The timeline for alcohol withdrawal varies.
Symptoms can begin a few hours or a few days after you stop drinking.
This article discusses alcohol withdrawal, its symptoms, and potential complications.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
This is alcohol withdrawal, and it causes uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms.
Chronic drinking causes brain chemistry changes.
Meanwhile, the brain is producing more and more neurotransmitters, making a person further imbalanced.
With alcohol out of the equation, though, these chemicals cause withdrawal symptoms.
You don’t need to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder to get to quit drinking.
If alcohol is interfering with your health or your personal, financial, or professional life, consider quitting.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild but annoying to severe and life-threatening.
Mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
Severe Symptoms
There are also more severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Who Experiences Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
Anyone can experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but they typically correlate to the degree of alcohol dependence.
Symptoms are usually mild at first and begin gradually.
These may still be mild, or the existing symptoms might increase in severity.
This is the period in which delirium tremens is most likely to occur, which requires immediate medical attention.
If you are still experiencing withdrawal symptoms after three days, talk to your healthcare provider.
This can put you at risk for a return to drinking.
Now is a good time to make a plan for maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle.
In the Next Few Weeks
A “new normal” will begin over the next few weeks.
This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
These first few weeks are critical because they are when the risk of relapse is highest.
Risks and Complications
It can be dangerous to suddenly stop drinking: Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal.
People with alcohol use disorder and heavy drinkers should not quit drinking without medical supervision.
Moderate or binge drinkers can likely quit alcohol on their own.
However, medical complications can occur during the acute phase of withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms can quickly go from a bad hangover to a serious medical situation.
Moderate to heavy drinkers can also benefit from medical supervision in the acute withdrawal stage.
People at high risk of complications should enter a short-term in-patient detox program.
Social Networks
Tap into your social internet to help support you through alcohol withdrawal.
Research shows people who have a supportive social connection are more likely to remain alcohol-free after withdrawal.
Those with a wider circle of support have a better chance of staying sober.
Support Groups
Millions of people join support groups to help stop drinking and stay stopped.
Behavioral Treatment
Behavioral treatment programs are helpful for people who want to quit drinking.
These programs involve working with a team of mental health professionals in a group and individual setting.
In the United States, most states have low-cost or free rehabilitation programs for those who are uninsured.
People who are daily or heavy drinkers may need medical support to quit.
Stopping drinking abruptly can lead to seizures and can even be fatal.
Some people can experience withdrawal symptoms for several weeks or months after their last drink.
Known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, it includes cravings for alcohol, irritability, and insomnia.
These symptoms will resolve in time as long as you remain alcohol-free.
If you are thinking about quitting drinking, talk to your healthcare provider.
Medical supervision, behavioral health treatment, and mutual-aid groups can help you through alcohol withdrawal and stay stopped.
American Academy of Family Physicians: FamilyDoctor.Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Sachdeva A, Choudhary M, Chandra M.Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: Benzodiazepines and beyond.J Clin Diagn Res.
2015;9(9):VE01-VE07.
doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/13407.6538
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Alcohol withdrawal.
Grover S, Ghosh A.Delirium tremens: assessment and management.Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology.
2018;8(4):460-470. doi:10.1016/j.jceh.2018.04.012
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Alcohol withdrawal.
2023;195(40):E1364-E1379.
doi:10.1503/cmaj.230715
American Society of Addiction Medicine.Clinical practice guideline on alcohol withdrawal management.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vital signs.
2015;75(4):353-365. doi:10.1007/s40265-015-0358-1
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Understanding alcohol use disorder.
