Quitting alcohol is a powerful step toward health, but it comes with challenges. For people living with alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, stopping suddenly can trigger uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms. While some experience only mild alcohol withdrawal, others may face severe withdrawal with complications that require medical care.
Understanding the stages of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and the importance of safe, supervised detox can make all the difference in your recovery process.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone who regularly engages in alcohol use or heavy drinking suddenly stops drinking or reduces their alcohol intake. Over time, alcohol changes the central nervous system, so when you stop drinking, the body struggles to rebalance. This disruption can produce a range of symptoms.
Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Most withdrawal symptoms begin within 6–24 hours after a person’s last drink. Common symptoms include:
- Mild symptoms: irritability, mild anxiety, headaches, sweating, trouble sleeping
- Moderate withdrawal: stronger cravings, nausea, mood swings, shakiness
- Severe withdrawal: seizures, hallucinations, or delirium tremens
When symptoms persist or become severe, it signals the need for immediate alcohol withdrawal treatment. Without professional help, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can escalate quickly. That’s why recognizing risk factors like age, a history of substance abuse, repeated detox attempts, or other medical conditions is so important.
Why Alcohol Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous
Not all withdrawal is life-threatening, but complicated alcohol withdrawal can quickly become a crisis. Certain risk factors increase the danger:
- Long history of heavy drinking or binge drinking
- Other medical or mental health conditions
- Previous episodes of severe withdrawal
Complications may include:
- Alcohol withdrawal seizures, which can escalate to delirium tremens
- Dangerous changes in heart rhythm, blood pressure, or body temperature
- Severe confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, or delirium
Because severe alcohol withdrawal can be fatal, it’s never safe to go through detox alone.
Delirium Tremens (DTs): Severe Alcohol Withdrawal
One possible complication of alcohol withdrawal syndrome is delirium tremens. Delirium tremens typically occurs 2–4 days after the last drink and is a severe form of withdrawal. Symptoms may include hallucinations, extreme agitation or confusion, fever, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and seizures.
These severe symptoms often require treatment in an intensive care unit, where medical staff can stabilize vital signs and prevent further complications. Because delirium tremens is considered life-threatening, anyone showing warning signs should seek emergency help immediately.
Seizures and Cardiac Issues
Another danger of alcohol withdrawal is the potential for seizures and heart complications. Alcohol withdrawal seizures may occur within 24–48 hours, and can be a sign of complicated withdrawal.
Other serious symptoms include:
- Convulsions
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- High blood pressure
- Stroke or cardiac arrest
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance often make matters worse, adding stress to the heart. Monitoring alcohol level and body temperature is crucial during this stage.
How Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment Helps
The safest way to detox is through a professional program for managing alcohol withdrawal. At Promises Behavioral Health, our approach includes:
- 24/7 monitoring for safety
- FDA-approved medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Inpatient treatment for those at risk of severe withdrawal or DTs
- Outpatient services for individuals with mild alcohol withdrawal and strong home support
- Counseling and relapse prevention strategies to maintain progress
This structured care makes it possible to stop drinking alcohol while minimizing risks and preparing you for long-term sobriety.
Finding Safe Alcohol Addiction Treatment Near You
Promises Behavioral Health offers evidence-based alcohol detox and rehabilitation programs across multiple states. Each facility provides individualized treatment, combining medical care, therapy, and relapse prevention planning.
Our locations include:
- The Ranch – Nunnelly, TN
- The Ranch – Wrightsville, PA
- The Right Step – Houston, TX
- Washburn House – Worcester, MA
- Promises Brazos Valley – College Station, TX
- Promises Atlanta – Atlanta, GA
- Promises Dallas – Dallas, TX
Whether you require inpatient treatment for severe withdrawal or an outpatient setting for mild symptoms, our team will guide you every step of the way.
Stop Drinking Alcohol Safely
Alcohol withdrawal is challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. With professional help, even those at risk of complicated alcohol withdrawal can safely stop drinking and begin recovery.
Call Promises Behavioral Health today at 888.289.1181 or reach out online to learn more about our alcohol withdrawal treatment programs and start building a healthier future.