Do you want to quit alcohol but are afraid of going through alcohol withdrawal? Withdrawing from alcohol can be an uncomfortable, scary experience. It’s even life-threatening to chronic and heavy drinkers. But you don’t need to be frightened. You can get through the withdrawal safely with the right treatment and support.
Alcohol withdrawal can be categorized into four stages. Note that not all alcoholics will progress through all these stages. The stages you or your loved one will go through will depend on the severity of alcohol withdrawal. Mild alcohol withdrawal typically doesn’t go beyond the second stage.
Regardless of the severity of your alcohol withdrawal, Hills & Ranges Private (HARP) is ready to help. We’ll ensure the beginning of your alcohol addiction recovery journey is a smooth one. But before that, this article will discuss what you need to know about alcohol withdrawal stages and treatment options.
Does Every Alcoholic Go Through Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal only affects 50% of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who suddenly stop or reduce their alcohol intake, and only around 5% experience the severe manifestations of the syndrome. Generally, it’s because alcoholics differ in their underlying risks for withdrawal symptoms.
Given the figures, it’s easy to take alcohol withdrawal lightly. You may think it would not affect you, especially if you are a functioning alcoholic. However, we don’t recommend taking chances and quitting alcohol cold turkey. Alcohol withdrawal can kill an alcoholic without appropriate treatment.
Alcohol Withdrawal Stages
The alcohol withdrawal timeline varies from person to person. It will depend on the amount of alcohol consumed, frequency of drinking, presence of co-occurring medical conditions, etc. Nevertheless, the symptoms unfold in four stages.
Stage 1
The first stage of alcohol withdrawal typically begins between 6 to 12 hours after your last alcohol intake. A range of psychological and physical symptoms emerge at this point of the alcohol withdrawal timeline. Most are mild, such as headaches, sweating, shaky hands, and nausea. You may also vomit and lose your appetite.
Getting anxious and irritable is also common at this stage. Some have difficulty falling asleep, while others experience vivid dreams. Most of these symptoms usually resolve several hours or days after their onset without treatment. However, they are still uncomfortable.
Stage 2
The second stage of AWS sets in around 12 to 48 hours after you cease drinking. Some symptoms that materialize in the first stage may already start to subside. Others may intensify. The pain at this point of the alcohol withdrawal timeline often becomes harder to overlook.
Other symptoms also emerge. You may start having trouble concentrating and become confused. Many experience fever, increased blood pressure, and faster breathing. You may also have intense cravings for alcohol. This intense desire to drink is one of the most difficult parts to overcome.
Hallucinosis may also occur within the first and second days of decreasing or abstaining from alcohol intake. This condition causes a fully conscious person to see, hear, or feel things that are not there. It can happen even if a person doesn’t display physiological changes beforehand.
Alcohol withdrawal seizures can also occur within this stage. Seizures can happen even in the absence of other withdrawal signs and symptoms, making it dangerous. It can catch you off guard. You may get into accidents and sustain serious injuries with sudden seizures.
Stage 3
The third stage of AWS can occur 48 to 72 hours after you quit alcohol. Not everyone progresses to this stage. But when they do, they must seek medical attention immediately. It is when delirium tremens (DT) emerges. It’s one of the most dangerous AW symptoms. Around 5% of individuals who experience DTs die from complications, trauma, or infections.
Stage 4
For many alcoholics, AW symptoms gradually dissipate 72 hours after their last drink. It may take seven days for the symptoms to be gone. However, some may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). These are withdrawal-like symptoms that persist for weeks and even months. They aren’t fatal but can be a risk for relapse.
Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
Hills & Ranges Private (HARP) does not directly offer detox services. However, the facility has partnered with reputable detox centres. We’ve chosen our partners carefully to ensure you receive elite care. Their medical professionals will provide you with 24-hour support and monitoring.
Once your alcohol withdrawal symptoms dissipate, our team will help you break free from the dangerous drinking habit. Our rehab program has already liberated many struggling alcoholics from their addiction. You can also be one of them.
Now, how do professionals help manage and treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Thorough Assessment
History and physical examinations are usually enough to diagnose AWS. However, some medical conditions may present symptoms similar to alcohol withdrawal. For example, withdrawal seizures can be similar to those resulting from epilepsy or brain tumours. Hence, medical professionals conduct a thorough assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
A thorough assessment before an intervention also allows medical professionals to anticipate complications. Common complications during alcohol withdrawal include electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Further, the assessment lets them determine the withdrawal severity and appropriate treatment.
General Care and Support
You’ll receive general care in a detox facility at every stage of your withdrawal. It doesn’t matter where you are at the alcohol withdrawal timeline. Detox staff will correct any abnormalities in your nutrition, fluid, or electrolyte levels. They may administer IV fluids if you’re dehydrated. They may give you multivitamins, supplements, and whatever is necessary for your recovery.
Medication Regimens
Healthcare providers may also prescribe short-term medications to ease your withdrawal discomfort. Common prescriptions for mild alcohol withdrawal includes carbamazepine and gabapentin. Medical professionals may prescribe benzodiazepines to those with moderate AWS. Besides easing withdrawal symptoms, benzos also help prevent seizures and DTs.
Other medications include acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. They may also prescribe antidepressants to individuals with clinically diagnosed depression. For those with psychotic episodes, medications may include antipsychotic drugs like risperidone and olanzapine.
Detox Safely!
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. So, make sure to get the right treatment and support at the right time if you plan to stop drinking. Hills & Ranges Private is just one call away. Our expert, compassionate team will assist you. Whether you’re at the start of the alcohol withdrawal timeline or last, we’ll be here to help you detox safely.
Our partner detox facilities have the best equipment. They also have top-notch medical professionals who will be there for you or your loved one throughout your withdrawal. So, don’t detox alone and put your life at risk. Seek professional help today!
References:
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2004/0315/p1443.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6761824
- https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/treatment-care/mental-health-gap-action-programme/evidence-centre/alcohol-use-disorders/management-of-alcohol-withdrawal
- https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/alcohol-withdrawal-medication
