brain’s chemicals, making the body rely on it to function normally. When the drinking stops, the brain needs time to adjust back to working without alcohol. This causes withdrawal symptoms, as the brain works hard to find balance again. What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, then?

What Is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox helps break physical dependence on alcohol. When you drink alcohol regularly, your body gets used to it. Stopping suddenly can cause your body to react with withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Detox helps manage these symptoms safely. It also prepares you for the next steps in your recovery journey, like therapy and support groups.

Alcohol detox is the first step in overcoming addiction. It helps your body get rid of alcohol and start healing. Understanding what to expect and getting the right support can make the process easier and safer.

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that occur as a result of chronic alcohol abuse. When a person who has been drinking heavily for a long time stops drinking, they can experience withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to moderate such as anxiety, alcohol cravings, alcohol withdrawal seizures, and delirium tremens. Alcohol withdrawal is not safe to go through on your own and requires medical intervention.

Get a Safe, Effective Alcohol Detox at Gratitude Lodge

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder and need to detox safely, reach out to Gratitude Lodge today. We have inclusive and pet-friendly rehabs in Long Beach and Newport Beach, California, where we can help you detox from alcohol and get ongoing inpatient treatment.

When you begin your recovery with our supervised medical detox program, you will have chance to withdraw from alcohol safely under close supervision. Staff can prescribe medications to make the process as safe and comfortable as possible. After about one week of detox, you will be ready for treatment at one of our luxury rehabs by the beach.

Detox addresses physical dependence on alcohol, and ongoing inpatient treatment helps you explore the root causes of your addiction and learn healthy coping skills for sober living. Medications may be used throughout treatment, as well as during detox.

The unique nature of all alcohol addictions means that all Gratitude Lodge treatment plans are personalized. Therapies include:

• Talk therapies
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Motivational therapies
• Group therapy
• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Aftercare

Start your recovery from alcohol addiction with effective detox by calling 844-576-0144.

Sources

[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42728/NSDUHDetailedTabs2022/NSDUHDetailedTabs2022/NSDUHDetTabsSect5pe2022.htm

[2] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/alcohol-and-brain-overview

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8583742/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1312739/

[5] https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/docs/librariesprovider294/default-document-library/mat-overview-10-28-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=5b388db9_0

[6] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000766.htm