Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal and How Long They Last

What to Expect When Quitting Alcohol

Despite its legal status and widespread societal acceptance, alcohol remains a hazardous and highly addictive drug, perhaps the most commonly abused drug in the world and the most significant source of addiction for ordinary people.

If you are struggling with an alcohol dependency and worry you may be an alcoholic, you have probably tried to quit drinking a time or two. Maybe you even succeeded for a short time, only to fall victim to relapse as the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal began to make themselves evident.

These DIY attempts at alcohol withdrawal are rarely effective. They are often counterproductive, driving alcoholics deeper into dependency and setting up a vicious cycle of failed attempts at sobriety and subsequent relapses. However, with professional medical treatment, people addicted to alcohol can find ways to overcome the disease of addiction.

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?

The problem of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is well known to problem drinkers, alcoholics, and their families. If you have ever tried to quit drinking cold turkey, you are all too familiar with these alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but you may be wondering what is behind them and how long alcohol withdrawal lasts.

The problem with alcohol is that it is a physically and psychologically addictive drug, taking a stronghold on the people who use it and creating a cycle of quitting and relapse that can be difficult to break. At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, our staff specializes in breaking this cycle, giving you the new lease on life you need and putting you on the road to a lifetime of sobriety.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help. 

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?

One of the biggest obstacles alcoholics face when trying to regain their lost sobriety is the severity of the withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit drinking independently. Here are some of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms, ranging from merely annoying to very severe:

• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Shakiness, especially of the hands
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Heart racing
• Fever
• Dangerous spikes in blood pressure
• Heavy sweating

These alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to deal with, but they can be managed with the right medical support, and that is precisely what we provide at WhiteSands.

How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be a difficult impediment on the road to sobriety. These symptoms can last for quite a while, which can make an already bad situation even worse. Even so, having medical help and guidance can be a powerful ally on the road to sobriety, as can knowing what to expect once the recovery process begins.

For the most part, you can expect the most severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms to show up a few days after your last drink and should begin to fade within four to five days. Even so, you may still experience cravings, often intense ones, weeks or months after detox has concluded. That is why it is so important to follow up your alcohol detox with rehab.

The Best Way to Get Through Alcohol Withdrawal

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal have been enough to derail the sobriety attempts of problem drinkers and alcoholics. If you have ever tried to detox on your own, you know how difficult and ultimately ineffective the process can be.

If you want to minimize alcohol withdrawal symptoms and give your body time to heal, the DIY approach is not the best one. Medical detox provides alcoholics and those suffering from alcohol use disorder with the best chance of success, helping them manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms safely and gradually. At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we are experts at medical detox for alcohol withdrawal.

What Happens After Alcohol Withdrawal Is Over?

For those who have never been through alcohol treatment before, making it through detox may seem like the end of the road, but those who have been through the process know that detox is only the first step on a long road to sobriety. After detox is over, it is imperative to follow up with a dedicated course of alcohol rehab.

This alcohol rehab can take several forms, including peer support with other recovering alcoholics, one-on-one counseling sessions with specially trained counselors, group sessions designed to develop coping skills, and attending local 12-step programs.

All of these programs, taken together, are designed to give recovering alcoholics the tools they need to maintain their newfound sobriety long after their course of alcohol detox is over. After all, any alcohol treatment goal is a lifetime of sobriety.

If you genuinely want to quit drinking, you need the right support, and at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we can let you know what to expect when quitting alcohol. We will guide you through the process at any of our Florida facilities, easing the impact of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and giving your body the time it needs to heal. Your path to sobriety begins with a single phone call, and we urge you to reach out today for the help and guidance you need.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.