If you drink alcohol heavily for weeks, months, or years, you may have severe physical and psychological issues when you stop drinking or cut back on how much you drink. This is referred to as alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms may include hand tremors, sweating, and nausea.
Depending on the duration and level of use, alcohol withdrawal can cause serious health issues and can result in death. Immediate medical care is recommended if you or a loved one are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. An elevated heart rate, high fever, and hallucinations are all reasons to call for medical help immediately.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline of Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal is characterized by a distinct timeline of symptoms that individuals may experience as their body adjusts to the absence of alcohol. It is essential to understand this timeline to recognize the progression of symptoms and the potential risks associated with withdrawal.
6 to 12 Hours:
Shortly after the last drink, individuals may start to experience the initial symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms can include:
- Feelings of unease, nervousness, and a strong urge to consume alcohol
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Vomiting and feelings of nausea
- Sweating and increased heart rate
- Body aches
- Minor hand tremors
12 to 24 Hours:
As time progresses, alcohol withdrawal symptoms may intensify. Common symptoms during this period include:
- Increasing feelings of anxiety and agitation
- Increasing hand tremors
- Fever
- Heavy sweating and continued rapid heart rate
- Blood pressure levels may rise
- Body aches and headaches continue
48 Hours:
The 48-hour mark often signals the peak of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. During this time, individuals may experience delirium tremens, also known as the DTs. Though only 5% of people going through alcohol withdrawal have them, they are a serious condition. DTs typically begin 48 to 72 hours after the last drink and can involve symptoms such as hallucinations, severe confusion, disorientation, agitation, fever, and seizures. DTs require immediate medical attention.
Acute Alcohol Withdrawal
Acute alcohol withdrawal refers to the withdrawal phase that occurs 72 hours after a person’s last drink and can last for weeks. During this period, individuals may experience a recurrence of physical symptoms such as tremors, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and delirium tremens. Psychological symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, and confusion, may become more acute.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Following the initial alcohol withdrawal period, some individuals may experience a condition known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). PAWS affects 75% of people who quit drinking after heavy use and can continue for months after individuals have their last drink. This condition has symptoms similar to those seen in mood and anxiety disorders. They can include mood swings, insomnia, and high anxiety levels without an obvious reason. PAWS symptoms can vary in intensity and may go away only to reappear intermittently.
Though no one knows for sure, experts believe PAWS is caused by changes in the brain caused during prolonged periods of heavy drinking. Scientists think the brain’s capacity to deal with stress is reduced with lengthy substance use and people’s related withdrawal experiences.
Signs That a Treatment Program May Be the Right Choice
Entering an alcohol use disorder treatment program for problem drinking or encouraging a loved one to can be a hard decision. If you have experienced alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it is a significant sign that treatment may be necessary to avoid severe mental and physical health issues. This is especially true if you have had to go to a hospital in the past due to heavy drinking. Other signs that a rehab center may be the right decision for you include the following:
Legal Problems
You may be facing legal issues due to drinking excessively. This may include illegal activities such as fights, vandalism, or driving under the influence.
Financial Difficulties
In addition to facing legal fees, you may miss work or your performance may suffer because of heavy drinking. You may even have been let go from your place of employment.
Drinking More
You may drink more to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms. You may use alcohol throughout the day to feel “normal.”
Loss of Control
Despite harmful consequences, you cannot control or limit your alcohol use. Loss of control can manifest as unsuccessful attempts to quit or repeated relapses.
Deteriorating Relationships
You may have distanced yourself from friends and family. Your relationship with alcohol interferes with your ability to connect with others.
Why Seek Treatment at a Rehab Center
Health issues associated with acute alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. For people attempting to quick drinking alcohol, it is recommended that you seek professional help. At a rehab facility, professionals will monitor your mental and physical health during the early stages of treatment.
Heavy drinking has most likely adversely affected your relationships, school or work performance, and general well-being. A treatment program offers an opportunity to interrupt your cycle of alcohol addiction and provides tools and resources to begin recovery and build a healthier lifestyle.
Additionally, during rehab, clients will learn strategies to abstain from alcohol moving forward. They will also learn how to develop a support network and how to go about repairing damaged relationships.
What to Expect When You Enter an Alcohol Disorder Treatment Program
The treatment provided at a rehab center will be developed specifically for each client. However, most programs’ strategies and timelines to help clients begin their road to recovery are similar.
Medically Supervised Detoxification
Before detoxification (detox) starts, a professional will ask you about your alcohol use and ask if you regularly use any other substances. They will also inquire if you have undergone detox before and about any ongoing mental or physical health conditions. This information helps healthcare professionals customize a safe plan for your detox.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on how long and how much you have been drinking and if you used other substances, and how often. Your detox team will manage these symptoms by various means, such as supportive care, medication, and monitoring. Their goal is to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible through the process.
Treatment Plan
Once you feel a little better, professionals will work with you to develop your treatment plan. These professionals realize that each person’s road to recovery is different. During this conversation, a staff member will work with you to identify your treatment goals. Goals may include abstaining from alcohol, improving your physical and mental health, rebuilding relationships, and developing coping skills.
Many people with alcohol use disorder also have mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you struggle with mental health issues, the treatment plan you and your care team develop together will address these in the context of recovery.
Your treatment plan will be reviewed at regular intervals, evaluated by you and the team, and adjusted if necessary. Regular reviews allow your treatment program to incorporate any new developments that arise during your time at the rehab center. This flexibility also lets you refine your treatment goals as you take your first steps toward recovery.
Types of Rehabilitation
Rehab facilities generally offer two types of programs, residential and outpatient. You may need the structure provided by an inpatient program where you would stay at the facility, often for 30 to 90 days. This may be a good decision if your health is at risk because of ongoing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. In addition, many people need extra help abstaining from substances at the early stages of recovery.
Outpatient programs offer flexibility for clients that may not require 24-hour care. This may be a good alternative for you if you are healthy. The decision may also be influenced by factors like whether you have a job or children to care for. At most rehab centers, people starting an outpatient program can transition to a residential program if it does not provide enough structure to support their recovery.
Therapy
Whether you are participating in an inpatient or outpatient program, therapy will be part of your treatment plan. Various forms of therapy help clients understand the underlying causes of their issues with alcohol use. Therapy sessions also allow you to develop coping skills that will be useful during recovery.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of behavioral therapy takes place in individual sessions with a professional. These sessions can help you identify and modify negative behaviors and thoughts that contribute to problem alcohol use.
During group therapy, you will be in sessions with other clients. These groups are an opportunity to share and learn from people who face challenges and experiences similar to your own. They also provide an atmosphere of support and encouragement within the rehab center.
Most treatment programs also include family therapy. These sessions allow you to improve communication with family members and discuss healthy and unhealthy family dynamics. They also serve to help your loved ones understand how to support your recovery. It is worth noting that most rehab centers offer family education about alcohol use disorder while your family is visiting to help them be more empathic to the reasons behind some of your past negative behaviors.
Post-Treatment
After completing your residential or outpatient program, you will transition to the next steps in recovery. These steps include aftercare therapy to help you continue working on your recovery goals. In addition, these sessions can help you manage triggers while you develop a healthy lifestyle.
As part of the aftercare plan you develop with the team at the rehab center, you probably will have discussed support groups. Groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), can provide a supportive environment for you to share ongoing challenges and gain insight from others. You can often learn from people who have been in recovery for years and avoid mistakes they may have made.
How to Get Started
Experiencing alcohol withdrawal is a significant indicator that a person may need help to break the cycle of alcohol addiction. A treatment program at a rehab center is a safe way to detox and offers the resources clients need to achieve an alcohol-free lifestyle. However, you may not know how to find help for yourself or a loved one. At NaitonalRehabHotline.org, our trained specialists are knowledgeable about treatment options in your area. We will help you take the first steps toward recovery for yourself or someone you care about. Call our hotline at 866-210-1303 today.