Almost everyone age 18 and older in the United States has had alcohol at some point. Many people drink on a regular basis but don’t have any problems. However, those who binge or heavily drink may develop alcohol issues. Over time, they’re likely to experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal when they stop.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol stays in the body for various amounts of time. The duration depends on people’s metabolism, body weight and how many drinks they’ve had. Those with drinking problems are likely to have withdrawal symptoms when they don’t drink or stop drinking. People with an alcohol addiction can’t avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal come in waves. During the first wave, most people have minor shaking in their hands, trouble sleeping, sweats and headaches. They may also have slight anxiety, upset stomach and no appetite.
The second wave of symptoms usually adds auditory, visual and tactile delusions. Seizures may also develop in some people.
In the third wave, they could have more visual delusions and sweating. They could also have high body temperature and blood pressure as well as a rapid heartbeat.
Delirium Tremens
Along with the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in the third wave, delirium tremens is the most severe. The signs that it has developed include agitation, confusion, fever, seizures and delusions of all the senses. Tactile delusions might make them feel burning, numbness or itching that isn’t happening. Auditory and visual delusions make them hear and see things that aren’t there.
Medical experts categorize delirium tremens as a medical emergency. People who develop any of its signs need to seek immediate treatment.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
There’s no certain timeline for the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. However, there’s a general guideline for when they develop.
The symptoms usually start about five to 12 hours after the last drink. They include the symptoms in the first wave. The second and third waves of symptoms start 24 to 72 hours or one to three days after the last drink. The symptoms are strongest during this period and can develop quickly and become quite severe.
At five to seven days after the last drink, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically start to subside. After that, some people continue to feel the side effects for weeks or months after their last drink. The cognitive symptoms tend to linger for the longest. The effects that are most likely to linger include fatigue, irritation, trouble sleeping, and depression.
The Cause of Alcohol Withdrawal
When people drink, the alcohol stimulates their brains to produce dopamine, which makes them feel pleasure. The alcohol elevates their mood and self-confidence while lowering their inhibitions. As the alcohol dissipates in the body, so do the dopamine and elevated mood.
The more that people drink, the higher tolerance they develop for alcohol. Repetitive increases in dopamine levels make their brains expect them to drink. Because of this dependence, their brains no longer produce appropriate dopamine levels without the alcohol or drug. When they don’t drink or stop drinking, the rest of the body reacts with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
The Different Drinking Levels
The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms varies for everyone. However, people who drink more and for a longer length of time typically have more severe symptoms. People can use the different drinking levels to get an idea of the symptoms they could experience.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines low-risk drinking. It includes up to three drinks in one day or up to seven drinks per week for women. For men, it includes up to four drinks in one day or up to 14 per week.
The NIAAA defines binge drinking as having more than the recommended number of drinks within two hours. It includes more than four drinks for women and more than five for men. The definition also includes raising blood alcohol concentration to .08 or higher.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines heavy drinking. It includes binge drinking on five or more days within one month. Binge and heavy drinking can both lead to alcohol addiction.
How Medical Detox Helps
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be painful and exhausting. People should also consider the risks of complications from the symptoms, which are fatal in some cases. Medical detox is an important first step in recovery for people with alcohol use disorder and addiction. This service provides symptom management and supervision to make alcohol withdrawal safe.
During an alcohol detox, people allow their bodies to naturally eliminate alcohol toxins. After about seven days, their bodies adjust enough to not drinking alcohol that they can function without it. Because of the intense symptoms that could occur during this process, many detox centers administer medicines.
Detox Medicines
The reason that detox centers administer medicine is to prevent complications and ease discomfort. Some examples include anti-seizure meds, beta-blockers to slow heartbeat and reduce shaking, and benzodiazepines to calm anxiety.
Sometimes medicine is necessary to reduce cravings and help people stop drinking. Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are options that discourage drinking. Acamprosate eases the long-term symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Disulfiram can make people sick if they drink, and naltrexone reduces cravings.
Alcohol can deplete the vitamins that the body needs to function and cause malnutrition. Vitamin supplements can replenish people’s bodies and help them recover. Many people keep taking them even after detox is complete.
Alcohol Withdrawal Prognosis
The long-term outlook for recovery from the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal depends on a person’s health. Those who stop drinking, get help and are generally healthy have a good prognosis. People who have health issues may take longer to recover.
However, the outlook for people who start drinking again after detox and rehab is grimmer. Relapse puts them at risk for heart, nervous system and liver damage. Those with organ damage because of alcohol are more likely to suffer future health problems and diseases.
Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
If you suffer from alcohol addiction or abuse, don’t go through the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal alone. Healing Springs Ranch works with an off-site detox center to help you take this first step toward recovery. However, living sober requires more than detox. That’s why we provide transportation back to our Tioga, Texas, facility for therapy.
Our residential treatment provides a whole-person approach that addresses the well-being of your mind, body, and spirit. We combine the 12-step program principles, trauma therapy and functional healing practices in our programs, which include:
We’ll help you develop a customized plan to overcome addiction. Our traditional methods include one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Our holistic approaches include art therapy, equine therapy, outdoor activities and yoga.
Regain control of your health and life. Repair the damage that alcohol did to your body, relationships and career. A quality drug rehab center can help. Call Healing Springs Ranch at 866-656-8384 to begin your path to recovery.