Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal

By Author: Care Addiction
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Millions of Americans suffer from alcohol addiction. Not everyone can go cold turkey when it comes to quitting alcohol - but planning to stop is a big step.

When someone stops drinking or significantly reduces their alcohol consumption after long-term dependence, they experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

There are some cases where alcohol withdrawal can be fatal.

People with alcohol dependence experience withdrawal when they stop drinking because their nervous system is shocked by the abrupt lack of alcohol. Symptoms range from mild, such as shaky hands or insomnia, to severe, such as seizures or strokes.

There are several factors that affect the severity of these symptoms, including the length of time the individual has been drinking, how often they drink, and the amount of alcohol they consume.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Requiring Medical Attention

In most cases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are NOT fatal, but these symptoms require immediate medical attention:

Seizures
Low blood pressure
Spikes in blood pressure
Hallucinations
Stroke
Coma

Most ...
... Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Heart palpitations
Anxiety
Shaky hands
Headaches
Muscle aches
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Insomnia
Irritability
Sweating
Decrease in appetite

When Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Start?

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually begin 4 to 12 hours after the last drink. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms do not occur for all chronic drinkers, and one person may not experience all withdrawal symptoms at the same time.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for withdrawal symptoms to appear. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal tend to be most severe around the second day of sobriety. There is a possibility that some symptoms, such as anxiety and insomnia, will persist at a lower intensity for up to six months.

4-12 hours after the last drink: Following a significant drop in blood alcohol levels, the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal like anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting may appear.

24-72 hours after the last drink: Around the second day of sobriety, the most severe symptoms usually show up, such as high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, elevated body temperature, and confusion.

72+ hours after the last drink: It is possible to experience fever, seizures, confusion, and hallucinations during this period.

Alcohol Detox

It is important for those who have been using alcohol for a long time to take alcohol withdrawal seriously. Inpatient or medical detox are often recommended for those with a history of addiction. However, there are other options like ambulatory detox.

Sources:
National Library of Medicine (NCBI) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/ppmc/articles/PMC6826827/
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/