Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms, Treatment and Alcohol Detox Duration

Benzodiazepines carry a Food and Drug Administration boxed warning because there is a risk of dependence. If you’re prescribed a medication from this class of drugs talk with your doctor about the risks before taking them and always follow the doctor’s instructions. They should also make sure you attend your counseling appointments and visit the doctor regularly for any routine blood tests that may be ordered. People who have an addiction to alcohol or who drink heavily on a regular basis and are not able to gradually cut down are at high risk of AWS. Heavy alcohol use also depletes the body of vital electrolytes and vitamins, such as folate, magnesium, and thiamine. So, treatment may also include electrolyte corrections and multivitamin fluids.

After symptoms subside, a doctor will taper the dose until they determine the individual no longer requires medication. In general, the course of alcohol withdrawal is highly variable and somewhat unpredictable. Screening and assessment tools do not allow physicians to predict with confidence who will or will not experience life-threatening symptoms. Those experiencing mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms or who are concerned about experiencing withdrawal symptoms will benefit from the advice of a physician or clinician trained to assess and treat patients in alcohol withdrawal. Severe and complicated alcohol withdrawal requires treatment in a hospital — sometimes in the ICU.

Medical Professionals

A doctor can often diagnose alcohol withdrawal syndrome by taking a person’s medical history and doing a physical exam. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome occurs when a person with alcohol use disorder stops or suddenly decreases their alcohol intake. While some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome are similar to a hangover, they are not the same condition. People with alcohol withdrawal syndrome can have a wide variety of symptoms, depending on how much alcohol they drank, their body type, sex, age, and any underlying medical conditions. Moderate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may last up to 6 days, whereas severe symptoms may last for 5 to 7 days. While it’s true that up to 50% of people with AUD experience withdrawal symptoms, only a small portion require medical treatment.

• This is where symptoms are usually the most severe, with some individuals displaying delirium tremens — hyperactive autonomic activity that can lead to cardiac collapse.
• Anyone who is having severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, such as seizures, hallucinations, or prolonged vomiting needs immediate medical treatment.
• Seizures often occur in the early stages of withdrawal, and they may happen in the absence of other AWS.
• Behavioral treatment programs are helpful for people who want to quit drinking.
• Doctors usually use a type of drug called benzodiazepines to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Historically, several mechanisms have been suggested to play a role in the development (i.e., etiology) of AW. Seizures can occur within 6 to 48 hours, while hallucinations can occur within 12 to 48 hours after drinking is reduced or stopped, says Dr. Nolan. This is considered a medical emergency because it can lead to permanent brain damage. If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group.

Medication for Alcohol Withdrawal

Symptoms can become severe, and it can be difficult to predict which people will develop life-threatening symptoms. Alcohol use disorder can lead to various physical and mental health conditions. Too much alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, cause dehydration, and lead to an inflammatory response in the body. As the alcohol wears off, these effects lead to common hangover symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. Alcohol use disorder or drinking heavily over an extended period can change a person’s brain chemistry due to the continued exposure to the chemicals in alcohol.

This process temporarily restores homeostasis, or chemical balance, in an effort to counteract the impact of long-term alcohol use on the brain. If you decide to get treatment, your doctor can recommend the type of care that you need. 3Wernicke’s encephalopathy is an acute condition characterized by general confusion, abnormal eye movements, and difficulty walking or keeping one’s balance.

Prevention

A doctor or other treatment professional may evaluate for the above factors prior to making a recommendation for the level of detox care and detox timeline needed to keep a person safe and comfortable. Some symptoms, such as irritability, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, may persist over time while the body adjusts to the lack of alcohol. Individuals may also want to consider maintenance medications, a support group, or enlisting the support of friends. Treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counseling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay. Working to stop alcohol use to improve quality of life is the main treatment goal.

Each of these symptoms can increase in intensity depending on the severity of the withdrawal. There are many support options available that can help guide you through alcohol withdrawal, as well as abstaining from alcohol after withdrawal. For those with alcohol use disorder, withdrawal is just the first (but very important) step on a long journey to recovery. These first few weeks are critical because they are when the risk of relapse is highest. If you or someone you know shows signs of delirium tremens, go to the emergency room immediately. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.