As the alcohol leaves the system, a person should start to notice symptoms decreasing. Most people tend to notice a reduction in symptoms within 5 to 7 days. Other factors can affect how alcohol affects a person and how fast they metabolize it, including age, sex, other medications, whether the individual has eaten, how much they have drunk, and how quickly. Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addiction and Mental Health
A dangerous condition called delirium tremens (DTs) can develop between 48–72 hours, with high fever, severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and unstable vitals. This period requires medical supervision to prevent complications. Benzodiazepinesare often the first treatment doctors suggest for alcohol withdrawal. Home remedies are not a replacement for medical treatment for alcohol withdrawal but may help to relieve some mild symptoms, such as nausea, fever, and diarrhea.
When should I seek professional help for my alcohol detox?
DTs are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. This is why medical detox is critical for people with alcohol dependence. The transition back to sobriety doesn’t have to be difficult and uncomfortable.
- Detox requires you to completely step away from your daily life for a few days.
- Getting sober from alcohol is not something everyone can do on their own.
- We also provide emotional support, so you don’t face the process alone.
2 Weeks After Your Last Drink
However, alcohol cravings, sleep problems and other minor side effects may continue for some time after detox. When your body is dependent on alcohol, quitting requires a safe path forward. Alcohol detox treatment centers provide the medical care and supervision that can save your life during the critical first days of withdrawal. Detox is the essential bridge from active addiction to lasting recovery. While mild withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be managed at home, medical supervision is strongly Substance abuse advised, especially for those with a history of heavy drinking.
If attempted, do so only with medical supervision and a safety plan. Acute withdrawal typically lasts 5–7 days, with symptoms peaking around 24–72 hours. Some people have lingering symptoms (PAWS) for weeks to months. Alcohol is one of the few substances with potentially fatal withdrawal.
When they suddenly stop giving the body the substance it has become dependent on, it can send the body, brain and neurotransmitters into shock. It’s also important to note that delirium tremens can be life-threatening. The prognosis (outlook) for someone with alcohol withdrawal depends greatly on its severity. It’s important to be honest about your alcohol use — and any other substance use — so your provider can give you the best care. It’s common to feel anxious, restless, shaky, sweaty, and nauseated alcohol detox as early as 6 hours after your last drink. Headaches, sensitivity to light/sound, and trouble sleeping often start here.
- Alcohol withdrawal may cause uncomfortable chest symptoms that can damage the heart.
- Millions of people join support groups to help stop drinking and stay stopped.
- Whether you have questions about detox symptoms or the treatment process, we can help you find the information you need to take the first step toward getting help.
- Symptoms often peak during this period as the nervous system continues adjusting.
Drink Lots of Fluids
In other words, effects that occur during alcohol detox are typically the opposite of effects caused by alcohol use. The severity and length of alcohol withdrawal will be determined by how suppressed GABA receptors are. The level of suppression depends on how much alcohol is normally in the bloodstream.