How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

Alcohol withdrawal is a potentially dangerous condition that occurs when someone has been drinking heavily for an extended period and stops suddenly. Understanding the timeline of alcohol withdrawal, what to expect, and when to seek help is essential to a safe and effective recovery.

Based on research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 28.9 million people aged 12 or older in the U.S. struggled with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2023.[1] For people with AUD, or alcohol addiction, the brain becomes dependent on alcohol’s sedative effects. Once they’re removed, the central nervous system becomes overactive, leading to a range of withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening.

How Alcohol Affects The Brain and The Body

Alcohol can change how the brain functions and looks by interfering with the brain’s communication networks. Alcohol impairs the function of the brain regions in charge of balance, memory, speech, and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents and other unfavorable outcomes.[2]

Most people with alcohol use disorder experience bodily symptoms. These signs and symptoms represent the disease’s outward expression and can differ from person to person. Signs include facial redness, weight changes, yellowish discoloration of the skin, unstable blood pressure or heart rate, disheveled appearance, and impaired coordination.[3]

Hallmarks Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal is one of the most apparent indications of alcohol dependence. [2]

Alcohol withdrawal refers to the physiological changes that occur when a person abruptly quits drinking after engaging in heavy and frequent alcohol use. The body and the brain eventually get dependent on drinking habits and frequency. When you stop drinking suddenly, your body becomes accustomed to the effects of alcohol and needs some time to get used to life without it.

Alcohol withdrawal can give distinct signs and symptoms. A person experiencing alcohol withdrawal may encounter these signs:[3]

• Sweating
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Seizures

Depressive symptoms like delirium tremens, hallucinations, and seizures are the most severe of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms result from chemical imbalances in the brain caused by alcohol, which, when removed, lead to increased neuronal activity.

The Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal

When a person is physically dependent on alcohol and abruptly quits drinking or significantly lowers their consumption, they experience alcohol withdrawal.

Variables That Impact Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Depending on several variables, what happens to your body when you stop drinking alcohol may vary. Other factors like age, alcohol tolerance, gender, weight, and length of alcohol use disorder all contribute to how long withdrawal lasts. The severity of alcohol withdrawal will vary among people depending on their physiological alcohol dependence.

How Long Does It Take for Alcohol Withdrawal to Start?

Withdrawal symptoms may start as early as 6 hours after the last drink if you use alcohol heavily or for more extended periods. For some, the onset is subtle with symptoms like anxiety or irritability, while others may experience more intense symptoms like shaking, sweating, or nausea.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline: A Chart

The alcohol detox timeline varies depending on individual health, drinking history, and whether professional help is involved.[4]

First Phase

The first phase of alcohol withdrawal takes place within the first 12 hours of your last drink. The result of stopping alcohol when struggling with alcohol use disorder involves a series of undesirable side effects.

The first phase includes symptoms like:[5]

• Agitation
• Tremors or shaky hands
• Nausea
• Sleep disturbances
• Heightened anxiety

This stage can last up to a week after your last drink.

Second Phase

The second phase of alcohol withdrawal takes place within the next 48 hours after your last drink.[6] The most crucial and dangerous part of the withdrawal period is the first few days after you stop drinking.

This phase includes the risk of seizures and symptoms similar to those experienced in the first phase.[7] It is important to seek medical help through your withdrawal or detox due to the severity of your experience.

At this stage, alcohol withdrawal symptoms peak between 24 and 72 hours after your last drink.

Third Phase

Though delirium tremens can be deadly, they don’t commonly occur in alcohol withdrawal.[8] Most people with DT experience them 48 to 72 hours after quitting drinking. Typically, symptoms progress from earlier withdrawal symptoms rather than appearing out of nowhere.

You must get medical attention during this phase, particularly if you’re exhibiting DT symptoms.

Symptoms of delirium tremens include:[9]

• Confusion
• Irritability
• Loss of consciousness
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

This phase lasts between 48 and 72 hours, but you may be at risk of DT for up to a week after your last drink.

Fourth Phase

After stopping drinking, some people who go through alcohol withdrawal may experience symptoms for weeks or even months. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS, is the term used for this.[10] PAWS symptoms include persistent sleep issues and emotional issues.

The fourth stage of alcohol withdrawal may continue anywhere between six months and two years.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last? The Bottom Line

Alcohol withdrawal usually begins within 6 to 12 hours after the last drink and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The exact alcohol withdrawal timeline depends on your individual health, how long you’ve been using alcohol, how much you drink, and other factors.

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment Options

Going through alcohol withdrawal can be an intense, uncomfortable experience. The process can make you feel vulnerable and alone. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to help you manage it.

Residential Rehab

Attending rehab for alcohol use disorder will get you through your withdrawal and into alcohol detox.

The most important thing is to ensure your alcohol detoxification experience is safe because alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be very severe. Full-time staff members monitor your health before and during detox to ensure you always have access to assistance, medication, and knowledge.

By entering an addiction treatment facility, you can be confident that any demands will be met as soon as they arise and that the best drugs will be used to treat your alcohol withdrawal discomfort when you need them.

Partial Hospitalization/Outpatient

While providing a high level of care, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), also referred to as day treatment programs, are addiction recovery programs that permit patients to go home each night following treatment. The treatment intensity and daily schedule of PHPs are comparable to those of inpatient/residential programs. These courses typically meet five days a week for 4 to 6 hours.

After The Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal Ends: When Will I Start to Feel Better?

Most people begin to see significant improvement in alcohol withdrawal symptoms about 5 to 7 days after quitting alcohol. However, sleep issues, mood swings, and fatigue can last for several weeks. If you’re experiencing PAWS, you may have intermittent symptoms for months or even a few years.

Recover From Alcohol Use Disorder With Support

Those experiencing alcohol use disorder may go through alcohol withdrawal when trying to quit drinking. If you are looking to stop your out-of-control alcohol consumption, know that support is here for you.

Contact us today to find out how an alcohol addiction treatment center can help you regain control of your life.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more