Alcohol abuse and addiction can cause life-threatening consequences. People who abuse alcohol face short and long-term health complications and may engage in harmful behaviors.
Heavy alcohol use can change how the brain and body function. These changes can make it very challenging to quit drinking, even when alcohol abuse takes a toll on your health and relationships.
People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) must seek treatment to safely stop drinking and learn to avoid relapse. An AUD treatment program may begin with a medical detox program to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
This article will detail alcohol withdrawal symptoms. You will learn what to expect during each stage of the alcohol withdrawal timeline.
Contact the Ascend Recovery team to explore alcohol withdrawal syndrome treatment or to schedule an intake assessment.
Alcohol Addiction: An Overview
Alcohol is legal and widely available throughout much of the United States. Most adults in the US report drinking alcohol at least occasionally. Alcohol is easy to get and relatively inexpensive, and drinking alcohol is part of many social gatherings and celebrations.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend limiting alcohol consumption to:
- One or fewer drinks per day for women
- Two or fewer drinks per day for men
A “drink” means:
- 12 ounces of beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits
Regularly drinking more than recommended (heavy drinking) can increase the risk of health complications, including addiction.
Because drinking alcohol is so common and widely accepted, it can be difficult to determine when someone has an alcohol use disorder (AUD). There are some symptoms of alcohol abuse and addiction to watch for. These include:
- Regularly drinking more than you planned
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking
- Doing dangerous things while drinking, such as driving or having risky sex
- Having cravings for alcohol
- Needing to drink more alcohol to get “buzzed” or being able to drink a lot without appearing intoxicated
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 29.5 million people ages 12 and older in the U.S. have an AUD.
People who develop alcohol dependency often experience uncomfortable, sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking alcohol. These symptoms can make it very difficult for people to complete detox on their own.
What Are Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
Alcohol reduces central nervous system (CNS) activity. To counteract the effects of alcohol, your body increases CNS activity.
Drinking heavily for long periods can cause your body to remain in a state of increased CNS activity. If you reduce your alcohol intake, your CNS activity remains higher than usual, which can result in withdrawal symptoms.
If you are dependent on alcohol and suddenly stop drinking, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Excessive sweating
- Hand tremors
- Headache
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
In rare cases, people may develop a condition called Delirium Tremens (DTs). Symptoms of DTs include:
- Dangerously high body temperature
- Extreme confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
These symptoms can be life-threatening. People who develop Delirium Tremens require immediate medical treatment.
What to Expect During the Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
The severity and duration of your withdrawal symptoms depend on many things, including your health, the amount of alcohol you drink, and more.
However, alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically follow a standard timeline. Here is what to expect during each stage of alcohol withdrawal.
Stage 1: The first 12 hours
You may develop withdrawal symptoms in the first 6-12 hours after your final drink. You may experience mild symptoms or feel very uncomfortable. Your symptoms may include:
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Headache
- Insomnia
You may also have intense cravings for alcohol. These urges can make it very challenging to avoid relapse. It is important to have support to ensure a safe, complete detox.
During a detox treatment program, you will receive medications, mental health care, emotional support, and other treatments. This care will prevent you from relapsing and keep you safe throughout the process.
Stage 2: 12-24 hours
Your symptoms may continue to get worse as you finish your first full day without drinking. Symptoms may include:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
You may become dehydrated during this stage of detox. It is crucial to have access to medical professionals who can monitor your health and provide treatment as needed.
Stage 3: 24-48 hours
You may feel tired and irritable during your second day of detoxification. Your physical symptoms will continue to make you uncomfortable. You may begin to experience anxiety or other mental health symptoms at this stage.
The risk of developing Delirium Tremens is highest during this stage of detox. Professional supervision and treatment are essential so you can remain safe.
Stage 4: 48 to 72 hours and beyond
Your physical symptoms may begin to improve during the second or third day of detox. They will likely continue to become more manageable throughout the first week of detox.
However, many people continue to experience psychological symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Depression
Ongoing support and treatment are still necessary to ensure you can stay focused on detox and avoid relapse.
Alcohol Detox With Ascend Recovery Centers
At Ascend Recovery Centers, our meticulously designed program ensures a safe environment to go through the detox process while addressing both the medical and emotional challenges associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal. We employ a variety of proven treatments to help you achieve lasting sobriety, focusing on your overall well-being. Our dedicated team provides continuous support, ensuring you receive medical attention and emotional backing throughout detox.
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the Ascend Recovery specialists now to explore our comprehensive detox and treatment programs.
