Alcohol Withdrawals

She has been in a relationship with alcohol since she was 21. A college party introduced her to it, and the rest was history.. Eventually, she decided that she wanted to change her ways. Without a doctor, she decided to cut back on how much alcohol she would consume. As a successful stockbroker who had been drinking in secret; she didn’t want to go into treatment because she feared that it would cause her to lose her job due to having to take time off work. However, she noticed that she was experiencing symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, and tremors when she wasn’t drinking alcohol. After visiting the emergency room because of her symptoms, the doctor informed her that she was experiencing alcohol withdrawal. He explained that her previous alcohol use was the cause and encouraged her to find a treatment facility that could help her through her symptoms. 

She is not alone in her experience. 8,901 people in Florida reported drinking five or more alcoholic drinks once or twice a week in 2021. All of these people are at risk of experiencing alcohol withdrawal if they were to reduce how much they drink. At Tranquil Shores, we understand how important it is to continue your success at work as you receive help with alcohol use. This is why we allow you to keep and use your electronics to stay up-to-date with work as you learn the skills necessary to manage an alcohol use disorder. So, what are alcohol withdrawals, and why do they happen? 

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone regularly drinks alcohol and stops or decreases their consumption. The more someone drinks, the more they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. Alcohol withdrawal can result in a medical emergency if complications develop. Other health concerns, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and tachycardia, can develop during withdrawals. 

How Much Do I Have to Drink to Get Withdrawals?

Several factors determine who experiences withdrawal symptoms and how severe they are. Someone who participates in heavy drinking might refer to themselves as a high-functioning alcoholic until they decide to try to stop drinking alcohol. For females, heavy drinking is at least 7 drinks a week or more than 3 daily. It is at least 14 drinks per week or more than 4 daily for males. One drink is different depending on the type of alcohol you are consuming. For beer, wine coolers, and hard seltzer, it is 12 oz, malt liquor is 8 oz, wine is 5 oz, and all other types of alcohol, such as rum, whiskey, and tequila, is 1.5 oz. 

Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal

If you or a loved one is experiencing alcohol withdrawal, here are some signs you can observe:

• Enlarged pupils
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Clammy skin
• Jumpiness 

Other Common Withdrawal Symptoms

If you are experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you might also experience some psychological symptoms. These include:

While withdrawal can be mild for some people, it can become more severe for others who experience delirium and hallucinations if it is not monitored. It is always best to have a medical professional monitor you early in the withdrawal period rather than wait until the symptoms worsen. 

When Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Start and Go Away?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically start within 8 hours after your last drink. Early symptoms might include anxiety, cravings, and restlessness. Within 48 hours after your last drink, you might experience hallucinations or delirium, and these symptoms can last for 5 days. Once they start, they will peak in intensity after 24 to 72 hours. At this point, the symptoms will be at their highest intensity, and you might experience seizures. These symptoms might last for several weeks but will have begun to decrease in intensity. Alcohol withdrawal will typically last for several days to several weeks, depending on how long you have used alcohol and how much alcohol you have used. The more alcohol you have consumed, the longer withdrawal symptoms will last. Severe symptoms should be monitored by a medical professional immediately. 

Causes of Alcohol Withdrawal

The leading cause of alcohol withdrawal is an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol withdrawal happens when someone drinks consistent amounts of alcohol and then stops drinking. Your body has been used to the high volumes of alcohol, so when you stop drinking, symptoms occur. If you constantly consume alcohol, the body’s alcohol level remains consistent. As the levels begin to drop, the body wants to keep things the way that it has become accustomed to. Alcohol withdrawal also allows your body a chance to heal from the effects that alcohol has on your body. These symptoms can worsen if you have other underlying medical problems such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other disorders. 

Diagnosing Alcohol Withdrawal

Typically, alcohol withdrawal is diagnosed by a physician who takes in someone’s history and physical symptoms. The person will be evaluated for underlying conditions such as dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and traumatic injury. The doctor will look for withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, headache, tremors, and anxiety. They might also check for an alcohol level at the onset of symptoms.

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment, Coping, & Prevention

Alcohol withdrawal typically involves attending an alcohol rehab. People will go through a detox process where they might experience withdrawal symptoms. By going through a detox treatment program, you will meet with medical professionals who will keep you safe and comfortable with medications and behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps teach you how to recognize and manage your thought patterns. This treatment can help you cope with alcohol withdrawal symptoms with support. 

Often, the long-term effects of alcohol can affect life even after quitting drinking. These can include mental health concerns. Participating in behavioral therapy can help prevent returning to use and improve any mental health concerns developed alongside alcohol use. The best way to prevent experiencing alcohol withdrawal again is to stop using alcohol through treatment. Recovery from alcohol use is possible, and it’s the best way to prevent experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms again. 

Get Help For Alcohol Withdrawals Today!

Tranquil Shores is committed to your recovery in Madeira Beach, FL. Our 3:1 client-counselor ratio allows us to give you the individualized treatment you deserve. For more information about our alcohol withdrawal treatment, call us today at 727-391-7001. 

FAQs About Alcohol Withdrawals

How long after you stop drinking do you feel the effects of alcoholism?

Alcohol withdrawal can occur within 8 hours after you have stopped drinking. 

What are withdrawal symptoms?

There are several withdrawal symptoms that you might experience when you have gone without alcohol for some time. You might experience mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety. Other symptoms can include hallucinations, delirium, mood swings, or insomnia. Still, you might experience physical symptoms such as tremors, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

How long does a withdrawal take?

Withdrawal typically peaks around 24 to 72 hours after your last drink. These symptoms will typically last for several weeks afterward before dissipating.