Ask friends or family to check on you throughout the detox process. Aside from providing emotional support, they can also call medical professionals if something goes wrong. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be painful and potentially life-threatening, so it’s important to have people you can rely on. The initial symptoms of alcohol detox are mild, but can quickly begin to worsen as time goes on.
It’s very important to seek help if you struggle with alcohol use disorder. It is possible to get treatment and live a healthier life with a better relationship with alcohol. Alcohol consumption spans a spectrum ranging from low risk to severe alcohol use disorder (AUD).
If you’re otherwise healthy and can stop drinking and get treatment, the outlook is usually good. However, sleep disturbances, irritability, and fatigue may continue for months. A high fever, hallucinations, and heart disturbances are all reasons to seek immediate help.
They may also need to give medications to help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Although uncommon, the most serious effect from Alcohol Detox alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens. It can start within two to five days after your last drink and can be life-threatening.
The likelihood of developing alcohol withdrawal increases with the amount and frequency of your alcohol intake. Seizures often occur in the early stages of withdrawal, and they may happen in the absence of other AWS. More than 90% of acute seizures occur in the first 48 hours after your last drink. Still, people experiencing these withdrawal symptoms are generally fully conscious and can think clearly.
The main ways to prevent alcohol withdrawal are to avoid alcohol altogether or to get professional help as soon as possible if you think you’re developing alcohol use disorder. It affects about 50% of people with alcohol use disorder who stop or significantly decrease their alcohol intake. AUD is the most common substance use disorder in the U.S., affecting 28.8 million adults. Alcohol withdrawal can range from very mild symptoms to a severe form, known as delirium tremens.