Vigorbuddy.com | The Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal, Explained | Are you ready to stop drinking alcohol and start your journey towards sobriety?
If you have made this important decision, congratulations. Taking back your life and starting down the path towards living more healthfully is the best decision you can make right now.
It’s important to know, when you suddenly stop drinking alcohol, you will experience the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Depending on the severity of your addiction, these symptoms can range from minor to serious.
If you are ready to stop drinking and want to know what symptoms you will experience, this short and simple guide is for you.
What is Withdrawal?
One of the most common signs of alcoholism is withdrawal symptoms. In a nutshell, withdrawal is what happens when your body is dependent on alcohol and you suddenly stop drinking. This creates a chemical balance inside of the body, which manifests through a variety of painful and uncomfortable symptoms.
If you are ready to get sober and are concerned about alcohol addiction symptoms, visit an addiction specialist immediately.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
While everyone is different, there is an alcohol withdrawal timeline that usually occurs. Most people will experience the same symptoms during the first 72 hours of sobriety. Those symptoms can include:
6 to 12 hours after drinking: you might experience headaches, insomnia, an upset stomach, shaking, nausea and vomiting.
12 to 24 hours after drinking: you might experience hallucinations (visual, auditory, or tactile), hand tremors, and seizures.
24 to 48 hours after drinking: you might experience breathing abnormalities, high blood pressure, confusion, sweating, and an irregular heart rate.
For many people, once you reach 72 hours, you will likely start to feel better. However, this depends on the severity of your drinking problem.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)
In some cases, recovering from alcoholism will involve prolonged side effects from abusing alcohol. PAWS can include symptoms such as delayed reflexes, chronic nausea, trouble sleeping, low energy, and more. Generally speaking, PAWS can last up to a year after you stop drinking.
Delirium Tremens (DTs)
In some cases, you will experience severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which are known as the DTs. This condition can cause delirium, body tremors, increased feelings of excitement or fear, and increased sensitivity to light, touch, and sound.
The DTs can occur within 4 days of your last drink. The symptoms can also worsen without any treatment. If you experience these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.
These Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
There are many symptoms of alcohol withdrawal you will likely experience when you stop drinking.
The severity of the symptoms you experience depends on a few factors, such as the severity of your addiction, when you stopped drinking, and how your body reacts to sobriety. By knowing what is to come, you can make sure you are properly prepared and are under the supervision of a medical team during your withdrawal.
Going through withdrawal is a necessary step on the path to sobriety.
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