Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal: A Guide to Safe Detox

The intensity of these symptoms can vary throughout the day, often becoming more pronounced during periods of stress or fatigue. You might notice that simple tasks like holding a cup, writing, or maintaining focus during conversations become challenging. Understanding when symptoms appear can help you recognize potential risks early. If you suspect someone is experiencing DTs, call emergency services immediately. Make sure that others with you during this time know to call 911 right away.

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?

For me, those early nights were brutal—not because of pain, but because of fear. Your stomach might turn, your hands might tremble, and your head might pound. You may notice that it is harder to concentrate in the first days after you quit—this is very common. Even many people who have never smoked know this is part of quitting.

How the Outpatient Alcohol Detox Process Works

Your personal and medical information is securely stored and never shared without your consent. Dr. Aminzadeh co-founded BNI to provide patients with exceptional and complete care that goes beyond the regular standards. Each individual is unique and based on each person’s genetic makeup, some have a more painful response to challenges that arise on their journey and need assistance to get back on track.

ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENTS

Your doctor will want to know if you have any mild itching, numbness, a pins-and-needles feeling, or burning. Itching is also linked to hallucinations from alcohol withdrawal. Some people think tapering can be a Alcohol Withdrawal safer way to finally get your heavy alcohol use under control. It may feel hard to talk honestly to your doctor about your alcohol use. Remember that their goal is to help you get healthy, not judge you. Once they understand your drinking history, they’ll be better able to suggest treatments that could help you.

• Just like your mind gets irritated without nicotine at first, the rest of your body can, too.
• Get support from your doctor, friends, and family when you’re ready to stop drinking.
• Vivitrol2gether can help you get started on VIVITROL and offers personalized support every step of the way.
• Your age, weight, and concurrent health conditions can greatly influence symptom severity, making professional monitoring essential during early withdrawal stages.

Stopping alcohol can seem daunting, especially if you use it frequently or if it is a central part of your social life. You can feel better, decrease your risk of diseases, think more clearly, save money and even improve your relationships. While there are some short-term withdrawal effects, the long-term benefits are well worth the effort. Symptoms often begin within six to 12 hours after your last drink.

How long do alcohol withdrawal symptoms last?

Complicated withdrawal can begin within hours of the last drink and escalate quickly in people with a history of heavy alcohol use. Doctors may prescribe medications to help prevent seizures, ease sleep problems and manage other severe symptoms. When alcohol consumption abruptly stops, anxiety and nervousness emerge as prominent withdrawal symptoms within 6-12 hours of abstinence. You’ll likely experience feeling “on edge,” accompanied by mood swings and irritability as your body responds to the sudden cessation of alcohol intake. Research shows this affects different populations notably, with 64% of White and 43% of Mexican-American men reporting anxiety during withdrawal.