When you’ve been addicted to alcohol for a long time, you may experience some of the more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These can be either Seizures or Delirium Tremens (DTs), also called “alcohol withdrawal delirium.” DTs refer to an altered state of consciousness while going through alcohol detox. The severity and length of your alcohol withdrawal symptoms also depend on the above factors. Physical symptoms typically peak between 48 to 72 hours after the last drink and last up to 10 days. They may also provide you with medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, as well as guidance on lifestyle changes and coping strategies to support your recovery. Regardless of the reason for detoxing from alcohol, it’s important to understand that detox is only the first step in overcoming an addiction to alcohol.

Alcohol withdrawal will occur when dependence on alcohol has developed. Dependence occurs when prolonged, frequent alcohol use causes the brain to adjust to the continuous presence of alcohol. Once alcohol use is stopped, the brain must readjust to the absence of alcohol. If you drink excessively or abuse alcohol over some time, you may develop alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence transpires when your body adjusts to the presence of alcohol in your system and alters its functions in response. For example, your brain changes the function of certain neurotransmitters so they can continue to perform normally.

Stage One: 6-12 hours after the last drink

During detox, people work through their withdrawal symptoms in a comfortable and safe environment. It is necessary for them to stay in detox as long as the withdrawal symptoms persist for a really effective detox. Going through alcohol withdrawal can be extremely dangerous and in some instances even deadly, due to the severity of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Undergoing alcohol detox alone is a dangerous proposition, and it can even be hazardous to experience withdrawal with an untrained person present.

• If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism or alcohol dependence, it can be hard to reach out.
• Because of that, you may experience severe reactions to not having alcohol in your system.
• In addition to observations, medical professionals can provide patients with medications to reduce cravings and ease symptoms through the detox process.

If you experience hallucinations or a seizure, it’s crucial that you call 911 or go to the nearest ER, as these can be life-threatening. If you are at risk for DTs or seizures, being under the care of a professional is extremely important. Gortney, J.S., Raub, J.N., Patel, P., Kokoska, L., Hannawa, M., & Argyris, A. If you are interested in entering treatment, please reach out to us at 877-RECOVERY.

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Years of heavy drinking can significantly alter how the brain looks and works. Acamprosate, sold under the name Campral, is prescribed to help your brain begin to function normally again after you quit drinking. Research studies have also started to look into whether or not acamprosate helps reduce the symptoms of PAWS including insomnia, 5 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Sober Living House anxiety and restlessness. It also works to reduce alcohol cravings; however, it will not produce an unwanted effect if alcohol is consumed. These include how long you have been drinking, how much you drink, what you drink, and if you also abuse other drugs. For 95% of respondents, withdrawal symptoms lasted for two to eight days.

For the remainder of your first week in detox, different withdrawal symptoms may come and go. This is also the timeframe where you’re most at risk for life-threatening symptoms such as delirium tremens. Supervision in a medical setting cannot reduce the duration of withdrawal, but it can minimize the side effects and reduce the risks of major complications and prevent fatalities. Detox is the first step toward recovery, so if you are struggling to stop drinking or are afraid of the withdrawal that will follow, find a good facility that specializes in assisted detox.

Overview of Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

We look at your genetic, psychological, and biological underpinnings when developing the right treatment program for you. Substance-abuse specialists are equipped to handle your detox symptoms, but they also know what to look for when symptoms turn more severe. Especially when you’re prepared and have the appropriate support system and professional guidance.