Those suffering from alcohol addiction will likely end up experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they decide to get help to start the recovery process and work towards sobriety. It is helpful to know what to expect during the withdrawal, how long it might last, and more. This way, the person can ensure they are receiving the right help to manage the symptoms and get through the withdrawal as safely as possible.
What Impacts the Symptoms?
The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is going to vary from person to person. Those who have a heavy drinking habit or who have been drinking for many years may experience more severe symptoms compared to someone who is just starting to build a tolerance but wants to quit before their addiction becomes worse.
The First Few Hours
Within around eight hours after someone has their final drink, they may start experiencing some symptoms. At this point, they are typically mild and can include being irritable, feeling nervous, feeling nauseous, or being restless. They may start to look a little bit pale or have clammy skin. During this time, it is recommended to seek medical assistance, as the symptoms can start to get much worse.
The First Full Day
Within the first 24 hours, the person may start to feel like they can’t think clearly or have mood swings. They may have insomnia or nightmares if they do sleep, and they may suffer from depression. They can start to experience hallucinations during this period, as well. These symptoms should be monitored carefully by a medical professional to help the person get some relief and to prevent them from getting worse.
The First Three Days
The symptoms will peak during the first three days after someone has their last drink. This is when more serious symptoms, like seizures, tremors, and hallucinations can appear, so it is crucial for the person to have medical assistance. This is also when delirium tremens can start to appear, which can be deadly. If any symptoms of delirium tremens occur, immediate medical attention is needed.
After Three Days
Most people will start to feel better once they have passed the third day. Though symptoms may not go away instantly, they will feel some relief and will continue to feel better as long as they avoid drinking. This is the best time to start thinking about treatment options and how to prevent drinking in the future.
Seeking Help for Alcohol Addiction
Going through alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and can result in the person’s death. It is crucial for the person to seek medical care during this period and to start addiction treatment as soon as they are medically able to help prevent going through withdrawal again in the future. The right treatment plan can help them successfully avoid alcohol moving forward and give them the chance of an alcohol-free future.
If you’re having trouble quitting alcohol and would like to get help, the first part of the process is going through withdrawal. It is crucial to get medical assistance during this period to ensure you remain safe and to get emergency care should your symptoms become severe. Once the withdrawal symptoms subside, you can start working on your future and going through a treatment program to give you the best chance of success.