There are no set rules for who will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which symptoms they will experience, nor the severity of those symptoms. There are many factors to consider such as your body chemistry, how heavily &/or often you drink, your age, any co-occurring physical & mental health conditions, and numerous other factors.
Alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous, even life-threatening. If you have experienced withdrawal symptoms in the past or have any concerns about withdrawal, I highly recommend you consult with your doctor about detox & withdrawal, what signs & symptoms to watch for, & what steps you can take.
There are 3 potential stages of withdrawal someone can experience:
- Stage 1 (mild): Symptoms can include headaches, insomnia, anxiety, hand tremors, gastrointestinal & digestive issues including nausea, vomiting, & diarrhea, heart palpitations
- Stage 2 (moderate): Symptoms include those from stage 1, as well as increased blood pressure, confusion, rapid abnormal breathing, mild hyperthermia (abnormally high body temperature)
- Stage 3 (severe): Symptoms include those from Stage 1 & 2, as well as visual &/or auditory hallucinations, seizures, disorientation, impaired attention
Some people can move rapidly from stage 2 to stage 3 when attempting to detox without guidance from a healthcare professional. The timeline for withdrawal & detox can vary greatly between individuals, with mild symptoms presenting as little as a few hours after your last drink, & the most severe symptoms peaking around 5 days after the last drink, but may show up as many as 10 days later.
Delirium Tremens (DTs), the most severe symptoms, affects about 5% of people in alcohol withdrawal. If untreated, it can cause heart attack, stroke, & death. It is fatal in 1-5% of those who experience it. Medical intervention is the best method to avoid detrimental outcomes.
Medical detox will aid in the physical removal of alcohol from your body. A Sober Coach, therapist, community groups such as AA, SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, will aid in the mental, emotional, & social removal of alcohol from your life.