When you stop drinking, after doing so heavily for a long time, the depressant on your central nervous system stops, causing your nervous system to become overexcited. Your body may get overloaded because it has no alcohol to counteract your now perpetually excited nervous system. In some cases, AWS can be a medical emergency and — if complications arise — potentially life threatening.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: Detox, Timeline & Treatment
PAWS is one of the leading causes of relapse alcohol withdrawal for individuals that have completed alcohol addiction treatment. Many people experience symptoms of PAWS in cyclical waves – one day you feel fine, and the next you’re plagued by low energy and intense cravings for alcohol. The spontaneity of this withdrawal phase can make resisting temptation hard. However, it’s important to note that each PAWS episode is often limited to only a few days at a time. If an individual can hang on during that time frame, the symptoms will resolve just as quickly as they appeared.
- Only about 3 to 5 percent of people experience serious withdrawal symptoms.
- This is why detox should be followed by a comprehensive treatment program that may include therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment if necessary.
Medications for Alcohol Withdrawal
These variables determine how strongly your body reacts to this sudden chemical shift. They will also shape your individual experience as you navigate the alcohol withdrawal timeline. This page explains what to expect from the alcohol withdrawal process, from the symptoms to the timeline and risks involved. You will also discover how to get effective, science-backed treatment to streamline the detox process.
You’ll Sleep Better
The sooner you start treatment (which often includes both medication and therapy) the better your outcome. Some people think tapering can be a safer way to finally get your heavy alcohol use under control. For two to seven days, doctors may manage your withdrawal with medications. Your doctor may decide to order different tests, such as blood work or a heart test.
Week Three Benefits
Ongoing support, whether through inpatient or outpatient programs, therapy, and peer support groups, helps address the underlying causes of addiction and maintain long-term sobriety. Alcohol withdrawal is primarily the result of the body’s adaptation to the depressant effects of alcohol over time. When someone drinks regularly and heavily, their brain chemistry changes to counteract alcohol’s sedative and depressive properties. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Suddenly stopping can lead to symptoms like tremors, anxiety, seizures, and delirium, depending on the person’s history and drinking patterns. Alcohol withdrawal often cycles through manageable symptoms at the start, followed by heightened risks of seizures or delirium.
How is alcohol withdrawal treated?
Without proper medical intervention, you’re at risk for severe complications, including electrolyte imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Your age, weight, and concurrent health conditions can greatly influence symptom severity, making professional monitoring essential during early withdrawal stages. When withdrawal begins, you’ll likely experience significant changes in your emotional state, with about 63% of patients developing major depressive disorder during recovery.
With proper medical support, you can join them in reaching safer shores. Our team at Advanced Addiction Center is dedicated to setting the bar for quality treatment right here in Medford, Massachusetts. If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, call us today. We create customized treatment plans and provide ongoing support every step of the way. Advanced Addiction Center’s commitment to holistic https://makksafeway.com/how-to-help-an-alcoholic-in-denial-signs-of-denial/ healing extends beyond traditional medical interventions.
- The process often follows a distinct timeline, which can help you identify what phase you’re in and when you may need professional assistance.
- Having a history of seizures increases your risk for withdrawal seizures.
- If you have severe vomiting, seizures, or delirium tremens, the safest place for you to be treated is in a hospital.
- When alcohol consumption abruptly stops, anxiety and nervousness emerge as prominent withdrawal symptoms within 6-12 hours of abstinence.
- While most people will experience relatively mild withdrawal symptoms, seeking medical advice before quitting your alcohol use is STRONGLY recommended to ensure your safety.
Additional Severe Complications
This enables you to attend therapy sessions and engage in MAT (medication-assisted treatment) around your existing commitments. Delirium tremens (DTs), which can occur between 48–72 hours after the last drink, is the most dangerous stage. Characterized by confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability, DTs can be fatal if untreated. However, some psychological and emotional symptoms can persist for weeks or months, a condition known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Naheed Ali, MD, PhD, ScD, is a physician by education and a writer by choice. He earned an MD degree in 2008 and later completed Harvard Medical School’s lifestyle medicine training in 2012, before obtaining a PhD in holistic health and an ScD in sports nutrition.
How To Stop Drinking Alcohol Safely
Alcohol can cause inflammation and damage to your liver when used heavily over prolonged periods. After stopping alcohol, inflammation in your liver caused by alcohol will subside. Most of this inflammation will be gone by your fourth week of abstinence. While any scarring caused by liver inflammation (called cirrhosis) will be permanent, the effects of inflammation itself will be almost completely resolved by week four. They will become less intense, and symptoms will disappear one by one.
Even Twelve-step program after the initial planting, the garden requires consistent care and attention to thrive. Similarly, your recovery journey needs ongoing nurturing and support to solidify the foundation for your long-term well-being. Resources like Addiction Helpline America offer valuable guidance and support during this critical phase and beyond. While many individuals experience noticeable improvements during this time, it’s essential to remember that recovery isn’t always a linear progression.
