If you have recently decided to stop drinking (after drinking for a long time), you may wonder what to expect. You are probably also wondering if you can ride out any potential withdrawal symptoms at home. The short answer is it depends.
The severity of your symptoms will depend on your level of alcohol dependency. And your ability to ride them out will largely depend on your physical and mental health status.
Generally speaking, riding out alcohol withdrawal symptoms on your own is not a good idea. The withdrawal process can be highly unpredictable, which means you may experience sudden, severe health or mental health issues.
Understanding the risks is crucial before you even take your last drink.
What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
When you abruptly stop drinking after a period of heavy drinking, your body automatically goes through a series of changes. It does this to compensate for the lack of alcohol because it has become used to functioning with it. It is this adjustment that causes a range of symptoms. Collectively, all symptoms are known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).
The Onset of Mild Symptoms
If you experience mild withdrawal symptoms, you may be able to ride them out at home. However, even if your symptoms are mild, you should not be on your own while experiencing them.
Mild symptoms usually start around 6 to 12 hours after your last drink. Around this time, you may experience:
- Anxiety, restlessness, or nervousness
- Mildly pounding headache
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Mild nausea or potentially vomiting
- Unexplained irritability
- Fatigue
You may find these symptoms more annoying than anything else. They will likely subside within a few days to a week. Still, having someone you can trust if your symptoms worsen is a good idea.
What Moderate Symptoms Look Like
If you experience moderate withdrawal symptoms, they will appear around 12 to 48 hours after you take your last drink. Moderate symptoms can be scary, and they can also quickly get worse. If this happens, you may need medical treatment to prevent complications.
The following symptoms are usually described as moderate:
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Difficulty concentrating and confusion
- Shakiness or tremors
- Ongoing nausea or vomiting
Because moderate symptoms can become severe, you should not be alone while you try to ride them out.
What to Do When Your Symptoms Are Severe
Severe symptoms happen in 3 to 5% of people who stop drinking. These symptoms may start 48 to 72 hours after your last drink and include:
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Complete disorientation
- High fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Agitation
Severe alcohol withdrawal can quickly become life-threatening and will require medical intervention. As soon as it becomes clear that your symptoms are not mild, you must seek help immediately.
When to Manage Withdrawal Symptoms at Home
Few people manage to get through withdrawal while on their own at home. Some may scrape through to the other side if they have mild symptoms. However, a team of medical professionals should supervise anyone with moderate to severe symptoms.
If you want to stop drinking, you should consult with your doctor before you take your last drink. Keep in touch with your doctor throughout, even if your symptoms stay mild.
If they stay mild, ensure you drink enough water to prevent dehydration. Herbal tea, broth, and sports drinks can also help.
While you are experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms, you should eat healthy food. Focus on fruit, vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains. Eating these foods will help stabilize your blood sugar and improve your overall health.
You should also relax and sleep as much as you can. Keep your bedroom cool and dark, especially if you have a headache. If your headache worsens, your doctor may prescribe a mild over-the-counter pain reliever.
Do not shut yourself off from your loved ones during this time. Talk to them and keep them informed about your progress. It is crucial not to become isolated while going through withdrawal.
Why You Need Professional Help for Moderate to Severe Symptoms
It is simply not safe to try and manage moderate to severe symptoms at home. You will not be able to predict when your symptoms will become worse. They can also become life-threatening within hours.
If a doctor monitors your progress, they can monitor your vital signs. They can also give you the necessary medications to ease your symptoms.
Moreover, a doctor can help prevent serious complications like seizures or dehydration. They can also give you much-needed psychological support.
Keep in mind that severe complications from alcohol withdrawal can result in death. Do not take that chance by trying to ride out withdrawal symptoms on your own.
When to Seek Professional Help
You should always seek professional help if you:
- Have a history of heavy drinking over a long period
- Experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms
- Have underlying health conditions
- Have previously experienced severe withdrawal symptoms
- Are overwhelmed at the prospect of experiencing withdrawal symptoms
If you have not started experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor or a rehabilitation facility. They will be able to guide you towards the right solutions.
HARP Is Here to Help
The clinical team at HARP (Hills & Ranges Private) knows how difficult it is for people to stop drinking and go through withdrawal. This is why the HARP facility offers a compassionate but professional approach to recovery.
At HARP, your detox process will be overseen by qualified medical professionals. HARP partners with excellent detox centres to ensure all patients stay safe as they detox.
Moreover, you will receive a treatment plan to help you stay sober. You will work through this plan at HARP while having plenty of time to engage in healing therapies like yoga and meditation.
When you are sober and have completed your treatment plan, HARP will provide you with the aftercare resources you need to maintain your sobriety.
Do not be tempted to try and get sober on your own. The risks will, in most instances, always outweigh the benefits.
