Skip to content

Effective Treatment For Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Table of Contents

Seeking “Alcohol Detox NJ” or “NJ Alcohol Detox”? Get real facts about the Alcohol Detox process and Alcohol withdrawal management in your local Alcohol Detox Center in New Jersey.

By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: November 1, 2022

What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal refers to symptoms that may occur when a person who has been drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis suddenly stops drinking alcohol [1]. The more you drink regularly, the more likely you are to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. You may have more severe withdrawal symptoms if you have specific other medical problems.

 A severe form of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens (DT). Delirium Tremens can be highly disorientating and scary – and it can even cause death. This is one of the more severe reactions indicated by hallucinations or alcohol-induced psychosis, confusion, agitation, tremors, and a high fever. The reported number of death for people who experience delirium tremens is anywhere from 1 to 5% [2].

Though alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically begin within eight hours after your last drink, you may not experience any until several days later. These symptoms tend to spike around 24 to 72 hours after your last drink, though milder ones may persist for much longer in some people.

What Are Withdrawal Symptoms From Alcohol?

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms for alcohol are feeling anxious or nervous, feeling irritable, feeling depressed, feeling wiped out and tired, shakiness, mood swings, not being able to think clearly, having nightmares, dilated pupils, sweating, headache, difficulty sleeping, nausea and/or vomiting, appetite loss, faster heart rate, pale skin, and tremor.

What Are The Physical Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Symptoms of withdrawing from alcohol
People may go through:
Whole body: Trembling, perspiration, or appetite loss
Digestive system: nausea or vomiting
Fast heartbeat, tremors, confusion, headache, sleeplessness, or seizures are other common side effects.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms how long do they last
Short-term: lasts a few days to a few weeks

Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Feeling anxious or nervous
  • Feeling irritable
  • Feeling depressed
  • Feeling wiped out and tired
  • Shakiness
  • Mood swings
  • Not being able to think clearly
  • Having nightmares
  • Dilated pupils
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Appetite loss
  • Faster heart rate
  • Pale skin
  • Tremor
People with moderate-to-severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms may need inpatient treatment. You will be watched closely for hallucinations and other signs of delirium tremens.
People with moderate-to-severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms may need inpatient treatment. You will be watched closely for hallucinations and other signs of delirium tremens.

10 Most Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms FAQs

  1. What Is The Usual Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Timeline?

    Alcoholism withdrawal symptoms timeline

    6 to12 Hours After Quitting Alcohol

    During the first six to twelve hours of the alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms begin setting in roughly at hour six. That is the reason why many alcoholics have to start drinking the moment they wake up. Since the symptoms are so severe, many wrongly assume that the 6-12 hours stage is the most dangerous, but that is the 24-48 hours phase in reality.

    Alcoholism withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to:

    Cravings
    Alcohol is an addictive drug or substance. So naturally, when a person suffering from alcohol use disorder does not have it, they crave it. Unfortunately, cravings are terrible at this stage since the person knows that drinking would relieve all the unpleasant effects of alcohol withdrawal.

    Anxiety 
    Throughout the initial stage of the alcohol withdrawal timeline, an individual’s mind and body are all out of whack. A person will feel sick, uncomfortable, hurt, and various other bothersome symptoms that can increase a person’s anxiety. For those who already experience high anxiety, these feelings will be doubled.

    Extreme Sweating 
    The body begins to overheat when alcohol is no longer in the system. Sweating is the body’s attempt to protect and cool down the organs. Sweating through your bedsheets is expected, so keeping a high fluid level is so important to the doctors who are monitoring the process.

    Headaches 
    It is usually caused by loss of body fluid and dehydration.

    Insomnia 
    Alcohol does change the way a person sleeps; skipping the initial phases of sleep and dropping straight to REM helps someone fall asleep, but it doesn’t produce healthy sleep. In this stage of alcohol withdrawal, the mind may want to sleep but be incapable, either from restlessness or other symptoms.

    Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
    Extreme drinking changes the intestine walls and the amount of stomach acid the body produces. As a result, nausea is quite common during this stage of withdrawal from alcohol symptoms.

    Shakes 
    When the brain starts to function on overdrive without the alcohol’s depressant effects to counteract this hyperactivity, the brain has trouble working, causing malfunctions in nerve cell activity, leading to tremors and shakes.

    12 to 24 Hours After Stopping Drinking

    In Stage 12-24 hours of the alcohol withdrawal, the person may see a continuation of the previous symptoms in addition to some new symptoms. This trend may continue with each following stage.

    Dehydration 
    Dehydration really sets in at this stage of the alcohol withdrawal timeline due to trips to the bathroom and sweating. The advantage of an inpatient detox program is the capability to have medical professionals monitor the levels of care and make sure the person has enough fluids.

    Hallucinations 
    Low blood sugar combined with extra dopamine release often results in hallucinations. Although these can be very disorienting or upsetting, hallucinations are not life-threatening.

    Malnutrition 
    As the body experiences all these uncomfortable symptoms, the last thing on someone’s mind is food. A loss of appetite should not be surprising for someone dealing with nausea.

    24 to 48 Hours Post Drinking

    As mentioned above, this is the most dangerous and crucial part of the timeline for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. At this phase, the alcoholic’s body is in full panic mode and can have some severe reactions to the absence of alcohol in the system.

    Irritability 
    At this point of the alcohol withdrawal timeline, mood swings are not unusual. The person is anxious and uncomfortable, and their body and brain feel like they are going haywire. Any patience or discipline they might have had initially had already faded, if not completely diminished.

    Low Blood Sugar Levels 
    Alcohol use disorder usually leads to alcoholic liver cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. When the liver does stop functioning, it fails to release glucose into the bloodstream. Hypoglycemia is a typical effect of alcohol withdrawal at this stage, This leads o exhaustion and weakness.

    Grand Mal Seizures 
    Approximately four out of a hundred individuals will experience grand mal seizures after quitting in a day or two. The effects of alcohol withdrawal, particularly seizures, arise from sleep, water, and nutrient deprivation. For some, these seizures can be a warning sign of much more alarming and dangerous effects of alcohol withdrawal known as Delirium Tremens.

    Delirium Tremens
    The possibly deadly effects of alcohol withdrawal, Delirium Tremens, is a sudden case of extreme confusion followed by sweats, shivering, seizures, overheating, hallucinations, and in some instances, death. During this period of alcohol withdrawal, the body is experiencing a biochemical decline where the brain is malfunctioning and fires off incorrect signals.

    48 to 168 Hours Post Drink

    At this stage of the alcohol withdrawal timeline, most physical symptoms have softened if not completely disappeared. Most of these are replaced by mental distress and feelings of anxiety, depression, confusion, restlessness, anger, and others. Now, in recovery, the client will learn to express and manage these feelings as well as coping ways to combat relapse.

    PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) refers to the long-term side effect of alcohol abuse, potentially challenging and affecting a person’s life. Symptoms might continue years after withdrawal and initial detox. That is why it is highly recommended to continue treatment after the initial seven-day detox.

    These symptoms include are hostility, irritability, anxiety & depression, mood swings, low levels of energy, fatigue, insomnia, inability to focus, lack of sex drive, and chronic pain.

    These symptoms are mainly psychological and have been known to continue for months or years after alcohol cessation. They tend to ‘come and go’ in waves or episodes, and can be triggered by specific circumstances, memories, smells, or people.

  2. How Soon Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Start?

    How fast do alcohol withdrawal symptoms start? During the first six to twelve hours of the alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms begin setting in roughly at hour six. That is the reason why many alcoholics have to start drinking the moment they wake up. Since the symptoms are so severe, many wrongly assume that the 6-12 hours stage is the most dangerous, but that is the 24-48 hours phase in reality.

  3. What Are The Long Term Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

    How long alcohol withdrawal syndrome symptoms? Chronic illnesses and other grave issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive issues, can develop over time as a result of heavy alcohol consumption. Cancer of the rectum, liver, colon, mouth, throat, esophagus, and breast.

  4. What Are Early Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

    Alcohol withdrawal signs and symptoms. If you’ve been drinking heavily on a regular basis, you can experience one or more alcohol withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly quit. These symptoms might range from moderate and uncomfortable to severe, acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and potentially fatal, depending on your prior alcohol consumption.

    Even while symptoms usually appear eight hours after your last drink, they may not show up for several days. After your last drink, these symptoms usually peak 24 to 72 hours later, though some people may experience lesser symptoms that last much longer.

    Common withdrawal symptoms for alcohol are feeling anxious or nervous, feeling irritable, feeling depressed, feeling wiped out and tired, shakiness, mood swings, not being able to think clearly, having nightmares, dilated pupils, sweating, headache, difficulty sleeping, nausea and/or vomiting, appetite loss, faster heart rate, pale skin, and tremor.

  5. What Are Typical Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium Symptoms?

    A severe form of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens (DT). Delirium Tremens can be highly disorientating and scary – and it can even cause death. This is one of the more severe reactions indicated by hallucinations or alcohol-induced psychosis, confusion, agitation, tremors, and a high fever. The reported number of death for people who experience delirium tremens is anywhere from 1 to 5% [2].

  6. How To Avoid Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

    How to avoid withdrawal symptoms from alcohol? There are typically three ways for someone to stop drinking alcohol. Either that or they “cold turkey” stop drinking altogether, which is not advised if you’ve been drinking heavily for a while because it could send your body into shock and even be fatal. Another option is to cut back on your drinking over a few days in order to stop drinking gradually. However, some people might find it simpler to convert to medication under medical supervision to help with withdrawal.

  7. When Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms The Worst?

    When do alcohol withdrawal symptoms peak?

    24 to 48 Hours Post Drinking

  8. Can Alcohol Withdrawal Kill You?

    Can you die from alcohol withdrawal symptoms? Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, however rare, can possibly result in mortality throughout the addiction treatment process. This can happen in a variety of ways, but it most frequently occurs when alcoholics attempt recovery on their own without medical supervision.

  9. How To Treat Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

    Medically-assisted alcohol withdrawal symptoms Detox
    Detox from alcohol is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated process of alcohol withdrawal, but it doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to alcohol use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.
    Cravings are very common during detox from alcohol and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can provide the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of alcohol withdrawals.

    Medication-Assisted Treatments
    Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for alcohol use disorder and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.
    The ultimate goal of MAT is full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed life. This treatment approach has been attested to improve patient survival, increase retention in treatment, lessen illegal opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders, increase patients’ ability to secure and maintain employment, and improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant.

    Dual Diagnosis alcohol withdrawal symptoms Treatment
    Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and alcoholism often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. In this strategy, both the mental disorder and the substance abuse problem are treated simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend largely on the treatment for both disorders done by the same team or provider.

    Behavioral Therapies
    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can improve addicts’ behavior. CBT targets negative and maladaptive thought patterns as it promotes positive emotions and beliefs, while DBT helps clients address conflicting impulses so they can make healthy choices. Both therapies treat substance abuse and mental health disorders. Therapy also empowers clients to identify, avoid and mitigate cues that trigger drug cravings.

    Individual and Group Counseling
    Addiction and mental health counseling occur in both individual and group settings. One-on-one treatment sessions may address unresolved trauma, unconscious conflicts, and specific struggles, while group sessions often involve training in life skills, stress management, conflict resolution, and social connections. Group counseling also gives clients the chance to share their thoughts and experiences to develop social support, which is essential for lasting recovery.
    If you or a loved one are struggling with long-term substance abuse, showing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and a co-occurring mental health condition such as depression, contact one of our helpful treatment specialists today. We Level Up NJ can provide information on dual diagnosis and detox programs that may fit your specific needs.

  10. What Is The Most Dangerous Withdrawal Symptom From Alcohol?

    What is the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol?

    Delirium Tremens
    The possibly deadly effects of alcohol withdrawal, Delirium Tremens, is a sudden case of extreme confusion followed by sweats, shivering, seizures, overheating, hallucinations, and in some instances, death. During this period of alcohol withdrawal, the body is experiencing a biochemical decline where the brain is malfunctioning and fires off incorrect signals.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Fact Sheet

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Overview

Symptoms appear after a period of heavy drinking when someone quits consuming alcohol.

The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms might vary greatly. The disorder may even be lethal in extreme circumstances.

Symptoms could appear anywhere between two hours and four days after you stop drinking. They could consist of hallucinations, seizures, anxiety, tremors, nausea, migraines, and more.

Alcohol withdrawal frequently necessitates medical attention and hospital stays. Drugs may be used to address the physical symptoms, while support groups and therapy can aid with behavior management.


How Common Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal is common. There are over 200,000 cases in the US each year.

  • Suitable for medical treatment
  • Typically self-diagnosable
  • No laboratory testing or imaging is necessary
  • Short-term: lasts a few days to a few weeks
  • Needs immediate medical attention

Withdrawal Symptoms Alcohol

Frequently self-diagnosable

Symptoms could appear anywhere between two hours and four days after you stop drinking. They could include seizures, hallucinations, tremors, nausea, migraines, and more.

People may go through:


Whole body: Trembling, perspiration, or appetite loss
Behavioral: Irritation, restlessness, or agitation

Digestive system: nausea or vomiting

Mental: Anxiety or nervousness

Fast heartbeat, tremors, confusion, headache, sleeplessness, or seizures are other common side effects.


Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Treatments

Treatment consists of sedatives

Alcohol withdrawal frequently necessitates medical attention and hospital stays. Drugs may be used to address the physical symptoms, while support groups and therapy can aid with behavior management.

Medications

Vitamin, sedative, & anxiolytic

Supportive Care

IV Fluids


Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Specialists

Critical Care Doctor

Intensive care patients are observed and given care.

Psychiatrist

Uses medicine as the main treatment for mental problems.

Emergency Medicine Doctor

Administers care to patients in the emergency room.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Statistics

When you stop drinking or significantly reduce your alcohol use after drinking heavily for weeks, months, or years, you may experience both mental and physical health issues. We refer to this as alcohol withdrawal. There are mild to severe symptoms. It’s unlikely that you will have withdrawal symptoms if you only sometimes drink. But if you’ve once experienced alcohol withdrawal, you’re more likely to do so the next time you give up.


25.1%

Percentage of adults aged 18 and over who had at least one day of heavy drinking (five drinks or more for males and four drinks or more for women) in the previous year: 25.1%.

Source: NIH

29,505

Deaths due to alcoholic liver disease: 29,505.

Source: NIH

9.0

Deaths from alcoholic liver disease per 100,000 people: 9.0.

Source: NIH


Severe Withdrawal Symptoms Of Alcohol

One of the most severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or “the DTs.” About 3% to 5% of people who withdraw from heavy drinking experience delirium tremens. This condition can become fatal if it’s left untreated, so if you or a loved one show any symptoms of the DTs, seek emergency treatment because symptoms can get worse.

Symptoms of delirium tremens include:

  • Fever
  • Extreme agitation
  • Seizures
  • Extreme confusion
  • Hallucinations (feeling, seeing, or hearing things that aren’t there)
  • High blood pressure

Hospitals and alcohol detox centers have experienced staff familiar with these symptoms and have the tools to provide appropriate treatment.

Ryan Zofay forming a circle and hugging friends.

Get Your Life Back

Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care at the We Level Up Treatment Centers Network.

Hotline (877) 378-4154

Causes Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol has a depressing influence on your body, according to physicians. It alters how your nerves communicate back and forth and slows down brain activity.

Your central nervous system becomes accustomed to having alcohol available all the time over time. Your body exerts a lot of effort to maintain your nerves communicating with one another and to make your brain more alert.

Your brain remains in this hyperactive condition even when the alcohol level abruptly decreases. The cause of withdrawal is that.

How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Last? 

When do alcohol withdrawal symptoms start? Alcohol withdrawal symptoms start as early as two hours after drinking, peaking in severity approximately two to three days after the last drink. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can last for up to a year after quitting, although this tends to be limited to temptation and relapse. The variety of symptoms changes, depending on the amount of time since someone last consumed an alcoholic drink. 

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline

6 to12 Hours After Quitting Alcohol

During the first six to twelve hours of the alcohol withdrawal timeline, symptoms begin setting in roughly at hour six. That is the reason why many alcoholics have to start drinking the moment they wake up. Since the symptoms are so severe, many wrongly assume that the 6-12 hours stage is the most dangerous, but that is the 24-48 hours phase in reality.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to:

Cravings 

  • Alcohol is an addictive drug or substance. So naturally, when a person suffering from alcohol use disorder does not have it, they crave it. Unfortunately, cravings are terrible at this stage since the person knows that drinking would relieve all the unpleasant effects of alcohol withdrawal.

Anxiety 

  • Throughout the initial stage of the alcohol withdrawal timeline, an individual’s mind and body are all out of whack. A person will feel sick, uncomfortable, hurt, and various other bothersome symptoms that can increase a person’s anxiety. For those who already experience high anxiety, these feelings will be doubled.

Extreme Sweating 

  • The body begins to overheat when alcohol is no longer in the system. Sweating is the body’s attempt to protect and cool down the organs. Sweating through your bedsheets is expected, so keeping a high fluid level is so important to the doctors who are monitoring the process.

Headaches 

  • It is usually caused by loss of body fluid and dehydration.
The more you drink regularly, the more likely you are to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.
The more you drink regularly, the more likely you are to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.

Insomnia 

  • Alcohol does change the way a person sleeps; skipping the initial phases of sleep and dropping straight to REM helps someone fall asleep, but it doesn’t produce healthy sleep. In this stage of alcohol withdrawal, the mind may want to sleep but be incapable, either from restlessness or other symptoms.

Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

  • Extreme drinking changes the intestine walls and the amount of stomach acid the body produces. As a result, nausea is quite common during this stage of alcohol withdrawal.

Shakes 

  • When the brain starts to function on overdrive without the alcohol’s depressant effects to counteract this hyperactivity, the brain has trouble working, causing malfunctions in nerve cell activity, leading to tremors and shakes.

Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.

Searching for Accredited Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers Near You? Or Mental Health Support?

Even if you have failed previously, relapsed, or are in a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. Call us when you feel ready or want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.

FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7

12 to 24 Hours After Stopping Drinking

In Stage 12-24 hours of the alcohol withdrawal, the person may see a continuation of the previous symptoms in addition to some new symptoms. This trend may continue with each following stage.

Dehydration 

  • Dehydration really sets in at this stage of the alcohol withdrawal timeline due to trips to the bathroom and sweating. The advantage of an inpatient detox program is the capability to have medical professionals monitor the levels of care and make sure the person has enough fluids.

Hallucinations 

  • Low blood sugar combined with extra dopamine release often results in hallucinations. Although these can be very disorienting or upsetting, hallucinations are not life-threatening.

Malnutrition 

  • As the body experiences all these uncomfortable symptoms, the last thing on someone’s mind is food. A loss of appetite should not be surprising for someone dealing with nausea.

24 to 48 Hours Post Drinking

As mentioned above, this is the most dangerous and crucial part of the alcohol withdrawal timeline. At this phase, the alcoholic’s body is in full panic mode and can have some severe reactions to the absence of alcohol in the system.

Irritability 

  • At this point of the alcohol withdrawal timeline, mood swings are not unusual. The person is anxious and uncomfortable, and their body and brain feel like they are going haywire. Any patience or discipline they might have had initially had already faded, if not completely diminished.

Low Blood Sugar Levels 

  • Alcohol use disorder usually leads to alcoholic liver cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. When the liver does stop functioning, it fails to release glucose into the bloodstream. Hypoglycemia is a typical effect of alcohol withdrawal at this stage, This leads o exhaustion and weakness.

Grand Mal Seizures 

  • Approximately four out of a hundred individuals will experience grand mal seizures after quitting in a day or two. The effects of alcohol withdrawal, particularly seizures, arise from sleep, water, and nutrient deprivation. For some, these seizures can be a warning sign of much more alarming and dangerous effects of alcohol withdrawal known as Delirium Tremens.

Delirium Tremens

  • The possibly deadly effects of alcohol withdrawal, Delirium Tremens, is a sudden case of extreme confusion followed by sweats, shivering, seizures, overheating, hallucinations, and in some instances, death. During this period of alcohol withdrawal, the body is experiencing a biochemical decline where the brain is malfunctioning and fires off incorrect signals.

48 to 168 Hours Post Drink

At this stage of the alcohol withdrawal timeline, most physical symptoms have softened if not completely disappeared. Most of these are replaced by mental distress and feelings of anxiety, depression, confusion, restlessness, anger, and others. Now, in recovery, the client will learn to express and manage these feelings as well as coping ways to combat relapse.

PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) refers to the long-term side effect of alcohol abuse, potentially challenging and affecting a person’s life. Symptoms might continue years after withdrawal and initial detox. That is why it is highly recommended to continue treatment after the initial seven-day detox.

These symptoms include:

  • Hostility
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Low levels of energy
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Inability to focus
  • Lack of sex drive
  • Chronic pain

These symptoms are mainly psychological and have been known to continue for months or years after alcohol cessation. They tend to ‘come and go’ in waves or episodes, and can be triggered by specific circumstances, memories, smells, or people.

First-class Facilities & Amenities

World-class High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment

Rehab Centers Tour

Renowned Addiction Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.

Addiction Helpline (877) 378-4154

Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:

  • 15+ Years Experience
  • 100s of 5-Star Reviews
  • 10K+ Recovery Successes
  • Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
  • Onsite Medical Detox Center
  • Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
  • Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
  • Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events

Diagnosing Alcohol Withdrawal

Your doctor will inquire about your drinking history and how recently you stopped if they suspect you might be experiencing alcohol withdrawal. If you have ever gone through withdrawal, they will want to know.

They’ll talk about your symptoms as well. They will perform an examination to check for any further medical disorders that might be the cause.

Can You Prevent It?

Alcohol withdrawal treatment is a band-aid solution that doesn’t address the underlying issue. It’s a good idea to bring up alcohol addiction or dependence treatment when you discuss symptom relief with your doctor. You can stop drinking with the help of the doctor’s advice.

How To Ease Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

You can reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms by frequently consuming electrolyte-containing liquids, don’t experience withdrawal on your own, keeping in mind that you are not by yourself, enduring your desires, creating a letter to yourself, putting together a first aid pack, skipping ahead, shower in the cold, keep in mind that the discomfort is only fleeting, consume wholesome fruits and veggies, avoid your drinking companions, use controlled breathing methods, meditate, exercise, play some music, take a walk, peruse a book, start a new pastime or revive an old one, establish injunctions. If you feel as though you are heading toward delirium tremens, get medical attention.

Which Medication Is Used To Prevent Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

The FDA has approved the drug acamprosate (trade name: Campral) for the treatment of alcoholism. It is one of three drugs for treating alcohol use disorder that the FDA has approved, and it works by interfering with the brain’s neurotransmitter systems to lessen alcohol dependence.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Treatments

Medically-assisted Detox

Detox from alcohol is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated process of alcohol withdrawal, but it doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to alcohol use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox from alcohol and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can provide the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of alcohol withdrawals.

Medication-Assisted Treatments

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for alcohol use disorder and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

The ultimate goal of MAT is full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed life. This treatment approach has been attested to:

  • Improve patient survival
  • Increase retention in treatment
  • Lessen illegal opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders
  • Increase patients’ ability to secure and maintain employment
  • Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and alcoholism often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. In this strategy, both the mental disorder and the substance abuse problem are treated simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend largely on the treatment for both disorders done by the same team or provider.

World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.

CALL (877) 378-4154

End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.

Behavioral Therapies

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can improve addicts’ behavior. CBT targets negative and maladaptive thought patterns as it promotes positive emotions and beliefs, while DBT helps clients address conflicting impulses so they can make healthy choices. Both therapies treat substance abuse and mental health disorders. Therapy also empowers clients to identify, avoid and mitigate cues that trigger drug cravings.

Individual and Group Counseling

Addiction and mental health counseling occur in both individual and group settings. One-on-one treatment sessions may address unresolved trauma, unconscious conflicts, and specific struggles, while group sessions often involve training in life skills, stress management, conflict resolution, and social connections. Group counseling also gives clients the chance to share their thoughts and experiences to develop social support, which is essential for lasting recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with long-term substance abuse, showing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and a co-occurring mental health condition such as depression, contact one of our helpful treatment specialists today. We Level Up NJ can provide information on dual diagnosis and detox programs that may fit your specific needs.

Seeking help for alcohol addiction is a huge step toward sobriety. That’s why the decision on where to get treatment should not be taken lightly.
Seeking help for alcohol addiction is a huge step toward sobriety. That’s why the decision on where to get treatment should not be taken lightly.

Start a New Life

Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.

  • Personalized Care
  • Caring Accountable Staff
  • World-class Amenities
  • Licensed & Accredited
  • Renowned w/ 100s 5-Star Reviews

We’ll Call You


Sources

[1] NIH – https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000764.htm

[2] NCBI – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606320/

Royal College of Physicians: “Alcohol Use Disorders: Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Alcohol-Related Physical Complications. NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 100.”

American Academy of Family Physicians: “Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.”

Alcohol Health & Research World: “Complications of Alcohol Withdrawal,” “Introduction to Alcohol Withdrawal,” “Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal.”

State Government of Victoria: “Withdrawal.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Care of the Patient Undergoing Alcohol Withdrawal.”

UpToDate: “Patient education: Alcohol use — when is drinking a problem? (Beyond the Basics).”

Industrial Psychiatry Journal: “Clinical management of alcohol withdrawal: A systematic review.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Dietary Guidelines.