How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
The fact that alcohol is both legal and widely accepted by society leads many people to underestimate the risks it poses. Alcohol is a substance that can cause serious physical dependence, meaning that when a person who’s been drinking excessively for a long time quits drinking, withdrawal symptoms will set in.
Even though alcohol use is so pervasive in America, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can actually be much worse than those of many other drugs. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening which is why professional medical detox is always recommended. If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction and considering seeking treatment, you might be wondering what alcohol withdrawal is like and how long it will last. Understanding what to expect during alcohol withdrawal can help you feel more comfortable about moving forward with detox and rehab.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Unlike some drugs, alcohol exerts both a physical and a psychological toll on its users, and that can create some real challenges when trying to determine how long does alcohol withdrawal lasts. If you have ever tried to stop drinking on your own, you have probably experienced these withdrawal symptoms firsthand.
Alcohol withdrawal is what happens when your body expects alcohol but fails to receive it. After you have taken what you hope to be your last drink, you may experience a number of these withdrawal symptoms, ranging from fairly mild to quite severe. It’s vital to have professional help and guidance as you begin this journey to ensure you remain safe and comfortable throughout the process.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Breaking free of alcohol addiction is much more complicated than putting down the bottle or pushing the glass across the table. While there are many misconceptions about what it takes to stop drinking, no amount of willpower can overcome the severity of the withdrawal symptoms that happen after you take your last drink.
When you stop drinking, you may experience any or all of these withdrawal symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Severe headaches
- Tremors
- Seizures
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Breaking free of alcoholism and determining how long does alcohol withdrawal last can be difficult, but it is possible with the right support. If you are ready to turn your life around, the experts at Resurgence can help, giving you an outline of what you can expect, giving you the tools you need to heal, and preparing you for the next steps on your road to sobriety.
When you first stop drinking, you may experience withdrawal symptoms that include:
- Generalized stomach upset
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
As your journey to sobriety progresses, the withdrawal symptoms you experience may grow more severe, including:
- Frequent and painful headaches
- Severe tremors
- Shaking and chills
- Possible seizures
Medical Detox for Alcohol Addiction at Resurgence
If you have ever tried to stop drinking on your own, you already know how severe the withdrawal symptoms can be. Whether you tried to give up alcohol a single time or dozens of times, you may have been stymied by the difficulty and pain of your DIY detox, but you do not have to go it alone any longer.
At Resurgence, we take a medicalized approach to quitting alcohol, one that uses a combination of tried and true therapies and specialized pharmaceutical medications to blunt the pain of withdrawal, giving your body the time it needs to heal and giving you the space you need to reflect and prepare yourself or the next step in your journey.
If someone you care about has been drinking to excess, or if you fear you might be an alcoholic, it is important to reach out for help as soon as possible. Regaining your lost sobriety will likely involve some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, but the alternative is much worse and far more deadly. At Resurgence, we can provide you with the support you need, so you can take back your life, reconnect with your loved ones and live a happier, healthier, and more successful life. Call us at (855) 458-0050 to learn more today.
