Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone who has been drinking excessively for a lengthy period of time stops abruptly. Withdrawing from most drugs is challenging. However, alcohol is one of the few drugs that can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary from minor to life-threatening. The good news is that you can go through alcohol withdrawal safely via a medical alcohol detox. Here, you’ll be under the surveillance of medical professionals who will help you at every stage of the withdrawal process.

Now, let’s get to learn more about alcohol withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal is induced by the brain adjusting to the lack of alcohol after a lengthy period of excessive drinking. Alcohol is a depressant that suppresses brain activity, and the brain responds by increasing excitability. When alcohol is rapidly withdrawn, the brain stays in an overexcited state, causing withdrawal symptoms while it attempts to achieve equilibrium. The severity is determined by factors such as how long the individual has been drinking and how much they have been drinking.

Now, what are some of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

As aforementioned, alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe. Let’s start with mild symptoms. They include:

  • Sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Tremors
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Nightmares
  • Restlessness
  • Mood outbursts
  • Headache
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Loss of appetite

Now let’s highlight the severe ones. They include:

  • Mental disorientation
  • Heavy breathing
  • Fever
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

The severe symptoms affect around 10% of individuals detoxing from alcohol. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms.

What is The Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may appear as quickly as around 3 hours after your last drink. Symptoms often peak during the first 24 to 48 hours after quitting. This is when you may suffer the most unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including sleeplessness, blood pressure abnormalities, sweating, elevated heartbeat rate, fever, and tremors. While some people may only experience mild withdrawal symptoms at this stage, others may experience some severe symptoms like delirium tremens which can occur 48 hours after the last drink. While delirium tremens is uncommon, it has the potential to be fatal. That is why it is often advised that individuals struggling with severe alcohol addiction should not try detoxing at home as they are more susceptible to such severe symptoms. Typically, most alcohol withdrawal symptoms fade in 5-7 days.

What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?

This is a stage that comes after acute withdrawal and lasts for longer. PAWS can persist for weeks and up to a year. This phase is less prevalent but it is a nightmare to most people. It can make your post-rehab life seem miserable. Post-Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a prevalent cause of relapse among individuals who have completed alcohol addiction treatment. A significant number of persons experience the symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) in cyclical patterns, characterized by days of normalcy followed by days of low energy levels and intense alcohol cravings. Exercising discipline and resisting temptation during this stage of withdrawal can prove challenging owing to its spontaneity. The duration of PAWS might vary from a few weeks to a year, depending on the severity of your alcohol use.

Some of the PAWS symptoms include:

  • Memory issues
  • Intense cravings
  • Delayed reflexes
  • Low energy
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic nausea

Can I Detox from Alcohol Alone?

The safest way to go through alcohol withdrawal is under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Being in a hospital setting or a detox center means that experts are constantly available. They can make the procedure as pleasant and safe as possible for you. At-home detox is specifically inappropriate for the following groups of individuals:

  1. Ones who are struggling with severe alcohol addictions.
  2. Ones who have a history of seizures.
  • Ones who’ve previously experienced withdrawal and experienced delirium tremens.

Skyward Treatment Center is Here For You!

Are you in Fort Worth, TX, and are contemplating where to start your alcohol addiction recovery? Our alcohol detox center should be your first step on this long journey. Our always-available team of experts will ensure that your alcohol withdrawal journey is as pleasant and safe as possible. Besides, our facility offers other alcohol addiction treatment programs like inpatient alcohol rehab that you can just transition into after successfully completing detox. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to Skyward Treatment Center right away!