Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur when you suddenly stop drinking after prolonged excessive alcohol use. Symptoms range from cravings, insomnia, and anxiety to nausea, depression, and delirium tremens. The severity and length of withdrawal symptoms depend on the length of your addiction, how much your drink, and if you combine alcohol with other substances.
The most severe cases of alcoholism can cause intense or even life-threatening symptoms. As such, you should never attempt to stop drinking on your own. The alcohol detox program at Recovery Ways provides professional care that includes medication-assisted treatment, comfortable facilities, and a full medical staff that can provide 24/7 support to walk you through the alcohol withdrawal symptoms timeline.
Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Regardless of your level of addiction, you are likely to experience some common withdrawal symptoms, which include:
Hallucinations
Also known as alcohol hallucinosis, hallucinations begin within 24 hours after your last drink. They may last for 24 to 72 hours. Hallucinations may include seeing visions or having nightmares. They can range from seeing abstract light to highly detailed objects. Most hallucinations pass quickly and randomly.
Seizures
Seizures and tremors are common in the alcohol withdrawal symptoms timeline. A seizure occurs because the central nervous system is adjusting to functioning without alcohol. Most seizures peak between 24 and 48 hours of the last drink. While most seizures present a low risk, some may need medical attention. Medication is available to reduce the effects of seizures or tremors.
Anxiety or Depression
A person going through detox may alternate between severe and mild anxiety and depression. Unlike most withdrawal symptoms that fade in two to three days, anxiety and depression can last for several weeks during rehab. A therapist provides treatment to help the client manage anxiety or depression symptoms.
Delirium Tremens
Delirium tremens is a combination of symptoms that include shallow breathing, fluctuations in temperature, increased heart rate, and blood pressure, and dehydration. During delirium tremens, there is a reduced amount of blood that flows to the brain. Your body may delay your symptoms (typically two to three days after the last drink), but last up to two weeks.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are among the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Like everything else in your body, your digestive system goes through a period of adjustment once you take your last drink. Vomiting can occur almost immediately – within just a few hours. It can last for two to three days. Even if you do not vomit, you are likely to feel discomfort in your stomach.
Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Detox is a crucial step in addiction recovery. Without detox, recovery is not possible, as clients must get clean. Once the body goes through alcohol withdrawal symptoms, the client has a clearer mind and feels better physically. For this reason, professional detox is a vital part of the process.
Recovery Ways offers comprehensive detox, rehab, and aftercare for addiction. We can help you get clean and stay clean for good. To find out more about your alcohol addiction treatment options, call us at 888.986.7848. We can answer your questions, discuss your addiction, and get you started today.
