Understanding Extreme Fatigue During Alcohol Withdrawal
Quitting heavy or chronic alcohol use can be incredibly difficult due to a complex interplay of physical and psychological factors that can trigger alcoholics and are often amplified by unpleasant and sometimes dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms. While the choice to get sober is always the right one, it is essential for individuals wanting to start this journey to understand that often you will feel worse before you feel better, including experiencing deep, persistent exhaustion. There is a strong connection between alcohol withdrawal and extreme fatigue, which can be distressing and difficult to manage.
Several factors can cause fatigue during alcohol withdrawal as the body readjusts to the absence of alcohol. As the body works to regain balance and restore normal function, energy levels can plummet, leaving individuals unwell and exhausted. Similar to how someone feels exhausted when sick, fatigue experienced during alcohol withdrawal is a sign that the body and brain are working hard to heal.
However, these symptoms are temporary, and over time individuals will begin to experience the benefits of sobriety, both physically and mentally. Moreover, there are ways to combat alcohol withdrawal fatigue, both through medical intervention and lifestyle factors.
Is Extreme Fatigue a Symptom of Withdrawal?
Fatigue is one of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol functions as a depressant for the central nervous system (CNS), influencing various neurotransmitters in the brain, especially gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, and dopamine, which contribute to its calming and sedative effects.
With regular consumption, the brain attempts to counteract alcohol’s sedative effects by increasing glutamate receptor sensitivity and decreasing GABA receptor effectiveness, ultimately depending on alcohol for dopamine production. This adaptation reduces alcohol’s inhibitory effects over time, resulting in tolerance and dependence.
When alcohol is abruptly discontinued, it disrupts the balance the brain has established in regulating these neurotransmitters. A sudden drop in alcohol levels leaves the brain in a heightened state of activity, leading to withdrawal symptoms, as noted by WebMD.
The absence of alcohol’s calming effects causes the body to experience hyperarousal, manifesting in withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and agitation, which can be both physically and mentally exhausting. Additionally, a lack of dopamine can result in feelings of apathy, diminished motivation, and severe fatigue.
People undergoing the stages of alcohol withdrawal frequently suffer from insomnia, disrupted sleep, and overall diminished sleep quality, resulting in considerable daytime tiredness. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms often include physical issues like headaches, nausea, tremors, and sweating, which can be taxing on the body, draining energy, and leading to exhaustion.
Additionally, chronic alcohol abuse can result in dehydration and malnutrition, both of which exacerbate fatigue during the recovery process and require time to correct. Alcohol consumption also puts a heavy burden on the liver, causing physical harm.
While the liver has a remarkable ability to heal itself, this recovery demands energy, which can further contribute to feelings of fatigue. Moreover, individuals may experience both mental and physical fatigue as they navigate sobriety, cope with cravings, adapt to life without alcohol, and establish new coping strategies.
What Is the Timeline of Symptoms for Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on several factors, including how heavily and for how long someone has been drinking, as well as the person’s overall health. For those in recovery or contemplating treatment, understanding what to anticipate and the duration of symptoms like fatigue is essential.
Although withdrawal symptoms can be challenging and may lead to relapse, having an idea of when improvement will occur can offer encouragement and optimism throughout the detox journey. Below is a general overview of what you may experience:
- Stage One – Within the first 6 to 12 hours after their last drink, individuals can begin to experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, shaky hands, nausea, vomiting, sweating, increased heart rate, and difficulty sleeping.
- Stage Two – In the next 12 to 48 hours, withdrawal symptoms will peak and be at their most intense. In some cases, severe symptoms such as delirium tremens (DTs) may occur, which may include confusion, high blood pressure, extreme sweating, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, and seizures.
- Stage Three – In the following 48 to 72 hours, the risk of life-threatening symptoms like seizures and DTs begins to decrease, but it’s crucial to remain under care, especially for those with a history of heavy alcohol use.
- Stage Four – After 72 hours, most physical symptoms worsen, but mild symptoms, including fatigue, may persist. At this point, you may feel emotionally drained and have difficulty sleeping, but the worst part is usually over.
For some, fatigue may last beyond the first two weeks. According to Healthline, most people fully recover from alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). However, some people can experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which can last anywhere from weeks to months, but usually decreases over time with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.
How Long Until Sleep Returns to Normal After Quitting Alcohol?
A prevalent long-term issue that individuals encounter after quitting alcohol is disrupted sleep. During recovery, the body may undergo a rebound effect, leading to an excitatory state that complicates the ability to achieve restful sleep. Furthermore, psychological withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and depression can exacerbate sleep problems.
The initial days of managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms often see significant sleep disruption, with insomnia being a frequent complaint. Many individuals struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, and experiencing restless nights. By the end of the first week, some may notice a gradual improvement in their sleep patterns, although it may not be consistently restorative.
After one to three months of sobriety, the brain’s sleep mechanisms typically begin to realign with a more natural rhythm. However, those with pre-existing sleep issues that may have contributed to their alcohol use may continue to face sleep disturbances without appropriate medical support.
Research published in the Journal of Addictive Diseases indicates that sleep issues can linger for several months even after abstaining from alcohol, heightening the risk of relapse, which underscores the importance of addressing these challenges during recovery.
Although restoring normal sleep may take time, various strategies to enhance sleep quality include maintaining good sleep hygiene, engaging in regular physical activity, staying well-hydrated, and employing relaxation techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and medication management are also viable options when self-care methods fall short.
Are There Medical Treatments That Can Help With Withdrawal-Related Fatigue?
Addressing withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, is a vital aspect of the recovery process. Several medical treatments and approaches can help with alcohol withdrawal-related fatigue, including:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): While these medications do not directly target fatigue, they can alleviate fatigue by reducing the body’s overall stress response and promoting better sleep. Benzodiazepines are commonly used short-term to reduce anxiety, prevent seizures, and improve sleep.
- Intravenous (IV) Fluids and Electrolyte Replacement: IV fluids can restore hydration and essential electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, helping to improve energy levels.
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation: Chronic alcohol use often leads to vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins, folate, and magnesium, which are crucial for energy production.
- Psychiatric Medications: Antidepressants and sleep aids can be prescribed long-term to address underlying mental health issues, such as depression and insomnia, that are contributing to fatigue.
Get Help With Alcohol Withdrawal and Extreme Fatigue at WhiteSands Treatment Florida Rehab
Due to the complexities of alcohol dependence and the risks associated with withdrawal, it is crucial for individuals who want to quit drinking to seek professional medical help. WhiteSands Treatment offers comprehensive medical detox programs that can help ease alcohol withdrawal and extreme fatigue, ensuring patient safety throughout the entire process.
Our individualized rehab programs address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, including dual diagnosis treatment to treat underlying co-occurring mental health issues, to significantly improve the chances of successful recovery.
To speak to one of our admission specialists or to schedule your initial comprehensive intake, contact WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Florida today at 877-855-3470.
External Sources
- WebMD – What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
- Healthline – Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More
- Journal of Addictive Diseases – Treatment Options for Sleep Disturbances During Alcohol Recovery
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.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
