Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms, Treatment and Alcohol Detox Duration
Combining alcohol’s pre-existing dehydrating qualities with withdrawal-related dehydration can easily induce seizures and may prove lethal in some cases. The long-term outlook for someone experiencing alcohol withdrawal is highly dependent on what happens after detox. Meaningful recovery comes from a strong commitment to an extended period of treatment after detox. Withdrawal seizures, sometimes called “rum fits,” can emerge between 6–48 hours after last use.
Health Challenges
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal relate proportionately to the level of alcohol intake and the duration of the person’s recent drinking habit. If you have alcohol use disorder and want help, a healthcare provider can guide you to resources and rehabilitation programs to help you quit. Know that your provider will be there to support you, not to judge you. Alcohol withdrawal causes a range of symptoms when a person with alcohol use disorder stops or significantly decreases their alcohol intake.
Withdrawal symptoms can begin to surface in as early as two hours after your last drink. While the most painful symptoms typically subside within the first week, some mild symptoms can last for several weeks to a year. There is no exact timeline maverick house sober living as to when or what withdrawal symptoms you will experience; however, there’s a general outline of what to expect. Although uncommon, the most serious effect from alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens.
When you talk to your doctor about symptom relief, it’s a good idea to discuss treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence. If you are concerned about potential alcohol withdrawal symptoms, talk to your doctor. A doctor can evaluate your overall health and alcohol abuse history to help you determine how likely it is that you’ll experience symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal usually starts within 8 hours after the last drink but can occur days later. In a recent study, 95% of people had symptoms that lasted between 2-8 days. Several factors like how long a person has been drinking, age or weight can also impact the length or severity of withdrawal symptoms.
More on Substance Abuse and Addiction
Your CNS must work harder to overcome the depressant effects of alcohol to keep your body functioning. Research shows people who have a supportive social network are more likely to remain alcohol-free after withdrawal. Those with a wider circle of support have a better chance of staying sober. Individuals should be prepared to list of foods that contain alcohol be uncomfortable during this period and have medical help available if needed. This is the period in which delirium tremens is most likely to occur, which requires immediate medical attention.
Alcohol abuse also affects dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to the body’s reward system. Dopamine also assists with the body’s sense of attention, motor coordination, cognition and mood. As the body begins to build a higher tolerance for alcohol, the brain becomes more dependent on the substance for feel-good neurotransmitters. When chronic heavy drinking is suddenly maverick house sober living stopped, dopamine production also halts, causing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. 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.
Alcohol withdrawal can cause pain in the chest, including chest tightness. This tightness is normally side effects of heart damage from excessive alcohol use. If you stop drinking alcohol suddenly after years of alcohol use, the risk of hurting the heart increases.
Getting Help for Alcohol Withdrawal
This article discusses the causes, common symptoms, and different stages of alcohol withdrawal. It also discusses various treatment options for alcohol withdrawal and how you can get help. 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. For mild alcohol withdrawal that’s not at risk of worsening, your provider may prescribe carbamazepine or gabapentin to help with symptoms. It affects about 50% of people with alcohol use disorder who stop or significantly decrease their alcohol intake.
- Visit the following websites to learn about The Recovery Village’s network of rehabilitation facilities.
- 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.
- We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
- There are many support options available that can help guide you through alcohol withdrawal, as well as abstaining from alcohol after withdrawal.
- Try skipping alcohol, especially in the late afternoon and evening, for more restful shut-eye.
Alcohol withdrawal begins when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol stops drinking it abruptly or significantly reduces their consumption. Most alcohol detox programs last anywhere from a few days to over a week, with withdrawal symptoms usually subsiding within seven or more days of the program. However, alcohol cravings, sleep problems and other minor side effects may continue for some time after detox. Alcohol withdrawal is a product of physical dependence in the body. Withdrawal symptoms occur during detox, a natural process where the body works to remove toxins from the system and reach a new equilibrium.
