Alcohol Withdrawals: Why Do They Happen?

Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.” 

– Tori Amos

In 2022, 16.3% of Floridian adults participated in binge drinking. Over time, drinking large amounts of alcohol increases the likelihood that someone will have withdrawal symptoms once they stop. Real Recovery Solutions assists people in learning about the natural responses their bodies have when it comes to their substance use disorders. Alcohol withdrawal is one aspect of recovery.

Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal

A history of heavy drinking or regular binge drinking results in an increased risk of withdrawal symptoms. While not necessarily an indication of an alcohol use disorder, having these symptoms can be a sign of one. In 2021, a study reported that around 50% of people who have had a long-term history of heavy alcohol consumption will experience withdrawal symptoms.

These symptoms occur when someone has stopped or decreased their alcohol consumption. It varies in what symptoms someone experiences and their severity. It is your body’s natural response to not taking the substance that it had been used to. While it is not necessarily dangerous to experience alcohol withdrawal, it is still recommended to attend alcohol detox in case complications occur. This is because complications associated with alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Risk Factors for Alcohol Withdrawal

Other than having an alcohol use disorder or a history of long-term heavy alcohol use, there are some other reasons someone might be more likely to have withdrawal symptoms. One of these risk factors is if you have physical or mental health conditions or if you are taking any medications or substances alongside alcohol. It also may be attributed to body chemistry factors, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or a history of alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the past.

The Most Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol symptoms will begin within the first day after stopping heavy, long-term alcohol use. For most people, intense cravings alongside a combination of other symptoms are likely. Not everyone will have every possible symptom, but many of these could occur, including:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Excessive sweating
• Upset stomach
• Increased blood pressure
• Hyperthermia
• Tremors in hands or other parts of the body
• Headaches
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate
• Heart palpitations
• Insomnia

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline: How Long Does It Last?

This timeline varies from person to person. Some people have it for a shorter period, while others will experience it for longer. However, on average, alcohol withdrawal will follow this timeline.

6-12 hours after the last drink: People will begin to have mild symptoms. These often include headaches, insomnia, and mild symptoms of anxiety. Cravings also start during this time.

12-24 hours after the last drink: As the hours pass, symptoms will increase in severity for many people. For some, this might look like worsening anxiety, upset stomach, etc. For others, it also includes hallucinations. Everyone has different levels of severity, and experiencing something more severe or mild does not invalidate your experience.

24-72 hours after the last drink: During these hours, symptoms will peak in intensity. The risk of seizures is the highest in this timeframe. For most people, symptoms will begin to improve after 72 hours.

Weeks after the last drink: Some people continue to experience lingering mood concerns, cravings, and insomnia for the weeks or months following the initial period. Eventually, with treatment and time, these symptoms will go away.

The Cause of Alcohol Withdrawal

When you drink heavy amounts of alcohol every day, your body becomes dependent on the substance. Heavy drinking is drinking 8 or more drinks every week for women and over 15 for men. A drink equals 1.5 oz of distilled spirits, 5 oz of wine, or 12 oz of beer. When you decide to stop this pattern of drinking, it leads to your body not being able to adapt to the lack of effects from the alcohol immediately. With time, your body will readjust and learn to function again without alcohol.

How Is Alcohol Withdrawal Diagnosed?

Having many of the symptoms listed above following alcohol cessation is typically an indication that you are experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Your healthcare provider will diagnose you by performing a physical exam and taking notes of your symptoms, medical history, and alcohol use history. Being honest about your history with alcohol or any other substances provides your doctor with the necessary information to give you the best treatment.

In addition, your doctor may perform blood tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your overall health and look for possible associated conditions such as dehydration, liver function, and heart concerns.

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment, Coping, and Prevention

If you have an alcohol use disorder, preventing alcohol withdrawal might not be possible. Still, it doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Trying to withdraw from alcohol on your own could put you at a higher risk of returning to use. Recovery is always more probable with support.

Attending alcohol detox provides you with a safe and secure place to withdraw from alcohol. During detox, medical professionals will begin the process of healing, make you as comfortable as possible, and be ready to step in if complications associated with withdrawal arise.

You might be thinking about how to prevent alcohol withdrawals from happening again. Attending alcoholism treatment is the best way to avoid alcohol withdrawal in the future. For those with an alcohol use disorder, leaving this substance behind feels like an impossible request because your body has become dependent on it. Treatment makes this easier.

Typically, treatment for an alcohol use disorder will include therapy, medications, or a combination of both. Medications will help with any lingering withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing, but they are not requirements for a successful recovery. Therapy, typically in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), works to change your unhealthy thought patterns and provide skills that make leaving alcohol behind easier.

Sober living facilities after treatment also help many people because they become connected to others in similar circumstances. These facilities bridge people from partial hospitalization (PHP) through the first year of recovery. Those residing in a sober living facility are surrounded by others who will keep them accountable and motivate them to continue their recovery journeys. In a 2023 study, researchers found that staying in a sober living facility for at least 6 months resulted in less intense depression and psychiatric symptoms. It also resulted in lower odds of a substance use disorder diagnosis and legal concerns.

Get Help for Alcohol Withdrawal and Alcohol Use Disorder Today in Tampa, FL

Alcohol withdrawal may seem like a terrifying experience for many people who are concerned about the uncomfortable symptoms associated with it. It is expected that you want to prevent it from happening, primarily if you have heard of bad experiences from peers or have experienced symptoms before. Keep in mind that these symptoms are necessary for your body to remove alcohol naturally and enable you to find healing. While the process is required for recovery, it doesn’t mean it must be done alone.

Attending treatment provides you with that support to get through the initial process of alcohol withdrawals and take the first steps toward recovery. The people you meet and the tools you learn in treatment will allow you to build a life you’re proud of.

Real Recovery Solutions provides effective alcohol use disorder treatment in Tampa, FL. We are 12-step focused and assign you a case manager to ensure your success after sober living. This includes helping you with driver’s licenses, food stamps, transitional housing, and gym memberships. To learn more about our alcohol use disorder treatment options or start your journey today, call us at 813-373-6762. 

Real people. Real solutions. Real results.