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: March 1, 2023

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Symptoms

Millions of Americans grapple with the devastating destruction caused by alcohol addiction leading to alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms. Symptoms can be painful, distressing, and even dangerous. The sobering reality according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shows that less than 7% seek treatment for their alcohol use disorder.

For many, professional help remains out of reach. But, help is available and the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be managed with proper alcohol detox center care.

When Does the Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline Begin?

The alcohol withdrawal timeline starts with the ending of drinking. Alcohol withdrawals are a set of symptoms that occur when someone who has been heavily drinking suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol consumption.

Alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms range from mild to severe. They can start within several hours after the last drink was consumed. Withdrawal from long-term heavy alcohol use can be fatal without proper medical care. Continue reading for more about the alcohol withdrawal timeline.

Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal Factors

The timeline of alcohol withdrawal is determined by several factors including the amount of alcohol consumed, how often it was consumed, and how long it has been since the last drink. Milder symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may begin as soon as six hours after the last drink. Lasting for several days. More severe symptoms can take several weeks to resolve.

Alcohol withdrawal usually starts 6 to 12 hours after the last drink and can prevail anywhere from several days to several weeks. Mild symptoms may resolve within several days. While more severe symptoms, such as delirium tremens, can last up to several weeks or longer. It is important to seek medical help when dealing with alcohol withdrawal to ensure your safety.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline Dangers

Withdrawal from alcohol can have severe and life-threatening consequences, ranging from seizures to delirium tremens. As time progresses without a drink, serious medical conditions including irregular heart rate may arise along with confusion and agitation. Even worse, hallucinations or extreme exhaustion might appear within two to three days of an individual’s last alcoholic beverage.

Alcohol withdrawal can lead to a domino effect of serious health issues, from vitamin and mineral deficiencies that cause nerve damage and weakness, all the way up to anxiety, depression – or even fatal seizures or respiratory arrest. Treating these associated mental illnesses is especially important in protecting against these severe consequences.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline Effects

Abstaining after a period of alcohol use can lead to varying withdrawal symptoms. From sweat-soaked brows and butterflies in the stomach to hallucinations and potential seizures, sobering up from heavy drinking is no easy journey! Withdrawal may worsen over two to four days before tapering off within one or two weeks; however, its effects on an individual’s body should not be underestimated – what starts as mild discomfort could rapidly escalate into something far more severe if left unchecked.

Milder symptoms of alcohol use disorder may abound, including irritability, mood swings, fatigue, and difficulty focusing. It’s essential to remain conscious of the riskier side effects. It is advised to seek medical help if these arise. In addition, taking preventive steps like behavior modification can aid in reducing the chance of a relapse back into misuse or abuse habits.

Significance Of Alcohol Detox

Recovering from alcoholism can be a challenge, but the alcohol detox phase provides an important starting point. Withdrawal symptoms typically decrease over time allowing you to focus on other aspects of your recovery journey like activities and therapy sessions for long-term sobriety. Taking these steps towards healing is essential in regaining control over addiction and getting back onto the road of healthful living.

Are you looking for Alcohol Detox Centers in NJ? Call our 4/7 hotline and speak with an alcohol withdrawal syndrome specialist.

Professional Alcohol Detox Treatment

Professional care should be sought immediately for severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens (DTs). If alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms are mild, they’re often managed by gradually reducing alcohol consumption over time.

However, when alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms become severe, immediate medical help should be sought in order to ensure safety and facilitate recovery. Alcohol withdrawal can be a difficult process. With the right help, it is possible to overcome Alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms and achieve sobriety.

For more information on alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms or to find professional treatment resources near you, continue reading.

Three Stages Of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The alcohol withdrawal recovery process can be broken down into five levels by onset time, and harshness. Most people will not undergo all of the various stages of alcohol withdrawal.  While there are primarily three stages of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, some people with intense alcoholism may also feel tremors and PAWS.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline Infographic

Alcohol withdrawal can be an intimidating process with varying levels of severity. In the early stage, you may experience a combination of symptoms like anxiety, shaking, and perspiration as soon as 6-12 hours after your last drink. The acute phase follows in 24 to 72 hours potentially bringing confusion and hallucinations into play along with seizures or tremors.

Even after weeks or months of recovery, the alcohol withdrawal process can still create difficulty for those overcoming their addiction. During this protracted stage, individuals may experience feelings like anxiety and exhaustion as well as psychological struggles such as depression, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbance along with a strong urge to drink again. Recovering from alcoholism is no small feat!

Stages Of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms infographic image link: https://welevelupnj.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Stages-Of-Alcohol-Withdrawal-Timeline-1-1030×1030.png.

“Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline” Infographic

The Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Infographic outlines the stages that people typically go through during the process of alcohol withdrawal. The timeline starts with withdrawal symptoms appearing within 6-8 hours of the last drink and can last up to several weeks. The timeline includes information about common withdrawal symptoms, potential risks, and treatment options.

As alcohol withdrawal progresses, people may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms such as tremors, sweating, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Patients who experience severe alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms may need to be monitored round-the-clock and may require medicine to help reduce the intensity of symptoms.

After the initial withdrawal symptoms, some people may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms which can last for weeks or months. These symptoms may include fatigue, mood swings, depression, cravings, difficulty concentrating, and disturbed sleep. Other physical symptoms may include flu-like aches and pains, muscle tension and twitching, diarrhea, and headaches.

One way to help manage withdrawal symptoms is to engage in regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet, and practice relaxation techniques. These can help distract from cravings and reduce stress which can worsen the withdrawal symptoms. It is also important to stay connected with family and friends and reach out for support when needed.

Embed the above “Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline” Infographic to your Website

This Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline infographic is provided with compliments of the We Level Up NJ addiction treatment center team. By using this infographic, you agree to link back and attribute its source and owner at https://welevelupnj.com/treatment/alcohol-withdrawal-timeline/.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline infographic image link: https://welevelupnj.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Stages-Of-Alcohol-Withdrawal-Timeline-2-1030×1030.png.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Statistics

After a few drinks, even a casual drinker will begin to exhibit signs of alcohol withdrawal. Depending on how much alcohol a person drinks and how long they have been drinking to that level, these symptoms worsen. If not treated by a qualified medical specialist, these symptoms can lead to fatalities.

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The Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline First 48 Hours Breakdown

The alcohol withdrawal timeline begins two hours after drinking. It peaks 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

There is no exact timeline for alcohol withdrawal because each person is different. The unique circumstances of each individual going through detox will influence how long it takes and which alcohol withdrawal symptoms are experienced.

6 to 12 Hours After Quitting Alcohol Timeline

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 to 48 hours without alcohol phase in reality.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline 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 
  Mood swings are not unusual at this point in the alcohol withdrawal timeline. 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 typical at this stage of the alcohol withdrawal timeline, leading to exhaustion and weakness.

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

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

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline 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 and cope with relapse.

PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) refers to the long-term negative side effects of alcohol abuse. PAWS is not only challenging but can affect a person’s life for years to come. Symptoms might continue months to years after withdrawal and initial detox. That is why it is highly recommended to continue treatment after an 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.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline & Addiction: Why It’s So Dangerous.

Alcohol addiction, sometimes referred to as alcohol use disorder, alcoholism, or alcohol dependency, is distinct from other addictions and has the potential to be extremely harmful.

Why is alcoholism such a threat?

• Alcohol is socially acceptable and legal – Alcohol is socially and legally permissible, thus physical and psychological dependence can emerge swiftly. In the natural course of one’s social contacts, people may drink excessively. People may not consider their alcohol use to be problematic because it is socially acceptable. Whereas for some drugs, it is immediately obvious there is a problem when the addictive drug is banned.
  
  Secrecy and clear risk involved in alcoholism clearly show a pattern of “playing with fire”. People can develop serious drinking habits without their friends, family, coworkers, or even themselves realizing it. They can mask their dependency for a considerable amount while engaging in “heavy drinking.” Alcohol is hazardous because of these factors.
• Alcohol Causes a Wide Range of Diseases – There are numerous physical conditions, mental health issues, and emotional difficulties that can be exacerbated by an alcohol use disorder (Ex. chronic liver disease, Syndrome Wernicke-Korsakoff (wet brain), heart issues, digestion issues, depression, anxiety, no memory, interpersonal difficulties, and disruptions in sleep).
• The physical effects of alcohol withdrawal timeline might be fatal – The fact that alcohol withdrawl timeline symptoms might be lethal is another factor contributing to alcohol dependence. Therefore, professional assistance with alcohol detox is strongly advised, especially for people who have had long-term alcohol dependence.

Risk Factors Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Although there is a general one-week alcohol withdrawal timeline, multiple factors might change the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms during that time period. 

Such factors include:

Mixing Alcohol with Other Drugs 

If people regularly use other drugs while drinking alcohol, especially with opioids like heroin, fentanyl, Vicodin, and Percocet, they may not only have to deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms but also the symptoms of other drugs. Alcohol and drug withdrawal double jeopardy can result when ending the use of both substances.

Co-occurring Mental Health Issues

Quite often individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder use alcohol to treat an underlying mental disorder. One that they might not even know exsists. Such underlying co-occurring disorders can change the severity and duration of withdrawals.

Gender 

Men and women drink alcohol in different amounts, and their bodies react differently during the alcohol withdrawal timelines. Men tend to undergo intense and more recurring withdrawal symptoms. Including a much higher percentage of men with withdrawal seizures. The reasons for this include the fact that men drink more alcohol in one sitting, drink more frequently, on average start heavy drinking earlier, and are larger than women.

Signs Of Alcohol Dependence

Dietary recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services advise adults of legal drinking age to abstain from alcohol altogether or to drink in moderation.

Drinking moderately entails:

• No more than two drinks each day for men.
• No more than one drink per day for women.

There is no scientific way to determine whether someone qualifies as an alcoholic. These drink guidelines per day will most likely be exceeded by a person who has an alcohol addiction. A person with an alcohol use problem will also notice that their drinking consumption causes disruptions in their daily activities.

An alcoholic’s behaviors may include the following:

A person may have an alcohol consumption disorder if they observe themselves participating in any of the following behaviors:

• Despite the detrimental effects it may have on their relationships, health, employment, education, and other facets of their life, is unable to control or quit their drinking. In other words, they value drinking more than their jobs, families, etc.
• Develops an alcohol tolerance and requires more alcohol to get the same impact.
• Has trouble thinking about anything else and is plagued by constant alcohol-related thoughts.
• Regularly partakes in covert drinking.
• Believes they must drink to unwind or fit in.

• Having strong alcohol cravings.
• Feeling incapable of getting by without booze.
• Lying about their drinking habits or frequency.
• Hiding alcohol containers, cans, and other signs of consumption.
• Experiencing tremors in their bodies after not drinking for a time.
• Drinking at unsuitable times or locations, such as first thing in the morning or at the office.
• A habit of drinking alone.
• Being inebriated and unable to keep commitments (e.g., poor job performance or missing important family events).
• Having legal issues relating to drinkings, such as a DUI or drunk-and-drunk charge.
• Utilizing stolen funds to purchase booze, as well as using rent or groceries money.
• Frequently operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
• Losing consciousness or becoming black after drinking.
• Alcohol poisoning or being admitted to the hospital as a result of drinking.
• Drunkenness can lead to dangerous behavior and injuries.
• Drinking continuously or excessively on weekends.

An individual may have alcohol dependence if they exhibit some or all of these symptoms. If so, it would be preferable for them to enroll in a detox and recovery program.

What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Symptoms?

Successfully completing a detox is the first stage in the process of recovering from an alcohol use disorder. This implies that the person must completely rid their body of alcohol.

When alcohol is consumed over an extended period of time, the brain and the entire central nervous system adjust to its presence. As a result, particular withdrawal symptoms are likely to manifest as the body and mind stop abusing alcohol.

Severe Effects Of Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Although uncommon, the most severe effect of alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens. It can start within two to five days after your last drink and can be life-threatening.  However, less than five percent of people will develop delirium tremens when quitting drinking.

Due to the severity of some withdrawal timeline alcohol symptoms, alcohol detox should be monitored by a medical professional.  This is especially true for those with a history of lung or heart diseases, or other medical conditions, as alcohol withdrawal symptoms can quickly deteriorate and impact the heart and lungs. 

Your treatment specialist will be able to track your blood pressure and heart rate to make sure your situation doesn’t worsen.  You can also talk with them about the symptoms you are experiencing and if you are in any pain.  This information helps your medical team determine which medicine will help alleviate your discomfort.

Delirium Tremens

Delirium Tremens can be highly disorientating and scary – and it can even cause death. This is one of the more severe alcohol withdrawal timeline reactions indicated by hallucinations, confusion, agitation, tremors, and a high fever. The reported number of death for people who experience delirium tremens is anywhere from 1 to 5%. This is according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) [2].

If individuals suddenly stop the pattern of heavy drinking, they will likely experience alcohol withdrawal. This is because alcohol depresses the nervous system, slowing cerebral messaging and altering how signals are sent and received. This begs the question, is alcohol a depressant, or is alcohol a stimulant? 

How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawals Last?

The National Institute of Health [1] reports alcohol dependence is one of the more typical psychiatric disorders, second only to major depression. Approximately 14% of the general population has a lifetime history of alcohol dependence. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) is one of the most common presentations of Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. AWS is a set of symptoms that occurs in alcohol-dependent individuals after ending or reducing heavy and lengthy alcohol drinking.

The alcohol detox phase can involve alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms ranging from mild intensity to life-threatening.  The longevity and severity of alcohol use disorder (AUD) often plays a role in the alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms experienced.  For example, individuals who have struggled with years of heavy drinking are more likely to develop severe alcohol withdrawal timeline symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens. 

The first 6 hours after you stop drinking can be a little rough. You might experience mild symptoms that start as early as 6 hours after you stop drinking. Symptoms of alcoholism withdrawal, like headaches and dizziness, go away on their own in 1-3 days, but more severe ones may surface later if not treated quickly with benzodiazepines or antiemetics (which help prevent nausea).