Alcoholism is difficult to overcome. One of the most complex parts of getting past an alcohol addiction is withdrawal. These are symptoms that occur as the body tries to get used to sobriety.
Knowing what to expect may not make things easier, but it will tell you that there is an end to the suffering that leads to a happier road ahead. This article will provide an alcohol withdrawal symptoms timeline to know what you are in for.
Can Alcohol Cause Withdrawal?
Yes. Withdrawal is one of the main things that make alcohol so addictive.
You may start drinking because it’s fun, or it may calm you down and make you feel better. But if you begin to rely on alcohol for the effects it produces, it will lead you in a vicious cycle.
The first thing you will notice is that you need more alcohol to get the same euphoric effects. Eventually, your body will get so used to having alcohol in its symptoms that it will be unable to function without it. It will go into a state of withdrawal during times of sobriety.
The only way to immediately stop symptoms of withdrawal is to drink more alcohol or let your body experience symptoms until sobriety is achieved. But with the symptoms being so unpleasant, it isn’t easy to deal with them. Many take the easy way out and keep drinking.
Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Shaking
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Racing heart
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Delirium tremens
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline
After you stop drinking, you will typically experience serious withdrawal symptoms for 72 hours. During this time, symptoms will vary and may include the following:
6 Hours After Your Last Drink: At this stage of the alcohol timeline, you will begin experiencing mild symptoms like shaky hands, a headache, digestive issues, insomnia, and sweating.
12-48 Hours After Your Last Drink: Your symptoms will get more severe by 12 to 48 hours into alcohol detox. You may start experiencing hallucinations, and seizures may occur.
48-72 Hours After Your Last Drink: Delirium Tremens (DTs) are alcohol symptoms withdrawal that occurs in about 5% of people and will typically set in 48-72 hours after your last drink. They are characterized by hallucinations and delusions. Other symptoms experienced within this timeframe include confusion, racing heartbeat, high blood pressure, fever, and heavy sweating.
After the first 72 hours of detox, alcohol symptoms may continue for up to two weeks, but they typically won’t be as severe.
Benefits of Alcohol Detox Centers
Withdrawal is difficult, and many people don’t make it through. Instead of allowing their body to get clean, they keep on drinking. But they will have a higher rate of success if they detox at a rehab facility.
A rehab facility will supervise you throughout the detox process. They will provide a calm and comfortable environment that will keep you calm. They will offer medications that can reduce symptoms and cravings. They can immediately treat issues that occur, and they oversee patients to prevent relapse.
Once a patient completes detox, the facility will continue to be instrumental in the rehab process. They will provide therapy that targets the patient’s addiction and its underlying causes. They will follow up with aftercare helping the patient maintain sobriety.
Finding the Alcohol Detox Center That’s Right for You
There are many alcohol detox centers out there, but it can be challenging to find one that’s right for you. You must consider the atmosphere, the pricing, the staff, the success rates, and the treatments offered. It can take you quite some time to find the right place, but you can make your search easier by contacting my Recovery Source first.
My Recovery Source is a free resource specializing in finding rehab facilities that are right for you. They offer help regardless of your location, background, and financial and personal situation. You can call or email to take advantage of their discreet services. Alcohol detox is not easy, but the right rehab center will help you make it through. My Recovery Source will assist you in finding the best facilities. Contact us today to take the first step on your path to wellness.
