It will eventually break when the bottle is heavier than the human heart. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, so if you know the signs, step AWAY from the bar.
The withdrawal symptoms can start immediately, but in most cases, it will be a few days to a week before you notice anything. Understanding the alcohol withdrawal timeline will give you the time to seek help if needed.
Many factors go into the timeline for withdrawals. Keep reading to learn about them.
6-12 Hours After the Last Drink
People may start to feel mild withdrawal symptoms during this first stage. People often call this stage the “hangover” stage. Some of the most common signs of depression are headaches, feeling tired, being irritable, feeling anxious, being restless, not being able to sleep, and having trouble focusing.
As the body adjusts to not having alcohol, these signs appear. How bad these symptoms are varies on how much someone drinks and how healthy they are in general. Some people may only feel a little bit of pain, while others may feel a lot more.
24-48 Hours After the Last Drink
As the body keeps getting used to not drinking, withdrawal symptoms worsen. During this time, people may feel more anxious and have shivers (also called “the shakes”), sweat, a fast heartbeat (palpitations), nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Sleep problems are also common, with many people saying they have trouble falling asleep or feeling restless. These symptoms can be hard to deal with and may need medical help, especially if they worsen or get in the way of daily life.
48-72 Hours After the Last Drink
People often say this is when alcohol withdrawal effects are at their worst. The symptoms can worsen, including visual and audio hallucinations and tactile hallucinations, when you feel things that aren’t there. There may also be confusion, anxiety, anger, and mood swings.
People can have delirium tremens (DTs) in serious situations, such as medical emergencies. A fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, fever, heavy sweating, disorientation, and extreme confusion characterize DTs. They can even cause seizures or other life-threatening problems. Getting medical help is very important at this stage.
3-7 Days After the Last Drink
During this phase, the acute withdrawal symptoms typically begin to subside. Physical symptoms such as tremors, hallucinations, and severe agitation tend to decrease. However, psychological symptoms may persist.
Individuals may still experience anxiety, depression, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Fatigue and sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or vivid dreams, can continue. Cravings for alcohol may also be present, and it is important to seek support and engage in strategies to manage these cravings effectively.
1-2 Weeks After the Last Drink
Most physical withdrawal symptoms should have significantly improved or resolved by this time. However, some individuals may continue to experience psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and cravings for alcohol.
It is essential to seek support, alcohol detox programs, and ongoing alcohol rehab during this phase to address these psychological aspects and prevent relapse. Check this article to learn efficiently more about detox.
Learn and Know the Boundaries of Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
The alcohol withdrawal timeline varies greatly in duration and intensity, depending on an individual’s alcohol use history. With treatment and support, the withdrawal process can be managed over time. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol dependency, consider seeking help. Don’t wait—get support today!
Was this article useful to you? If so, be sure to check out our blog for more helpful content and resources.
Read Also: How to Choose a Rehab Center: A Quick Guide
