Alcohol Detox: What It Looks Like and Withdrawal Symptoms

Detox from alcohol is the period when your body adjusts to being without it. Withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, anxiety, nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, and a fast heartbeat can begin within hours of your last drink. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, so if you drink heavily and regularly, speak with a clinician before you stop or cut down sharply.

Detoxing from alcohol is one of the hardest things some people will ever have to do. Not only is it emotionally taxing but the alcohol withdrawal can be very hard on your body too. Many people give up on their alcohol detox because of the withdrawal symptoms.

Proper planning and knowing what to expect during your detox may help. Keep reading for more information about detox from alcohol and what withdrawal symptoms you may expect.

Detox From Alcohol

Alcohol is a chemical that alters how your brain works, giving most people a feeling of joy and relaxation. Years of heavy use may lead to becoming dependent on it. The body can become unable to function normally without a daily dose of alcohol.

In these cases, reducing the amount of alcohol that the brain is used to leads to the body as well as the brain reacting negatively. These reactions are called withdrawal symptoms.

Stopping drinking is a good long-term decision for the sake of your mental and physical health. However, in the short term, detox from alcohol can cause very unpleasant symptoms. If not properly managed, alcohol withdrawal can even be fatal. This is why medical supervision matters for people who are dependent on alcohol. A previous withdrawal seizure or delirium episode is especially important to tell your clinician about.

The people most likely to have alcohol withdrawal symptoms are those who are dependent on alcohol and those who binge drink. Dependence means being physically or psychologically reliant on alcohol and unable to control the desire to drink. Binge drinking means consuming large amounts of alcohol in one sitting.

Below are some of the symptoms one can expect to experience after giving up alcohol or reducing the amount you drink.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and the amount of time it takes for the symptoms to disappear depends on many factors. These include the amount you normally drink, the length of time you've been drinking and whether you've detoxed before. Those who consume large amounts of alcohol, have been drinking for a long time or have previously detoxed are more likely to have severe symptoms.

It may also take longer for them to detox. How long symptoms last varies from person to person. The withdrawal symptoms experienced will vary based on the time that has passed since the last drink.

Symptoms may include shakiness, sweating, anxiety, nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, and a fast heartbeat. ASAM alcohol withdrawal guideline

Timeline Of Withdrawal Symptoms

Signs of withdrawal can begin within hours after your last drink, but timing and severity vary. The most common symptoms are experienced between 6 and 12 hours after your last drink. The first symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include feelings of depression, anxiety, and irritability.

Physically you may experience headaches and nausea. Early symptoms should be closely monitored. Early mild symptoms do not guarantee that the rest of the course will remain mild.

Typically 24 to 48 hours after your last drink is when the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms occur. The most common symptoms at this time include tremors, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, seizures, confusion, excessive sweating, stomach upset and high blood pressure.

Seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, collapse, or other serious symptoms require emergency assessment. Do not wait until symptoms feel unbearable. Call 911.

From about 48 to 72 hours after the last drink, some people with severe alcohol dependence develop delirium tremens. This is an altered state of consciousness marked by confusion, delusion, and visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations. Delirium tremens is a medical emergency. After 72 hours some people continue experiencing withdrawal symptoms for weeks and some for even up to a year.

These longer-lasting symptoms are sometimes called PAWS, which stands for post-acute withdrawal syndrome.

Managing Detox From Alcohol

Alcohol treatment programs are set up to manage withdrawal symptoms, which is why people who are dependent on alcohol should get medical help when they are ready to stop. Along with medical management of the physical effects, people usually have counseling to help with the emotional side.

A clinician looks at your drinking pattern, previous withdrawal, medical conditions, other substances, medications, and support at home before choosing a setting. Be honest about benzodiazepines and other sedatives, because their use or withdrawal may change the risk.

There are both inpatient and outpatient types of care. Outpatient care may suit those who are not severely dependent on alcohol and who can manage their routines while going through detox. Outpatient care still means being closely monitored. It does not mean detoxing alone. Inpatient or hospital care is more suitable for those who are severely dependent on alcohol and those who need medical intervention for serious withdrawal symptoms.

Many people also use peer support such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), an independent peer fellowship. People going through recovery can share with and get support from people going through the same process. Peer support can be valuable, but it does not replace withdrawal monitoring or medical treatment. Some medications can also be prescribed to reduce the possibility of relapse.

Medications Used to Treat Withdrawal Symptoms

There are several types of medications for alcoholism that are used during and after withdrawal. During withdrawal, treatment can involve monitoring, medication to control withdrawal and reduce complications, and a check of hydration and nutritional needs. Benzodiazepines are a common first-line medication class in supervised alcohol withdrawal care. The specific plan depends on the person. ASAM alcohol withdrawal guideline

Doctors can also prescribe nutritional supplements such as folic acid, thiamine, and magnesium. These can correct nutritional deficiencies and imbalances caused by heavy drinking.

Do not borrow medication or build your own alcohol taper or sedative schedule from something you read online. Different medicines have different purposes and risks.

Detox deals with the immediate effects of stopping. It does not by itself treat the longer-term pattern of alcohol use disorder. Ongoing care can include behavioral treatment and medication. Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are FDA-approved options for alcohol use disorder, and they work differently. Disulfiram causes an unpleasant reaction if you drink alcohol. Which medication fits depends on factors such as opioid use, liver or kidney health, and treatment goals. NIAAA: Types of Alcohol Treatment

Seek Medical Advice When Considering Detox From Alcohol

Going through detox from alcohol can affect your mind, body and emotions in many ways. The first thing to do is to seek medical advice from a professional. This is especially true if you are a long-term drinker.

Your doctor can check your physical condition and establish whether you should be under medical supervision as you detox. When you ask for help, describe your usual drinking, your last drink, your current symptoms, and any previous withdrawal complications. If serious symptoms are already present, use emergency services rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Taking a step toward recovery is a big step. To compare treatment options near you, see the Alcohol Treatment Navigator from NIAAA.

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