Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Once an individual with an addiction to alcohol stops drinking, their body will need time to recalibrate to its natural levels of chemicals so they can function normally. Based on these factors, the decision to stop drinking can cause life-threatening health problems. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is different for each person and the severity depends on a number of factors, such as how often alcohol was consumed. If you’re ready to quit drinking altogether, it is highly recommended to find a treatment center that specializes in alcohol addiction treatment.
Stage One of the Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
A major advantage to participating in a quality alcohol detox program is that each stage of alcohol withdrawal is addressed by experienced professionals. These experts know exactly what to look for and when. An individual who attempts alcohol withdrawal on his/her own can be subjected to a number of painful, uncomfortable, and even dangerous side effects.
The below symptoms are commonly associated with the first stage of alcohol withdrawal during the initial 6 to 12 hours following the discontinuation of drinking:
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Shaky Hands
- Agitation
The severity and/or combination of alcohol withdrawal symptoms will differ from person to person. Factors such as age and mental or physical conditions, can influence how alcohol withdrawal manifests. A professional alcohol addiction treatment center will evaluate each patient’s past and present medical history, the degree of alcohol consumption, and family history of addiction to help determine the best treatment plan possible.
If a client is in an addiction treatment center that specializes in alcohol withdrawal, he/she will be closely monitored and made as comfortable as possible, while continuing to be provided with the best method of treatment for each particular symptom, should one arise.
What Happens in the Next 24 to 48 Hours of Alcohol Withdrawal?
The second stage on the alcohol withdrawal timeline occurs 24 to 48 hours after alcohol has been removed from the body. Although the assumption may be that after 1 or 2 days the body becomes stronger with the absence of alcohol, this is a misnomer. Stage two is a crucial time in which an individual may be at risk for even greater side effects. It’s also probable that a patient will continue to experience some of the symptoms from stage one (in unison) well into the 48-hour mark.
To piggyback the potential issues associated with alcohol withdrawal within the first 6 to 12 hours, the symptoms below typically manifest within 24 to 48 hours after ceasing to consume alcohol:
- High blood pressure
- High body temperature
- Confusion
- Respiratory problems
- Mild to moderate hypothermia
- Seizures
- Hallucinations relating to sight, hearing or touch
If a client is in a reputable treatment center, professional staff members will continue to monitor the client during stage two of detox. It’s possible for the individual’s condition to improve after the 48-hour time period, but there is also the potential for symptoms indicative of stage three to occur.
What Happens after 48 Hours of Alcohol Withdrawal?
Stage three describes what may happen in the subsequent 48 hours after the last drink, with the possibility of occurring sooner depending on the severity of alcohol addiction.
This stage is the most severe stage of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and if left untreated, could lead to death. If, for some reason, the individual experiencing the third stage of alcohol withdrawal syndrome has not sought the care of a specialized alcohol addiction treatment center or medical professional, he/she should do so immediately. The potential symptoms below can be painful, dangerous and even life-threatening:
- Severe disorientation
- Impaired attention
- High fever, excessive sweating
- Seizures or delirium tremens
It can’t be stressed enough that should an individual exhibit signs of stage three alcohol withdrawal, he/she needs medical assistance right away.
How Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Treated?
The good news is that there are several options for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The best option for treatment is based on the duration, quantity and other factors of a person’s drinking history. Below are some of the common treatment options during the alcohol withdrawal process.
Medication-assisted Therapy: Medication-assisted therapy integrates the use of pharmacotherapy by prescribing medications to decrease alcohol withdrawal symptoms and aid in the process of continued abstinence from alcohol.
Counseling: Counseling addresses the behavioral issues of alcohol abuse and dependence, helping individuals to identify emotional, mental and physical triggers while also providing healthy coping mechanisms and strategies to encourage continued sobriety. Individuals may experience one-on-one sessions, group counseling and/or family counseling during treatment.
Support Groups: Support groups, are peer-supported groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Smart Recovery, Narcotic Anonymous and other recovery support entities. These groups typically consist of individuals who share both the affliction of alcoholism and the aim of continuing a life of sobriety by sharing personal experience and common, helpful goals of recovery. A client can benefit from attending a support group at any stage of the recovery process.
Treatment Environments
Alcohol withdrawal can be treated in different types of environments. The two most common are residential inpatient and outpatient.
Residential Inpatient Treatment: Residential inpatient treatment, also called just residential treatment, refers to a specialized residential addiction treatment center in which an individual will typically stay on-site for a 30, 60 or 90 day duration. Again, this depends on the individual and his/her drinking history and habits. It is not to be confused with hospitalization.
Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient treatment primarily occurs after the completion of a residential inpatient program, since it is for individuals who are able to maintain an appropriate level of functioning in life. In outpatient treatment, clients commute back and forth for treatment while also being able to maintain other work and family responsibilities.
Overcoming alcoholism is a lifelong process – it doesn’t end at the conclusion of a 30, 60 or even 90-day treatment program, or a handful of recovery meetings or counseling sessions. Individuals who are willing to navigate through the difficult period of alcohol withdrawal and seek the support they need have a strong chance of success in maintaining a life of recovery.
If you or someone you care for are in need of help overcoming alcoholism, please contact Futures Recovery Healthcare today.
