If you are thinking about quitting alcohol after drinking for a long time, you need to prepare for the withdrawal. Up to 50% of people with long-term, heavy alcohol use experience some degree of withdrawal when they stop drinking. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. In extreme cases, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal.
This article discusses what symptoms to expect – and when to expect it – during alcohol withdrawal. It will cover everything that you or your loved one might experience after an abrupt cessation of alcohol, so it doesn’t take you by surprise.
What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal (AW)?
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a set of symptoms that occurs when an alcoholic stops drinking. Before discussing the alcohol withdrawal timeline and symptoms, let’s delve into its cause.
Researchers initially thought that nutritional deficiencies caused alcohol withdrawal. Individuals going through alcohol withdrawal indeed exhibit nutritional disturbances. However, much clinical and laboratory evidence indicates a different cause of the syndrome. Alcohol withdrawal is the result of a sudden drop in a person’s blood alcohol concentrations.
Alcohol is a depressant that affects how the brain works and looks. When a person drinks regularly, their brain adjusts and becomes accustomed to the constant presence of the substance. The brain does not automatically return to normal after you stop drinking. It remains in the hyperactive state, causing withdrawal syndrome.
Who Are at Risk of Alcohol Withdrawal?
Not all people who abuse alcohol experience withdrawal symptoms upon reducing their use. Only half are at risk. This may give rise to the question of who will most likely experience the manifestations of alcohol withdrawal.
Generally, it is difficult to predict who will and who will not go through alcohol withdrawal. The risk varies based on many factors, like the person’s pattern of alcohol use and the presence of coexisting health conditions. However, some studies associate certain factors with the increase in severe alcohol withdrawal. It includes old age, heavy daily alcohol intake, and brain lesions.
You can minimize the risk of alcohol withdrawal by following dietary guidelines. In Australia, drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single day is considered safe for healthy adults. A standard drink contains 4 grams of pure alcohol. If you’re drinking way more than that, don’t attempt to quit alcohol cold turkey.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Note that there’s no definite alcohol withdrawal timeline. For some alcoholics, it may start six hours after their last drink and resolve within several days. For others, their withdrawal symptoms may persist longer.
Symptoms and their severity also vary significantly among alcoholics. Some only experience minor symptoms, like headaches, minor anxiety, and nausea. Others experience life-threatening symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs).
Although the alcohol withdrawal timeline is unique to every individual, here’s what it can look like:
6 to 12 Hours After Your Last Drink
You’ll likely feel the effect of alcohol withdrawal as early as six hours after your last drink. You may experience headaches, mild anxiety, and nausea. Some initial symptoms are quite similar to a hangover. You’ll know you’re not having just a bad hangover if the symptoms continue for more than a day.
For individuals with minor withdrawal, symptoms may not progress above stage one. The withdrawal is still uncomfortable, but its manifestations will gradually decrease. On the other hand, individuals who have been drinking excessively or regularly for weeks, months, or years will likely experience more serious symptoms.
Individuals who are more likely to suffer serious withdrawal must consult a medical professional.
12 to 48 Hours After the Last Alcohol Ingestion
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can escalate towards the second stage within 12 to 48 hours after a person’s last drink. The existing symptoms may get worse. Visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations are also likely to emerge. For example, you may feel bugs crawling on your skin. It’s important to note that hallucinations within this time frame are different from DTs.
The hallucinating individual is still at grips with reality. They still recognize their hallucination. Seizures also typically occur within the first two days after a person stops drinking. Any alcoholic can have seizures. But it is more common in drinkers in their 40s or 50s with prolonged and sustained alcohol use. Seizures can indicate progression to DTs, so seeking professional treatment is important.
48 to 72 Hours After Stopping Drinking
For some individuals with mild to moderate withdrawal, symptoms typically peak or start to resolve in this timeframe. It is also when delirium tremens (DTs) typically starts. DTs is the most severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. Profound confusion and disorientation are the hallmarks of this condition. Vivid hallucinations, fever, hypertension, tremors, etc., accompany it. DTs usually last three to four days but can persist up to eight days.
DTs have a staggering mortality rate of around 37%. The survival rate increases to 95% with timely and proper treatment. Consulting a medical professional before and during withdrawal or getting into medically assisted detox can help with the early detection of this disease.
DTs is one of the scariest parts of alcohol withdrawal. It only affects around 5% of individuals going through alcohol withdrawal. The condition may be rare, but don’t be complacent. Talk to your doctor before stopping drinking, or go to your trusted treatment centre. Getting professional help, even if you’re not at risk of DTs, offers many benefits. Professionals can help manage your symptoms, making your withdrawal journey a little bit easier, comfortable, and a lot safer.
Complete List of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Here are the most common manifestations of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms typically resolve a few hours to days after their emergence.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremors of hands or other body parts
- Anxiety, irritability, or nervousness
- Vivid dreams
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Brain fog
- Loss of appetite
- Hyperthermia
- Increased heart rate
The most severe manifestations of alcohol withdrawal include seizures, hallucinosis, and delirium tremens (DT).
Are You at Risk of Alcohol Withdrawal?
If you have been drinking more than the recommended amount, you’re at risk of withdrawal once you quit alcohol. That’s why we recommend going to a trustworthy treatment centre if you or your loved one plans to get sober. Professionals are equipped to make your withdrawal journey safer and comfortable.
Hills & Ranges Private does not offer a detox service, but we connect our clients to reputable detox centres to start their journey to lasting sobriety.
Find out your addiction level. Take this quiz: On a scale of 0 to alcoholic, where am I?
References:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6761824/
- https://www.health.gov.au/topics/alcohol/about-alcohol/how-much-alcohol-is-safe-to-drink
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/166032-overview
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/delirium-tremens
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-withdrawal-symptoms-treatments
