Author: John Carter

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: Dont Underestimate Going Sober

For most people, alcohol withdrawal symptoms will begin sometime in the first eight hours after their final drink. A rare but very serious syndrome called delirium tremens can occur during alcohol withdrawal. Also known as DTs, an estimated 2% of people with alcohol use disorder and less than 1% of the general population experience them. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be greatly reduced or even eliminated with proper medical care. There are specific treatments available for anyone who wants to stop drinking—even after long-term, chronic alcohol use. In theory, a person could very gradually and methodically reduce their alcohol use over time in a way that allows the brain to slowly adjust to the decreased activity, but this rarely works in practice.

In the former case, the person knows that he or she is “hallucinating.” A person experiencing DTs perceives the images to be real. Phillip Ross Board, 32, of Dunbar, South Carolina, was arrested on charges of child neglect. But he died the next day from, as his family alleges, complications from alcohol withdrawal. “Last week, I was [on] holiday. Several times, I thought, ‘Well, I will have a drink tonight,” and then I remembered the pain, and it kept me straight.”

Day six of no alcohol consumption usually brings some relief for the most severe withdrawal symptoms, but some nagging symptoms can persist. If the withdrawal symptoms persist for five days, many give in and take a drink to get some relief. That’s why some people can say they quit for three or four days 100 times. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal tend to peak 24 to 72 hours after your last drink. It affects about 50% of people with alcohol use disorder who stop or significantly decrease their alcohol intake. AUD is the most common substance use disorder in the U.S., affecting 28.8 million adults.

The professional alcohol detox process is relatively short, so it will be crucial to connect patients to the next stages in the continuum of care. Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs are available depending on the needs, abilities and goals of the patient. Withdrawal seizures, sometimes called “rum fits,” can emerge between 6–48 hours after last use. This level of alcohol withdrawal is marked by seizures in people who have had no previous issues with seizures. Alcohol withdrawal is a set of distressing and dangerous symptoms that stem from the brain lacking alcohol’s influence in the system.

What is the alcohol withdrawal timeline?

“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.” People can experience a wide range of symptoms—ranging from mild to moderate to severe—that start and stop at different times for each person. Alcohol withdrawal is a potentially serious complication of alcohol use disorder. It’s important to get medical help even if you have mild symptoms of withdrawal, as it’s difficult to predict in the beginning how much worse the symptoms could get. Some people experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms, like insomnia and mood changes, that can last for weeks or months. However, try not to have too many firm expectations, as symptoms can continue for multiple weeks in some people.

Excessive alcohol use causes a GABA imbalance that the brain becomes accustomed to, so it regulates its neurotransmitter production to account for the influence of alcohol. When alcohol use ends, the brain’s chemical balance is disrupted, which results in the negative physical and mental symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Below, the three stages are broken down into an alcohol withdrawal timeline. Symptoms occur in three stages, with the first symptoms typically appearing within 8 to 10 hours after your last drink if you have severe AUD. 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. They can help you get medical attention should you have severe symptoms.

Get Help With Alcohol Addiction

Once you have gone through withdrawal, you’ll also need a plan to remain alcohol-free. Start by talking to a healthcare provider about the treatment options for alcohol dependence. The exact timeline for alcohol withdrawal varies from person to person. It’s based on several factors, including how long, how much, and how regularly you have been drinking alcohol. Though people may be looking for a quick and easy alcohol detox without the distress and discomfort of alcohol withdrawal, there is no proven method that prevents symptoms.

Here’s how people reported their symptoms on day one after quitting alcohol. Severe and complicated alcohol withdrawal requires treatment in a hospital — sometimes in the ICU. While receiving treatment, healthcare providers will want to monitor you continuously to make sure you don’t develop life-threatening complications. Alcohol withdrawal (alcohol withdrawal syndrome) is a range of symptoms that can happen if you stop or significantly reduce alcohol intake after long-term use. If you are thinking about quitting drinking, talk to your healthcare provider.

1. “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.”
2. It affects about 50% of people with alcohol use disorder who stop or significantly decrease their alcohol intake.
3. Rehab is a proven treatment method for alcohol addiction because it addresses both the physical and psychological sides of the disease.
4. When a person stops drinking, these neurotransmitters react by working feverishly.

Some people will have only a mild hand tremor or muscle twitching in alcohol withdrawal. However, other people will have more serious problems, like a full-body seizure. Alcohol withdrawal usually starts within 8 hours after the last drink but can occur days later.

“Depression is gone, anxiety gone, and all else gone. Didn’t sleep great last night, but tonight will be good.” “It’s been really tough, constant inner voice trying to persuade me just the one-night drinking again would be OK. I have just had to surf the urges, keep busy, and use all my strength.” For many, it’s very difficult to get past the third day of unrelenting shakes and sweats without picking up a drink.

Continued Support

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. Withdrawal symptoms occur during detox, a natural process where the body works to remove toxins from the system and reach a new equilibrium. Seek medical assistance if your physical symptoms last for a week or longer. The symptoms you’re experiencing may not be the result of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

For Others, Symptoms Continue

“I am going on seven weeks of being sober, and I could not be any happier.” “I’m feeling fantastic. I have lost weight, and my skin looks amazing [I suffered from rashes all over my body and face]. My energy and confidence are back. It is wonderful.” “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.”

To control the outlook and shape their future, a person who’s finished their detox should invest plenty of time and energy into ongoing treatment for their addiction and co-occurring disorders. Alcohol withdrawal creates a range of undesirable mental and medical symptoms. Although the effects are somewhat predictable, there is no way to know with certainty which symptoms will emerge and how intense they will become for each person. Some symptoms, such as irritability, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, may persist over time while the body adjusts to the lack of alcohol. Individuals may also want to consider maintenance medications, a support group, or enlisting the support of friends. In some people, the symptoms may subside quickly within 5-7 days of manifesting.