How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

Alcohol withdrawal comes with its own symptoms and side effects. Those who suffer from alcoholism and their family members often ask themselves “How long does alcohol withdrawal last?” There is no clear cut answer for this. Everyone’s physical makeup and symptoms are different. However, one constant remains true: withdrawal, no matter the severity or length of the symptoms, is not pleasant. However, it is a complex process, and dangerous without the proper care.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol, like most mind-altering substances, can result in addiction. It also has its own set of withdrawal symptoms. Understanding what symptoms are associated with alcohol withdrawal is just as important as the length of time these symptoms can be experienced. Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Alcohol withdrawal can be a scary thought, and may seem overwhelming at first. However, there are options for a comfortable detoxification process that will be of little to no discomfort for those going through it. 

Stages of Withdrawal

There are three main stages to alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Each stage has a general timeline associated, however, the length of time alcohol withdrawal lasts will vary from person to person based on different factors. The level of drinking a person has become accustomed to, underlying health conditions, age, and physical well-being can all play a factor in how long alcohol withdrawal will last. The three stages of alcohol withdrawal include:

Stage One: This stage is less severe. In the beginning stage of alcohol withdrawal, you may begin to feel agitated, a higher sense of anxiousness, loss of appetite. Depression, heart palpitations, insomnia, nausea and vomiting. This stage could begin shortly after a person’s last drink.

Stage Two: More severe, this stage can begin as little as 24 hours after a person stops drinking. Some common symptoms include high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, confusion, irritability, and mood swings. These symptoms could last two to three days. 

Stage Three: In the third stage, one may experience some of the more severe symptoms. The symptoms of this stage usually begin about three days after someone stops drinking and can be dangerous to those experiencing them. Some symptoms present at this time can be high fever, hallucinations, and seizures. This is why it is highly suggested that during detox, one is under the care of a medical professional.

Being able to monitor and address these symptoms can help to prevent these severe symptoms from occurring. 

Is Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?

Because symptoms can cause fever and seizures, this causes them to be potentially dangerous. Seizures can lead to some severe damage to your brain or cause injury to the body. Being able to go detox and stay comfortable, and most of all, safe, is extremely important to successfully ending alcohol addiction and beginning a life free from the dangers of alcoholism. How long alcohol withdrawal lasts can be dependent on the person’s lifestyle, so having a team there to help is the best option.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

This is the question many people ask themselves every day when coming to the realization that they need to quit drinking. Of course, not everyone is the same. Everybody experiences withdrawal symptoms at different levels of severity, for different lengths of time. Generally speaking though, alcohol’s physical withdrawal symptoms can subside about a week after the last drink. This does not mean that everybody will magically feel better exactly one week after giving up alcohol.

This general timeline does not apply to everyone. There are many factors that go into how alcohol withdrawal will affect someone physically and mentally. Regardless, it is uncomfortable and can be a scary experience. Having the support of a medical team can make things a lot easier, and less dangerous. 

Help for Withdrawal Symptoms in Marietta, GA

Alcohol withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, and comes with a risk of potentially dangerous side effects. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol and want to get better, there is help. You don’t have to go through detox alone.

At Empowered Recovery Center we offer a safe and comfortable place where you are able to be medically monitored and any symptoms that arise are able to be addressed. Contact us today, our team of professionals is standing by to help guide you as you begin your journey into a life of recovery from alcohol addiction.