Checked for accuracy on 28 July 2026. Next review due July 2027. This page is general information about our programme and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation.
Alcohol withdrawal usually starts six to twelve hours after the last drink and peaks between 24 and 72 hours. Mild symptoms include anxiety, sweating, headache, poor appetite, insomnia and nausea. Moderate withdrawal brings tremors, mood swings and a raised heart rate and blood pressure. Severe withdrawal can bring hallucinations, seizures and delirium tremens, which is life threatening and needs immediate medical help. Sierra Recovery does not run a hospital detox unit: where a medically supervised detox is needed it is completed in an appropriate medical setting before the residential programme begins.
People who have developed alcohol dependence are at risk of a range of withdrawal symptoms. Detox exists to make that period safer and more manageable, and it is done under medical supervision rather than alone.
What Is Alcohol Dependence?
Alcohol dependence is when a person becomes physically and psychologically reliant on alcohol to function daily. Without alcohol, they will find it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks, so they find it difficult to stop drinking. Alcohol dependence is something that develops over time. First, people may develop a tolerance to alcohol as they increase consumption. Then, when their body gets used to large amounts of alcohol, it becomes increasingly difficult to limit intake.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome happens when a person dependent on alcohol experiences different negative reactions when quitting drinking. Alcohol has depressant effects on the body and affects the central nervous system. Because of this, people may need professional support to safely go through withdrawal.
Symptoms Of Withdrawal
Some common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Mild symptoms: Anxiety, sweating, headaches, decreased appetite, insomnia, and nausea.
- Moderate symptoms: Extreme mood swings, tremors, increased heartbeat and blood pressure, and palpitations.
- Severe symptoms: Hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens (DTs).
When Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Start?
Withdrawal symptoms start as early as six hours after the last drink. During this time, patients may start to experience some of the mild symptoms stated above. Severe withdrawal happens around 48 to 72 hours after a person last had alcohol. In extreme cases, symptoms may include delirium tremens (DTs), which is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. DTs will cause symptoms like body tremors, changes in mental function, and extreme confusion. DTs are life-threatening, so those who experience their symptoms should seek medical help immediately.
What Happens During Alcohol Detox?
During alcohol detox, professionals will monitor and manage your withdrawal symptoms. They will make the process more comfortable, as detox can be a difficult time for many. For example, they can prescribe medications such as benzodiazepines to help reduce alcohol cravings and prevent complications. Medications can also be prescribed to manage any co-occurring mental health disorders. Alcohol detox will also include various therapies to manage emotions and promote physical stability. This can include a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies that address the physical and psychological effects of alcohol addiction. For those continuing to full-time rehab, detox will also help you get ready by providing additional education and counselling sessions.
What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal?
Drinking alcohol slows down brain activity since it enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid. It also disrupts the neurochemical balance in the brain, causing structural and functional changes. So, when a person who constantly drinks suddenly quits the habit, it can overstimulate the body and brain. They will find it extremely difficult to regain balance and regulate normal processes. In addition, the chronic changes in the brain make alcohol addiction a long-term problem. Professional intervention is required so that alcohol withdrawal doesn’t become too dangerous.
How Long Withdrawal Symptoms Last
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may peak around 72 hours after the last drink. This is when people with alcohol dependence experience the most intense cravings and severe symptoms. During this time, people going through withdrawal must receive the most comprehensive support possible. The entire detox process generally lasts around one to two weeks. After this time, withdrawal symptoms may subside, but there may still be psychological cravings and emotional challenges. It’s important to remember that alcohol addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease. So, even after addiction treatment is over, people who suffer from AUD may experience cravings and urges to drink.
How To Detox Safely
To detox safely, it’s best to seek professional help. As mentioned earlier, they have the knowledge, tools, and expertise to make the process safe and comfortable. In the case that you can’t reach professional help for alcohol detox, here are some tips to keep in mind: - Have a good support system: A good support system that consists of trusted family or friends can help you safely go through detox. They can give you the courage to go through the difficult times of withdrawal. - Stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals: Good eating habits will help your body recover from the negative physical effects of alcohol addiction. - Get some rest: Detoxing from alcohol can take a physical toll on your body. Adequate rest will prevent overexertion. - Closely monitor symptoms: If your symptoms get too severe or if you start experiencing symptoms of DTs, it’s time to call for medical help. - Stay connected: Free support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), can provide encouragement and advice for people going through detox.
What Happens After Alcohol Detox?
After alcohol detox, many people go on to rehab. Rehab is a structured environment where people struggling with alcohol abuse can develop healthy coping mechanisms for their drinking problem. Rehab usually consists of a series of therapies, counselling, and other recreational activities. These activities aim to improve overall health and well-being so that people achieve long-term sobriety. Addiction treatment centres may also provide aftercare services after rehab. They may offer continued counselling or connect you with support groups and sober living homes. With a proper aftercare programme, it will be easier to prevent relapse and live an alcohol-free life.
When To Seek Help For Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal
It’s time to seek help for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal if you:
- Experience severe withdrawal symptoms every time you try to quit alcohol.
- Are unable to manage withdrawal symptoms at home.
- Have other health conditions that make withdrawal more dangerous, such as cardiovascular issues or mental health disorders.
- Don’t feel safe trying to go through alcohol withdrawal without professional help.
We Can Help With Treatment For Alcohol Dependency
It can be difficult to overcome alcohol dependency and its effects, but Sierra Recovery is here to help. We offer comprehensive and professional treatment for those struggling with alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependency. Our team knows that problems with alcohol use need a safe and secure during this difficult time. As such, we’ll create an ideal space for you to achieve long-term recovery. Reach out to us today to learn more.
Last reviewed 2026-07-27. Next review 2027-07-27.
Questions people actually ask
What makes alcohol withdrawal symptoms more severe?
The duration and intensity of alcohol use influence the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Those who have been drinking large amounts of alcohol for a long time are more likely to experience more severe symptoms. Additionally, a person´s overall health will also affect withdrawal symptoms, as underlying health conditions can make conditions worse.
What are some holistic therapies used in alcohol detox?
During alcohol detox, holistic therapies like yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, and massages may be utilised to promote overall well-being.
What medications are used during alcohol detox?
Some of the medications used during alcohol detox include acamprosate, benzodiazepines, disulfiram, and naltrexone. These help manage withdrawal symptoms and make the detox process more comfortable.
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