Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on factors such as how much and how often a person drinks, how long they've been drinking, and whether they've had withdrawal before.
Alcohol withdrawal timeline
A typical timeline is:
- 6–12 hours after the last drink: Anxiety, shakiness (tremor), sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting, trouble sleeping, rapid heartbeat, and irritability.
- 12–24 hours: Symptoms may worsen, and some people experience visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations while remaining aware that they may not be real.
- 24–48 hours: Seizures can occur, even in people with no history of epilepsy.
- 48–72 hours (sometimes later): A small percentage of people develop delirium tremens (DTs), a medical emergency. Symptoms include severe confusion, agitation, fever, heavy sweating, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and hallucinations.
When to seek emergency care
Go to the nearest emergency department or call your local emergency services immediately if someone experiencing alcohol withdrawal has:
- A seizure.
- Severe confusion or difficulty staying awake.
- Hallucinations with agitation or disorientation.
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or repeated vomiting.
- A high fever or signs of severe dehydration.
Can alcohol withdrawal be dangerous?
Yes. Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal if untreated, particularly if it progresses to seizures or delirium tremens. Because of this risk, people who drink heavily on a daily basis or who have previously had severe withdrawal should not try to stop abruptly without medical guidance. Healthcare professionals can prescribe medications that make withdrawal much safer and more comfortable.
Lower-risk vs. higher-risk situations
You may be at higher risk for severe withdrawal if you:
- Drink heavily every day or nearly every day.
- Have had withdrawal seizures or delirium tremens in the past.
- Have other serious medical conditions.
- Use certain other sedative medications, such as benzodiazepines.
If you're considering stopping alcohol and think you may be at risk, it's safest to speak with a healthcare professional before you stop. They can help determine whether withdrawal can be managed at home or should be medically supervised.
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