Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: What You Need To Know

The body thrives on consistency and routine. And just as much as we can thrive with daily yoga or a running routine, we can also incorporate unhealthy habits that the body gets used to: like binge drinking. Some people have accustomed themselves to drinking so often that their body has a hard time functioning without it. Below, we dive into everything you need to know surrounding alcohol withdrawal syndrome and the health problems and conditions that accompany it.

What is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a set of symptoms that occur following a reduction or abstinence of alcohol intake after a period of excessive use and alcohol dependency. When someone who is used to high alcohol consumption stops drinking, their body reacts in protest. This happens because when you have alcohol use disorder, your body acclimates itself to the effects of the alcohol and expects those effects regularly.

Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal

The stages of alcohol withdrawal happen as a timeline, and the severity of symptoms depends on various factors, such as:

6-12 hours

The early signs of alcohol withdrawal, which are typically more mild, include anxiety, headache, sweating and night sweats, nausea, insomnia, and tremors.

24-72 hours

This is the peak stage of withdrawal symptoms. They may worsen and include seizures, high blood pressure, auditory hallucinations, or fever, which is a severe form of withdrawal that can be paired with confusion and agitation.

72 hours and beyond

Symptoms will begin to subside over the next few days and weeks. Some people may experience fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety that may last several months.

Note: this is a general guideline and the experience will range from person to person.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol detox is the process of removing all harmful toxins that alcohol brings into the body. Because detox involves the quitting or reduction of heavy or prolonged alcohol use, it causes alcohol withdrawal.

Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or the physical side effects of discontinued substance use, range from mild to potentially life-threatening. They include:

Withdrawal symptoms can be more severe in the elderly and those who have repeated withdrawals that lead to repeated intoxications. Other health issues can also impact symptom severity.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically develop within several hours to a few days of quitting and usually worsen after 48 to 72 hours. Some symptoms — such as insomnia, mild anxiety and tremors — can occur while the individual still has a measurable blood alcohol level, but most occur after alcohol has left the system. Depending on the severity of the level of alcoholism, withdrawal symptoms generally last from several days to several weeks to, in rare cases, months.

While physical withdrawal symptoms may disappear completely within a few weeks, the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome is complex. Psychological withdrawal can last for years. Many individuals experience alcohol cravings with every new event or trigger they face.

Delirium Tremens

Delirium tremens (DT) is a condition associated with severe alcohol withdrawal. DT typically occurs 3-5 days after cutting out alcohol and typically requires medical attention. DT symptoms include:

Once DT begins, there is no known medical treatment to stop it. Grand mal seizures, heart attacks, and strokes can occur during DT and are potentially fatal if not properly treated under medical supervision.

Best Practices for Managing Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can range from mild to severe, depending on the person’s mental health, physical health, and the severity of the addiction. Here are helpful guidelines to follow while navigating this process toward sobriety and tips on the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.

Seek Medical Help

Alcohol withdrawal is a serious health matter, and it’s important not to go through it alone should any medical complications arise, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions. Seek adequate medical care and check into a detox facility with qualified medical staff. Having medical professionals nearby may save your life, and at the very least, they will help you recover quicker when navigating symptoms of withdrawal.

You can also join support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous to get support from others who have been through it.

Stay Hydrated

Throughout the process of detox, the body is going through a lot. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is essential. Consider replenishing the body with electrolytes that may be lost during sweating or vomiting. Sports drinks, coconut water, or electrolyte tablets are all great solutions.

Take Care of Your Body

Eat nutritious foods and regular meals, rest, and get as much sleep as you can. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, whether that’s taking a walk, meditating, journaling, or through gentle exercise. As your body releases toxins, it needs all the support it can get.

Consider OTC Medications and Supplements

Supplementing with B vitamins and magnesium is a good idea, as alcohol can deplete B vitamins. Magnesium may help soften anxiety and insomnia, and it has little to no side effects.

Over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve headaches, muscle aches, and fever, while anti-nausea medications found at the drugstore can help relieve queasiness and vomiting.

Don’t Go Cold Turkey

If you’re a heavy drinker and suddenly stop drinking, it could be dangerous. Talk to a healthcare professional first before doing anything drastic. When your body becomes accustomed to something, it’s best to seek medical advice on how to wean off of it in the most gentle way possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and get the assistance you need.

An Overview of PAWS

For some, the withdrawal symptoms of quitting alcohol may extend beyond just a few days as a result of heavy drinking — this is called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Unfortunately, PAWS can last for months or maybe even years in severe, alcohol-related cases.

Symptoms of PAWS include:

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get the medical help you need.

How Caron Can Help with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Alcohol use disorder is a serious matter that takes a lot of support to get through, especially when it comes to detoxing. At Caron Treatment Centers, our experienced and compassionate staff provides comprehensive treatment programs for individuals and loved ones struggling with various types of addiction and substance abuse, including alcohol withdrawal syndrome. We offer a continuum of care that includes detoxification, medical stabilization, intensive residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare services.

Contact us to discuss treatment options with our staff today.