Everything You Should Know About Alcohol Withdrawal
**Detoxing from alcohol alone can be extremely hazardous. It’s crucial for anyone in need of detoxification to seek professional help for safe withdrawal and to start treatment. If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with alcohol use, please call 877-505-HOPE.
Alcohol withdrawal can manifest differently for each individual. Symptoms may differ and can last from a few days to several weeks.
Though the withdrawal symptoms can be quite daunting, having support from professionals in a residential detox management center can help alleviate these symptoms and facilitate the transition into the next phase of treatment. Studies show that individuals are more likely to achieve success in treatment when they undergo alcohol detoxification with medical supervision. Detoxing without professional assistance can result in serious health risks.
The duration of alcohol detox varies for everyone. Below is an overview of the typical experiences during withdrawal:
6-12 Hours
People with a substance use disorder (SUD) will start to notice mild symptoms approximately six hours after their last drink. The initial symptom often includes cravings. Other symptoms that may occur during this period include:
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Poor appetite
- Depression
- Headaches
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Tremors
After six hours, the risk of seizures increases, especially for those with a long history of heavy drinking. Seizures are viewed as the most serious acute withdrawal symptom by medical professionals.
12-24 Hours
In the 12 to 24-hour window, individuals typically begin experiencing moderate withdrawal symptoms. Studies indicate that approximately 2-8% of individuals may experience hallucinations during alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms often peak between 18-24 hours and tend to diminish after four to five days for those with mild withdrawal.
24-48 Hours
During this phase, most individuals continue to experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. The likelihood of seizures peaks during this time and can remain elevated for several days. While some seizures may be mild, others can lead to life-threatening situations.
48-72 Hours
After 48 hours, the severity of withdrawal symptoms may increase. Some individuals may develop alcohol withdrawal delirium, referred to as delirium tremens (DTs), a serious form of alcohol withdrawal that can include:
- Tremors
- Agitation or irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Severe confusion or disorientation
- Rapid mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Elevated heart rate
- Seizures
There may also be a rise in blood pressure, potentially resulting in chest pain. While the risk of seizures tends to decrease after 48 hours, the chances of heart attack and stroke may increase. Given the high mortality rate associated with DTs, careful monitoring and treatment in a hospital’s intensive care unit, along with proper medications and medical supervision, is often required.
72+ Hours
Individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal often experience their most intense symptoms during this period. Delirium tremens can last from two to three days, but in some cases, symptoms might persist longer than eight days, which can be fatal without medical oversight. It’s crucial to seek medical assistance if symptoms are severe.
Factors Influencing the Alcohol Withdrawal Experience
The duration and intensity of the detox process can vary significantly from person to person. Individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms regardless of whether they have been drinking for a few weeks, several months, or many years. However, the length of the detox process is primarily influenced by the duration and frequency of alcohol use.
The Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale (PAWSS) is a tool that healthcare providers use to assess the risk level of patients for experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. This scale takes into consideration the individual’s blood alcohol concentration, time since last intoxication, history of blackouts, and any use of other substances alongside alcohol. Factors that can increase the likelihood of severe symptoms include:
- Long-term alcohol use
- High quantities of alcohol consumption
- Genetic predispositions, physical characteristics, and overall health status
How Treatment Can Make a Difference
Research suggests that individuals are more likely to achieve successful treatment outcomes when they undergo alcohol detoxification under medical supervision.
Gateway Foundation’s Residential Withdrawal Management, commonly referred to as detox, offers a safe and caring space for those needing to withdraw from substances. Withdrawal from alcohol and other substances can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening symptoms.
Gateway Foundation’s Residential Withdrawal Management guarantees medically supervised care with nursing staff available 24/7, medications to assist with withdrawal symptoms, and therapy from licensed professionals to facilitate safe withdrawal. After detoxification, patients have the chance to move into a residential program for continued treatment. With a focus on personalized care and long-term success throughout the program, we equip each patient for their next steps toward lasting recovery.
If you or someone you love is battling alcohol use, please call 877-505-HOPE.