Deciding to quit drinking can be life-changing, especially if a person struggles with alcohol use or addiction. Unfortunately, the downside of stopping drinking is the potential for withdrawal symptoms. People who regularly consume alcohol or who drink heavily are likely to experience some if not many of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms can range from mild to dangerous and can even lead people to return to drinking in an attempt to stop them. While detoxing from alcohol can be difficult, it doesn’t have to be done alone. Treatment programs like the ones offered at Texas Recovery Center help individuals safely and effectively withdraw from alcohol and provide round-the-clock support. This can improve the likelihood of completing an alcohol detox program and increase the chance that someone will go on to formal residential treatment and remain sober in the long term.
At Texas Recovery Center, our team of highly trained medical professionals will work with you to develop a personalized detox plan that takes into account your unique situation. We understand that everyone experiences withdrawal differently, and we will tailor your detox experience to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. For more information about our alcohol detox services, please contact Texas Recovery Center at 844.230.5931 today.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
When a person drinks heavily for an extended period of time, they will likely go through the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol when quitting the substance. Withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and mental and can range from mild to severe to even dangerous. Alcohol withdrawal is caused by physical dependence on alcohol. When someone regularly consumes alcohol, the body and brain become used to having this substance in the system. Because alcohol is a depressant, the brain has to work extra hard to keep the body working properly with alcohol in the system. This puts the body in a heightened state to deal with the regular consumption of alcohol. When someone stops drinking alcohol, the body remains in this state, and a person will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting drinking after abusing alcohol for an extended period of time can cause the nervous system to remain in the keyed-up state mentioned earlier. The longer a person uses alcohol, the more likely they are to experience withdrawal symptoms. Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
More Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
In severe cases, a person can experience delirium tremens or DTs. These symptoms may begin around two days after the last drink and can be dangerous and even deadly. An estimated five percent of heavy drinkers will experience DTs. Symptoms of delirium tremens may include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Confusion
- Increased body temperature and heart rate
- Seizures
Experiencing DTs can be life-threatening if not properly treated. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of delirium tremens, seek medical help immediately.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Everyone will experience alcohol withdrawal differently. However, most people will go through alcohol detox along a general timeline. The severity of alcohol dependence and the amount of time a person has used alcohol will influence the severity of symptoms experienced. The general alcohol withdrawal timeline is as follows:
- Six hours after last drink — Individuals may begin to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms as soon as six hours after their last drink. Common symptoms at this point include sweating, anxiety, headache, and increased heart rate.
- 12 to 48 hours after the last drink — People will continue to experience minor withdrawal symptoms during this time. Individuals with a severe dependence on alcohol may have seizures during this time.
- 72 hours after the last drink — Typically, this time is when individuals experience the most severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. People may also begin to experience symptoms of delirium tremens 48 to 72 hours after their last drink. While rare, individuals can continue to have withdrawal symptoms for up to a month after the last drink.
Most of the time, the symptoms will stop one to two weeks after their last drink of alcohol. However, everyone is different. There are a number of personal factors that can affect the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the amount of time it takes to detox from alcohol altogether.
Factors that Influence How Long It Takes to Detox from Alcohol
An estimated 50 percent of people who use or are addicted to alcohol will experience withdrawal symptoms. However, the severity and length of time a person will go through alcohol withdrawal will depend on a number of personal factors. Factors that may influence how long it takes a person to detox from alcohol include:
- How long a person has used alcohol
- How much alcohol the person has consumed at one time
- Height and weight
- Previous history of alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Abnormal liver function
- Age
- Other drug use
In general, the heavier a person drinks for an extended period of time, the more likely they are to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The best way to cope with alcohol withdrawal and prevent potentially dangerous symptoms is to participate in a formal detox.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Withdrawal and Alcohol Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction and are concerned about the detox process, there are several treatment options to consider. Texas Recovery Center, located in Scurry, Texas, offers detox that can help individuals safely and comfortably withdraw from alcohol.
Once a client has completed an alcohol detox program, we may recommend a range of treatment options. Our alcohol treatment center offers customized programs for recovery, so individuals can easily transition from detox to a formal treatment program. At Texas Recovery Center, we offer an array of evidence-based therapies, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Experiential therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapies
These treatments can be delivered in both individual and group settings. We also offer relapse prevention planning to help our clients stay on track with their sobriety goals.
Go Through the Alcohol Detox Timeline with Texas Recovery Center
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, Texas Recovery Center can help. Our detox and treatment programs are tailored to each client’s unique needs and preferences. Contact one of our treatment specialists today at 844.230.5931 to learn more about how long it takes to detox from alcohol.