Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms, Treatment & Timeline Guide

This method of detox involves monitoring and treatment provided by healthcare professionals. Medical detox allows complications and dangers to be quickly recognized and treated before they become a problem. Alcohol can cause some of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms of any substance and can be fatal in some cases. For this reason, withdrawing from alcohol at home is highly discouraged for anyone who could experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms.

• Multiple recovery fellowships offer support group meetings online throughout the day.
• Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, can support the body’s recovery.
• Advanced Addiction Center’s commitment to holistic healing extends beyond traditional medical interventions.
• Your health care provider or mental health provider will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs.

In extreme cases, the brain can have problems regulating breathing and circulation. Drastic changes in blood pressure and heart rate can also develop, which may lead to a stroke or heart attack. Many individuals experience increased sensitivity to light and sound, making routine activities feel overwhelming. These symptoms can interfere with work performance, social interactions, and personal relationships.

Our physician-led, evidence-based rehab programs include medical detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab, and a full continuum of care in between. Our compassionate team will help you start life fresh with the tools, coping strategies and resources you need to succeed. Don’t wait — contact a Recovery Advocate today to see how we can help. AWS is not just a “bad hangover”; rather, it reflects a more serious physiological dependency. People who experience AWS often require medical supervision to ensure a safe detoxification process.

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Make sure that others with you during this time know to call 911 right away. You might also receive other medications along with benzodiazepines. It slows down your brain function and changes the way your nerves send messages back and forth.

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Ongoing treatment after alcohol withdrawal strengthens the chances of sustained sober living. Blood pressure, pulse, and alcohol breath analysis should be obtained cure for alcohol withdrawal symptoms whenever possible. The assessment should also include a validated measure of withdrawal symptom severity, ideally with the same instrument as the initial assessment. Establishing healthy sleep patterns, maintaining regular exercise, and cultivating strong support networks form the foundation of your recovery journey. You’ll need to prioritize consistent rest periods of 7-9 hours nightly while incorporating moderate physical activity to help regulate mood and reduce stress during withdrawal. Having strong social support can increase your success rate, as 40% of individuals credit their ability to maintain sobriety to their support systems.

Detoxification Process

If you are a heavy drinker, make sure you have supervision when you stop drinking in case there is a problem. You should never replace medical treatments or counseling with alternative remedies for AUD. However, for moderate drinkers, home remedies like meditation, exercise, and herbs may help with the transition to alcohol-free living.

You’ll experience increased alertness and reduced deep sleep, making quality rest challenging but vital for recovery. The withdrawal period commonly causes severe sleep disturbances that persist for one to two weeks. Professional medical supervision is essential for those experiencing acute withdrawal during the first week.

They may also talk to family, friends or loved ones you previously approved to know and make decisions about your medical care. The main symptoms of DTs often take between three to seven days to go away. In severe cases, you may experience some symptoms for weeks to months. Other tests may be possible, depending on your symptoms or if you have any other health problems.

Understanding the stages of withdrawal ensures that people can seek care before symptoms escalate. Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of complications and make the detox process safer and more comfortable. Symptoms outside of the anticipated withdrawal period or resumption of alcohol use also warrants referral to an addiction specialist or inpatient treatment program. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone who regularly consumes large amounts of alcohol suddenly moderates or discontinues their intake. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to potentially life-threatening complications.

Therefore, individuals should seek medical advice before attempting to withdraw from alcohol, especially if they have been drinking heavily or for an extended period. It’s imperative to discuss the use of over-the-counter medications with a healthcare provider. They can provide essential guidance on treatment and might recommend prescription medications with a more solid evidence base for effectively managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. When experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, seeking professional medical care is critical for safe and effective treatment. Medical interventions typically begin with benzodiazepines like Librium, Valium, or Ativan, which effectively prevent seizures and delirium tremens.

• Before you decide to go through alcohol withdrawal, write yourself a letter and keep it nearby for quick reference.
• You may be able to better compare your options by assessing whether and how the program or provider measures success.
• As your body gets used to no alcohol, different treatments can make you more comfortable and keep your symptoms from getting worse.
• 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.
• However, if you find you need more support, traditional medicine is an option.

Mental Health Treatment

Two commonly used tools to assess withdrawal symptoms are the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale, Revised, and the Short Alcohol Withdrawal Scale. Patients with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms without additional risk factors for developing severe or complicated withdrawal should be treated as outpatients when possible. Ambulatory withdrawal treatment should include supportive care and pharmacotherapy as appropriate.

Tell your close friends and family before you begin your detox, and ask them to support you. Consider creating Halfway house a visiting schedule so you are never alone during the first week of detox. A supportive friend or family member can help you in many ways during withdrawal. Once you leave an inpatient program, you’ll be connected to resources you can continue to use, such as support groups or doctors or therapists in your area. For two to seven days, doctors may manage your withdrawal with medications.