Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

If heavy drinking is a part of your life, whether it lasts for months or years, withdrawal symptoms may occur when you hit a point where you decide to cut back or stop entirely. Light drinkers typically don't have to deal with their choices in this way, while heavy drinkers are often faced with physical and mental problems when changing these habits. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and the process can look different from person to person. 

Alcohol has a depressive effect on the body and slows brain function down. The way the body sends and receives messages is affected by alcohol. As people continue to drink heavily, the central nervous system adjusts to the habit. When people commit to an alcohol detox or cut out alcohol entirely, this can lead to a wide range of withdrawal symptoms. 

What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal is not uncommon. It accounts for approximately 260,000 emergency department visits and over 800 deaths each year. It's estimated that half of the people who have alcohol addiction experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop drinking. Those affected by withdrawal symptoms may experience severe and lingering symptoms, while others get through the process quickly. 

Some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Confusion
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Shaky hands
• Racing heart
• High blood pressure
• Fever
• Pale Skin
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite

What Does the Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline Look Like?

What happens after someone who drinks heavily cuts out alcohol can differ from person to person. The symptoms may be mild or severe, and people will get hit differently. A lot of this depends on how often a person drinks and how much and how long. The way withdrawal symptoms present also depends on factors such as age, mental health conditions, body chemistry, and current medications. Symptoms typically begin within 6 hours and increase in severity as the hours go by. 

Day One

Mild symptoms often start within just a few hours of cutting out alcohol. These symptoms may include nausea, headache, shaky hands, sweats, and a general feeling of anxiety. More serious problems may begin to hit as the first day goes on.

Day Two

Expect the most serious issues to hit within the first couple of days after cutting out alcohol. These more severe problems may include hallucinations and seizures. 

Day Three

Towards the end of day two and into day three, delirium tremens, or DTs, may begin. This is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden changes to the nervous system or mental state. Some experience this at the 48-hour mark, while it may occur in others 7 to 10 days after cutting out alcohol.

Symptoms of DTs include: 

• Mood changes (irritability, excitement, fear, etc.)
• Body tremors
• Mental function changes
• Deep sleep
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Restlessness
• Sensitivity to light or sound

What Are the Treatments for Alcohol Withdrawal?

If heavy partying, day drinking, or alcoholism has begun to affect you negatively, then it's probably time to cut back. If you don't have any health conditions or past experiences with severe withdrawals, you may be able to face this on your own. In other cases, it's more helpful to seek treatment. 

Many find success cutting out alcohol on their own, but it's essential to plan either way. You'll want to find a safe and quiet place without harsh lighting. Stock the fridge with healthy foods, and be sure to have plenty of water and other fluids on hand. It's best to limit contact with others, but having a group of supportive friends is also helpful. If you don't have that already, consider something like Alcoholics Anonymous. 

If you decide to cut out alcohol on your own, be aware of your body. While some withdrawal symptoms aren't too severe and pass quickly, others can be life-threatening. If you have a seizure or other severe symptoms or you find your body temperature or blood pressure rises, seek medical attention. 

Speaking with a doctor about alcohol withdrawal is a good idea whether you're going through it or think it may happen to you. They will go over your drinking history as well as any previous experience you may have had with withdrawal. Some people need medication to get through withdrawal to treat severe symptoms, but this is always something a medical professional should guide patients through. 

If you or an LGBTQ+ person you love need supportive treatment, reach out to us at Q Space Detox. We offer a range of programs designed to help overcome addiction and stay sober. Navigating alcohol withdrawal can be scary on your own, and we're here to help. If you are ready for life-changing treatment, call us today at 305-745-7768.