How long to physically withdraw from alcohol

According to a article in the New England Journal of Medicine , an estimated 50 percent of people with an alcohol use disorder go through withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. Doctors estimate 3 to 5 percent of people will have severe symptoms. Multiple factors can affect how long it may take you to withdraw from alcohol.

A doctor will consider all these factors when estimating how long-lasting and how severe your symptoms may be. Some rehabilitation facilities offer a rapid detox process. This involves giving a person sedative medication so they are not awake and aware of their symptoms. However, this approach is not well suited for those with other health problems, such as heart or liver problems.

You may not need any medications for alcohol withdrawal. You can still pursue therapy and support groups as you go through withdrawal. You may need medications if you have moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. Examples of these include:. Doctors may prescribe other medications to treat withdrawal-related symptoms. One example is a beta-blocker such as propranolol to reduce high blood pressure.

Once the immediate withdrawal symptoms have passed, a doctor may prescribe medicines to reduce the likelihood that a person will start drinking again.

Examples include:. A doctor may discuss these and other medicines with you. You can choose to use these along with therapy and support groups to help you maintain your sobriety. If your drinking makes you feel out of control and you are ready to seek help, many organizations can assist you. Although detox tends to last about a week, this process can feel like it goes on forever. Support is key during this transitional phase of alcohol addiction recovery.

Research shows that medical detox alone is not enough to help people fully recover from alcohol addiction. Inpatient treatment can be a helpful way to address the underlying causes of alcoholism. In an inpatient rehab center, patients are empowered with personalized coping methods that may work for them.

Patients may engage in therapeutic groups and recreational activities. These help to stimulate the mind, and introduce patients to more natural ways of relaxing and enjoying life. The supportive atmosphere found in our treatment centers can be especially helpful for those who have tried to quit drinking before. Studies have found that treatment lasting at least 90 days is associated with better recovery outcomes. You do not have to battle alcohol withdrawal alone. For more information on alcohol detox, or to find the right rehab program for you, contact one of our treatment specialists today.

This page does not provide medical advice. Don't Wait. Get Help Now Alcoholics and their loved ones often mistake it for a simple side effect associated with recovery. Withdrawal is life-threatening for many alcoholics , and the immediate risks often outweigh the benefits.

It seems counterintuitive to suggest those with an addiction to alcohol avoid quitting to minimize their risk of withdrawal, but medical professionals recommend detoxing in a supervised medical facility. Withdrawal begins approximately 8 hours after the last drink , but can occur as quickly as two hours after a person gives up drinking. It lasts anywhere from a week to several weeks depending on the severity of its symptoms.

Understanding withdrawal is challenging. There are three stages to alcohol withdrawal , but not everyone experiences all of them, any of them, or a combination when they quit drinking. There are too many factors that work together to determine whether an alcoholic will experience any symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome when quitting.

These factors include:. An alcoholic affected by alcohol addiction every day for more than a decade is more likely to be impacted by withdrawal symptoms than a person who has only had a dependence for a few months. Someone with mental health disorders is more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms than someone with a clean bill of health.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin when an alcoholic quits drinking. It might begin anywhere from two hours to a solid day after someone consumes that last beverage.

The average amount of time it takes someone to begin showing signs of withdrawal is 8 hours. The first stage is the least severe, but symptoms vary from person to person. Keeping a "drinking diary" may be recommended so you can record how many units of alcohol you drink a week. You may also be given tips about social drinking , such as alternating soft drinks with alcoholic drinks when you're out with friends.

Cutting alcohol out completely will have a greater health benefit. However, moderation is often a more realistic goal, or at least a first step on the way to abstinence. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but there are circumstances where abstinence is strongly recommended, including if you:. Abstinence may also be recommended if you've previously been unsuccessful with moderation. If you choose moderation, you'll probably be asked to attend further counselling sessions so your progress can be assessed, and further treatment and advice can be provided if needed.

You may also have regular blood tests so the health of your liver can be carefully monitored. If you're dependent on alcohol to function, it's recommended you seek medical advice to manage your withdrawal. Some people may be prescribed medication to help achieve abstinence. You may also choose to attend self-help groups, receive extended counselling, or use a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy CBT. How and where you attempt detoxification will be determined by your level of alcohol dependency.

In mild cases, you should be able to detox at home without the use of medication as your withdrawal symptoms should also be mild. If your consumption of alcohol is high more than 20 units a day or you've previously experienced withdrawal symptoms, you may also be able to detox at home with medication to help ease withdrawal symptoms. A tranquiliser called chlordiazepoxide is usually used for this purpose.

If your dependency is severe, you may need to go to a hospital or clinic to detox. This is because the withdrawal symptoms will also be severe and are likely to need specialist treatment. Your withdrawal symptoms will be at their worst for the first 48 hours. They should gradually start to improve as your body begins to adjust to being without alcohol. This usually takes 3 to 7 days from the time of your last drink.

You'll also find your sleep is disturbed. You may wake up several times during the night or have problems getting to sleep. This is to be expected, and your sleep patterns should return to normal within a month.

During detox, make sure you drink plenty of fluids about 3 litres a day. However, avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated drinks, including tea and coffee, because they can make your sleep problems worse and cause feelings of anxiety. Water, squash or fruit juice are better choices. Try to eat regular meals, even if you're not feeling hungry. Your appetite will return gradually.