How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last? Symptoms and Treatment

You may notice less heartburn, gassiness, bloating and stomach pain, and your bowel movements may become more normal. At New Beginnings Recovery, treatment is grounded in safety, compassion, and dignity. With clinical expertise and a calming desert setting, we offer families across Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley peace of mind — and clients the chance to begin again. Symptoms may start subtly and build over the course of the day, which can make them easy to dismiss at first. Each stage requires different strategies, from hydration and medical assistance to long-term therapies and coping tools.

• Learning about the alcohol recovery timeline can help set your expectations and understand the challenges you are going through.
• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are detrimental to one’s health.
• Symptoms may begin 6 to12 hours after your last drink and are often the first signs of withdrawal.
• Recognizing the signs of alcohol withdrawal and understanding the stages of this process can help you or a loved one seek timely professional treatment.
• Embracing this journey of recovery from alcohol is a commendable feat in itself, a step towards a healthier and more harmonious life.
• During an inpatient program, housing and meals are provided, so you don’t have to worry about cooking healthy foods or finding a safe space to sleep.

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This physiological response does not signal weakness; it reflects a serious medical condition. If you’re worried that someone you care about is trying to quit drinking on their own and it isn’t going well, you’re not alone. Spotting the signs of alcohol withdrawal early can help prevent dangerous complications and connect them with the care they need.

What is the treatment for alcohol withdrawal?

In a medical detox program, healthcare providers monitor your vital signs regularly throughout the day and night. They watch for warning signs of complications before they become serious. If symptoms start to escalate, they can intervene immediately with appropriate medications. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) may last several months. While many individuals report symptoms for 4-6 months, some experience them for shorter or longer periods, including 6-24 months or more, depending on various factors.

Levels of Care: Finding the Right Support

• You can use online tools, such as this one from Rethinking Drinking NIAAA, to check things like how much money you’ve saved or how many calories you’ve cut back on.
• This huge change in lifespan is due to the numerous medical problems that alcohol can cause.
• Physically, the body is working to rebalance systems that alcohol disrupted, including hydration levels, blood sugar, and sleep cycles.
• But with proper medical support, you’ll move through each stage safely.

Anxiety is a common symptom experienced during detoxification or early recovery. Alcohol acts as a sedative initially, which makes drinkers feel calm and peaceful. Knowing what to expect also lessens the fear that can amplify early withdrawal symptoms. This knowledge gives you a sense of control and helps prevent feeling overwhelmed. It’s about understanding the process and making informed decisions about your well-being. Imagine your brain as a thermostat, carefully adjusted over time to keep your internal environment comfortable.

Stage 1: Mild

Because nothing feels out of control yet, warning signs get ignored. Paying attention now protects health, stability, and future recovery options. If physical symptoms last beyond seven days, they will generally be over sometime in the middle of week two. After the intense physical strain of withdrawal, people will often be fatigued.

Medical Detox Explained: Your First Step Towards Recovery

Individuals with clinically diagnosed depression who are going through detox may be prescribed antidepressants. These medicines also Alcohol Withdrawal help reduce anxiety, another potential symptom of alcohol withdrawal. In some cases, those with a co-occurring mental health disorder may continue taking medication for depression or anxiety after rehab in order to manage those symptoms.

• Stopping alcohol will reduce the number of empty calories that you consume.
• DTs can be life-threatening if left untreated and require immediate medical intervention.
• Resources like Addiction Helpline America offer valuable guidance and support during this critical phase and beyond.
• You can take these medications by mouth, or your doctor may give you a longer-acting version of one of these drugs by IV in the hospital.
• Successfully navigating the initial stages of alcohol withdrawal is a major step.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) happens when you stop drinking alcohol after heavy, long-term use. This is caused by the brain staying in an overly excited state triggered by constant alcohol exposure. That said, there are four general stages of recovery, as compiled by addiction expert Steven M. Melemis, MD. These stages can help prevent relapse and support people to live healthier, fuller lives. AUDs are common in patients referred to neurological departments, admitted for coma, epileptic seizures, dementia, polyneuropathy, and gait disturbances.