Alcohol Detox Timeline

The alcohol detox phase is the first step to recovery from alcohol dependence. It is an important, though difficult stage of the healing journey. Withdrawal symptoms like headaches, nausea, mood swings, and tremors typically ease within 1-2 weeks. Although this period can vary in both duration and severity based on some factors. 

If you or a loved one wants to quit alcohol but are scared to because of withdrawal symptoms, support can help you get through it. Detoxifying under the care of experienced professionals can help you or your loved one focus on recovery with as much comfort and medical treatment as possible.

Alcohol Use Disorder 

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) affects millions of people in the US. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that 15.1 million Americans struggle with AUD, among which LGBTQ people are disproportionately affected. 

Many folks caught in the cycle of alcohol addiction continue drinking even though they genuinely want to stop due to the discomfort of withdrawal. This really shows the complexity of addiction and the importance of educating ourselves on its effects while finding helpful interventions. 

Levels Of Drinking

To promptly spot alcohol abuse, following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans comes in handy. It defines drinking levels as follows:

• Moderate Drinking: For females, this is regarded as 1 drink per day, and for males, it is up to 2 drinks per day.
• Excessive Drinking: This is defined as 4 or more drinks at a time for females and 5 or more at a time for males.
• Heavy Drinking: 8 or more units per week for females and 15 or more per week for males.

The US defines a standard drink as a beverage containing 14 grams of pure alcohol. You can visualize this as roughly 12 ounces (355mL) of beer, 5 ounces (150mL) of wine, or 1.5 ounces (45mL) of distilled spirits.

What Is The Timeline Of Alcohol Withdrawal

The duration of alcohol withdrawal symptoms varies between persons. Symptoms can set in within just eight hours following your last drink. For other people, it can take a few days. The most debilitating symptoms often peak between 24 and 72 hours. 

This timeline is influenced by various factors such as the person’s overall health, how much, and for how long they have been using alcohol. The person’s age, size, and if they had food before their last drink are also contributing factors.

Here’s a timeline of alcohol withdrawal and the symptoms you can expect:

6-12 Hours After Last Drink 

This is typically the onset of signs.

• The person might feel anxious, shaky, and sweaty.
• Their heart may beat faster.
• They might get mild headaches
• Nausea could set it.
• It might be difficult for them to fall asleep and have a restful sleep even though they are exhausted.

12-24 Hours After Last Drink

At this point, symptoms become more severe.

• The tremors worsen.
• They feel restless, irritable, or on edge.
• Some people start to have mild visual and auditory hallucinations. 

24-48 Hours 

This is often the worst phase of alcohol withdrawal.

• The anxiety, tremors, and diaphoresis become unbearable.
• The person might become very confused and disoriented. 
• In dire cases, there could be seizures, so this period needs close monitoring. 

48-72 Hours

If the individual was a heavy drinker, then the most severe phase may kick in: delirium tremens (DTs).

• There’s severe confusion, hallucinations, fever, and tachycardia. 
• It is rare but life-threatening and requires emergency medical care. 

72+ Hours

At this point, symptoms tend to gradually subside.

• The person will have less anxiety and tremors, although symptoms like poor sleep may persist for weeks. 

Factors Influencing The Alcohol Detox Timeline

Though this timeline usually lasts a week, this period may vary based on various factors. Grasping these factors can help set realistic expectations and ensure proper support during detoxification.

• Level of Alcohol Use: The length of time a person drinks and the amount of alcohol they consume play a role in the duration of detox. Heavy and prolonged drinking heightens the body's reliance on alcohol, leading to more intense and enduring withdrawal symptoms. 
• Overall Health: People with chronic health issues like liver disease, heart conditions or diabetes may have a harder time detoxifying because of the body’s hampered ability to heal. Poor nutritional status, which is common in long-term heavy drinkers, can additionally weaken the body and delay recovery. 
• Genetics and Metabolism: Everyone’s body is different, and this metabolic variation can influence an individual’s alcohol detox timeline. Some people’s systems handle alcohol more efficiently, while others have stronger, lasting adverse effects.
• Concurrent Use of Other Substances: Those with other drug dependencies can have a detoxification process that’s prolonged and complex, requiring specialized care. 
• Previous Withdrawal Experiences: Multiple episodes of alcohol withdrawal can make future detoxes more severe. This phenomenon is termed kindling and manifests as withdrawal symptoms becoming more severe with each relapse.

Get Help Today 

If you or your LGBTQ+ loved one is ready to withdraw from alcohol, an alcohol rehab with a detox program from Q Space Detox can help you experience a safe and comfortable rehab experience and reduce your risk for complications, including seizures. Contact us at 305-745-7768 to begin your journey toward recovery today.