Alcohol withdrawal happens when a person who relies on alcohol decreases or halts their drinking. When a person uses alcohol regularly, their body and brain adapt to it. If alcohol is suddenly taken away, the central nervous system can become too active. This leads to withdrawal symptoms.
When a person stops drinking, their body must adjust to functioning without alcohol, which can be challenging and risky. Withdrawal intensity depends on factors like consumption history, health, and mental health conditions.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal usually includes a range of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms that can differ in intensity. The severity of these symptoms is linked to how much a person depends on alcohol. Those with long-term dependence often face the most intense symptoms.
The following are common symptoms experienced during withdrawal:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sweaty or clammy skin
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Poor memory or judgment
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- High heart rate
- Tremors
- Nausea or vomiting
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Although alcohol withdrawal can vary from one person to the next, the average timeline is as follows.
Stage 1: Mild Symptoms (6-12 hours)
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may start as soon as six hours following the last drink. Initial signs can consist of anxiety, trouble sleeping, nausea, headaches, and sweating. In more serious situations, tremors and mild seizures might also happen.
Stage 2: Moderate Symptoms (24-48 hours)
In the next 12 to 24 hours, you may feel mild withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and stronger cravings for alcohol. More serious symptoms can involve trouble breathing, high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, irritability, fever, and confusion. The peak of alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically occurs within the first 48 hours.
Stage 3: Severe Symptoms (48-72 hours)
During the advanced phase of alcohol withdrawal, a noticeable decline in health occurs. Medical supervision becomes necessary for a patient in this stage after 48 to 72 hours. Delirium tremens (DTS) symptoms usually appear within this timeframe after stopping heavy alcohol consumption. While DTS typically persists for three to four days, it may extend up to eight days in certain individuals.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms generally diminish within five days. However, it is important to note that some individuals may experience lingering symptoms that can last longer.
What Factors Affect Alcohol Withdrawal?
Various elements affect the intensity of alcohol withdrawal, resulting in a condition that varies significantly from person to person.
These elements include:
- Levels of stress
- Length of time the person has been drinking
- Medical history
- Family history of addiction
- Mental health conditions
- History of trauma
The more a person depends on alcohol, the more likely they are to have intense withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking.
It is not a good idea for someone to stop drinking entirely without help from a professional. Withdrawal symptoms can appear and get worse quickly.
Even after the physical effects of alcohol withdrawal lessen, cravings can persist. Emotional issues may also continue. It is essential to seek proper treatment and support during this time.
Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal
It is essential to have medical help during alcohol withdrawal. This is especially true for those who may have severe symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs).
Treatment for withdrawal depends on how severe the symptoms are. Mild cases can often be managed at home. More serious situations may require inpatient care.
Detox
For individuals facing intense or prolonged challenges with withdrawal, medically-assisted alcohol detoxification might be the best option to overcome your addiction.
An alcohol detox takes place in a hospital setting. Here, healthcare providers offer constant support. They help you manage harsh withdrawal symptoms.
Medications like chlordiazepoxide or diazepam may be used to lessen these symptoms. This helps minimize symptoms during this critical time.
After a detox process, people typically stay in a residential treatment center for alcohol recovery. This setting helps them focus on their long-term recovery from addiction. They participate in therapy, support groups, and treatment methods to achieve lasting results.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Following the initial detox phase, numerous individuals find that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is beneficial. MAT integrates medication with behavioral therapy to assist individuals in controlling alcohol cravings and lowering the chances of relapse.
Medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram can be necessary for long-term recovery. They help people stay sober and reduce both the physical and mental urge to drink alcohol.
Therapy
Behavioral therapy and counseling play essential roles in managing alcohol withdrawal. Effective therapies can help with the mental aspects of alcohol addiction. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual counseling, and group sessions.
These therapeutic approaches assist individuals in creating coping strategies, identifying the underlying reasons for their addiction, and fostering healthier, sober lifestyles.
Continued Recovery
After detox, it is essential to focus on staying sober. Quitting alcohol is only the first step. You need to create a plan that addresses the physical, mental, and social challenges that come up after detox. Research shows that aftercare is crucial for maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse.
Some key components that can contribute to a lifetime of sobriety are:
- Participating in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, exercise, or therapy.
- Live in a sober living community as a bridge from rehab to regular society.
- Removing alcohol from your home environment.
- Attend a 12-step plan or support group on a regular basis.
Recovery after detox is all about creating a fulfilling life free from alcohol. This journey involves embracing new habits, committing to ongoing treatment, and nurturing personal growth.
Hope is Here
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, the experts at New Jersey Behavioral Health can help. Contact us today to discover our partial hospitalization and outpatient programs, along with various therapeutic services designed to support you on your recovery journey. Together, we can empower you to embrace a brighter, alcohol-free future.
References:
- National Library of Medicine: Introduction to Alcohol Withdrawal
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK: The Importance of Aftercare Maintaining Sobriety Post-Detox