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Alcohol use disorder (AUD) causes many cases of alcohol withdrawal. According to the 2021 report by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 28.6 million adults had AUD in the past year. That’s 11.3% of all adults. AUD is characterized by an overall lack of control over how much or when you consume alcohol. Habitual binge drinking also contributes to AUD.
Alcohol is present in many social settings: company happy hours, holiday get-togethers, and sporting events. Exposure to alcohol and its glamorization is everywhere you go, and sadly, alcohol addiction is common. Continued alcohol exposure will likely increase your need to keep drinking, which can make the process of ending, or even taking a step back from, a relationship with the substance very daunting.
It’s important to understand alcohol withdrawal symptoms and where they may occur on an alcohol withdrawal timeline. This will help you make decisions about your options for care, including medications and outpatient programs at NuLife Behavioral Health.
The Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol is desirable for its sedative effects: even a small amount of liquor, beer, or another alcohol-containing substance can cause the drinker to feel a pleasantly warm and calming sensation. Blood pressure decreases, as well as your inhibitions. Decision-making abilities get murky, and controlling your body is progressively more difficult. Your nervous system slows down drastically.
Alcohol is a depressant substance, meaning that your body must work harder to maintain a wakeful state after consuming it. When someone has “passed out” due to drinking too much for their unique body type and tolerance, it’s usually due to the nervous system crashing. Returning to a healthy state after losing consciousness is incredibly taxing on your system.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
After a period of heavy drinking, your body doesn’t fully recover quickly, and it’s challenging to return to your body’s normal alert state. This cycle causes alcohol withdrawal.
People are unique, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms are, too. The intensity and length of withdrawal rely on many factors, including the drinker’s weight, age, and tolerance. Some signs of withdrawal are undeniable, such as vomiting or mood swings, while others can mimic anxiety disorder symptoms or a general illness (e.g., the common cold or flu).
Withdrawal symptoms may occur as quickly as six hours after a final drink and can persist for as long as 72 hours (3 days). Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe and may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tremors or shaky hands
- Sweating
- Mood swings
- Easy to startle
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
The severity and duration of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and some may not experience all of these symptoms. Some people may have a milder form of withdrawal, while others may experience severe symptoms, including hallucinations and seizures.
The following timeline outlines what to expect during withdrawal from alcohol:
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline: 6-12 hours after the last drink
- Early withdrawal symptoms typically start within the first 6-12 hours after the last alcoholic beverage.
- Symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, shaking, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline: 12-24 hours after the last drink
- Symptoms may intensify during this phase. This stage of withdrawal feels much like a typical hangover.
- Some individuals may experience hallucinations, which can be auditory, visual, or tactile.
- Seizures can occur in some cases.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline: 24-48 hours after the last drink
- Delirium tremens (DTs) can develop, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, extreme agitation, hallucinations, fever, and tremors.
- Heart rate and blood pressure increase.
- Profound confusion and disorientation may occur.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline: 48-72 hours after the last drink
- Withdrawal symptoms generally begin to improve after the first 48-72 hours.
- The risk of DTs and seizures decreases, but individuals may still experience significant discomfort and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline: 5-7 days after the last drink
- Most physical withdrawal symptoms have eased by this point.
- Psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, may persist for weeks to months. Fortunately, professional addiction treatment can lessen the length and impact of this phase.
- Cravings for alcohol can continue to be a challenge for individuals in recovery.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
There are many evidence-based treatment options to consider when opting to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). It’s a well-studied condition that appears to center around complex connections to alcohol. Social, physical, and mental attachments form over time, which contribute alcohol dependence.
Treatment for AUD requires a multifaceted approach that addresses these attachments to alcohol. Typically, people seeking help will work with medical professionals and utilize prescription medication, behavioral therapy, and peer support groups designed to guide them through the recovery process.
Therapy for Alcohol Addiction
Therapy during recovery aims to help clients identify and manage the behaviors that fuel their alcohol consumption. Additionally, individual and group therapy can address any underlying psychological challenges that lead them to turn to alcohol in the first place.
At NuLife Behavioral Health in Framingham and Worcester, multiple levels of care are available to facilitate a positive and effective alcohol addiction recovery experience. Our approach to alcohol addiction recovery is custom-made for each individual. In situations where the intensity of residential treatment isn’t warranted or a full-time commitment isn’t feasible, several levels of outpatient care create options for alcohol addiction treatment.
NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois employs several program options:
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs). A step down from residential or inpatient treatment, PHPs meet most days of the week for four to five hours per day. NuLife Behavioral Health partial hospitalization program is a great option for those who have completed an inpatient alcohol detox but still need the daily support and structure of treatment. PHP participants return home or to sober living at the end of the day.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs). IOPs provide intensive treatment with individual and group therapy sessions that meet at least once per week for several hours, often after typical working hours. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is an option for clients who have completed more intensive treatment, such as partial hospitalization or require a more flexible schedule.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment. We offer specialized treatment plans for those grappling with mental health issues alongside alcohol addiction. This holistic approach treats both alcohol use disorder and any other mental health challenges, offering a comprehensive recovery path.
Clients attending NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois can continue working and living at home while pursuing recovery from alcohol use disorders. Additionally, they can focus on integrating the coping skills they learn in treatment in everyday settings.
Takeaway
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms and their timeline vary depending on the individual’s level of alcohol consumption and their overall health. However, there is a typical progression of withdrawal symptoms that many people experience when they stop drinking alcohol. Long-term sobriety is possible with evidence-based therapies that help you heal from the emotional and physical damage caused by addiction.
If you or a loved one is ready to take steps toward recovery from alcohol addiction, contact us at NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois now. We can help you seek the care most appropriate for your needs and circumstances and begin to rebuild a healthy foundation for lasting recovery.
