Alcohol withdrawal symptom occurs when someone is alcohol addict and stops drinking. The timeline of withdrawal symptom can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the severity of the addiction, the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, and the individual’s overall health.
The onset of alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically occurs within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink. Early symptoms may include tremors, anxiety, and insomnia. The symptoms may get more severe at Detox to Rehab as withdrawal will progress, and may include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Delirium tremens (DTs).
DTs are a serious medical emergency that can be life-threatening, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms.
The timeline of alcohol withdrawal is broken down into 3 stages:
Stage 1: Mild withdrawal (6-12 hours after last drink)
During this stage, individuals may experience mild symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, headache, nausea, and insomnia. These symptoms can be uncomfortable but are typically not life-threatening.
Stage 2: Moderate withdrawal (12-24 hours after last drink)
During this stage, symptoms may become more severe and can include high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever, confusion, and hallucinations. Seizures may also occur during this stage.
Stage 3: Severe withdrawal (almost 24-72 hours after the last drink)
During this stage, symptoms may reach their peak and can include delirium tremens (DTs), a severe form of withdrawal that can cause fever, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and hallucinations. DTs can be life-threatening, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms.
After the first few days of withdrawal, symptoms may begin to subside. However, few individuals may suffer from post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) for many weeks or months too after quitting drinking. PAWS can include symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fatigue.
In conclusion, the timeline of alcohol withdrawal can vary depending on various factors, but it typically begins within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink and can last for several days or even weeks. It is important to seek medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing severe symptoms, especially if they are experiencing delirium tremens.