Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: What Happens to Your Body & When It’s Dangerous

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are a set of physical and emotional responses that happen when a person suddenly stops consuming alcohol after long-term use. Alcohol withdrawal is different from a hangover — it can last for days, even weeks, and is the result of a dependence on alcohol. 

More than 27 million people ages 12 and older in the United States reported an alcohol use disorder, according to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) [1]. That figure is the equivalent of 1 in 10 people.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms don’t affect every person who has an alcohol use disorder, but they are common. Roughly 50% of people abusing alcohol will experience withdrawal when they stop or dramatically lower their alcohol consumption [2]. 

What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms develop when someone stops or significantly reduces alcohol intake after prolonged heavy drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines heavy drinking as [3]:

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary, but some of the most common ones are [4]:

• Alcohol cravings
• Shaking (known as Delirium Tremens (DTs)
• Loss of appetite
• Low mood
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety
• Extreme tiredness
• Headache
• Bad stomach
• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Irritability
• Seizures

Symptoms can start as soon as 6 hours after a person’s last alcoholic drink. Withdrawal symptoms tend to peak within the first two days and subside afterward [5]. People with a heavy alcohol dependency will more likely experience a wider array of symptoms and for longer. Severe withdrawals can last for up to 2 weeks [6]. 

Seizures are rare but can happen in alcohol withdrawal. Roughly 1% of people in withdrawal have seizures between hours 6 and 24 [7]. People who have gone through alcohol withdrawal before, have a history of seizures, and have other health conditions are at higher risk of seizures.

What Happens To The Body During Alcohol Withdrawal?

When alcohol withdrawal occurs, the body tries to reach a state of homeostasis (regulation). 

Alcohol is a depressant and slows down the central nervous system slows down [8]. If a person has been consuming large amounts of alcohol consistently and over a long time, their central nervous system has to work harder to ensure that body functions continue. 

When the person stops drinking alcohol, the central nervous system can’t immediately respond to the change and becomes overstimulated. This shift is what causes withdrawal symptoms.

Is Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?

Most people who go through alcohol withdrawal are able to make a full recovery from their symptoms. However, alcohol withdrawal can be severe, and in some cases, life-threatening.

Factors that can influence the intensity of withdrawal include [9]:

• Age
• Existing health conditions
• Medications
• Other substance use/abuse
• Body chemistry 

People who are at risk of more severe withdrawal symptoms are:

• Heavy alcohol drinkers
• People older than 65
• People with a history of alcohol withdrawal seizures
• People with coexisting health conditions
• People who are dehydrated
• People who have brain lesions
• People who have abnormal liver function

Some symptoms may last for weeks after the person stops drinking alcohol — changes to sleep, mood, and energy levels, for example. Longer-term risks are heart disease, liver disease, and central nervous system disease.

Delirium Tremens (DTs) is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal and can be fatal. Around 1% to 1.5% of people with alcohol use disorder will have DTs [10]. The condition manifests as tremors, normally in the hands, as well as confusion, hallucinations, and other withdrawal symptoms. If left untreated, DT can lead to heart and circulatory problems that cause death; Treatment for DT is accessible, and mortality rates are low [11].

Is There Treatment For Alcohol Withdrawal?

Treatment for alcohol withdrawal is available for people who are/have been heavy drinkers, have experienced withdrawal before, and who are vulnerable to seizures or DTs.

Treatment is an effective way to manage symptoms, receive medication (if necessary), and ensure that withdrawal is as comfortable and successful.

A common form of treatment is detox programs that are designed to safely guide people through their withdrawal experience while also using therapeutic methods to address deeper causes of addiction. 

The Road to Recovery Starts at Renu: Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Costa Mesa 

Our values are centered around restoring balance in the mind, body, and nervous system. Our detox programs offer a secure, alcohol-free environment during the toughest stage of recovery, and we operate with expertise and empathy.

You’re not alone. You’re already on the right path by reading this. We’re here to help you take the next step.

Contact our admissions team and get back to good health.

FAQs

What are the first signs of alcohol withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically show 6 hours after a person’s last alcoholic drink. Initial symptoms may include sweating, nausea, and anxiety. Symptoms can intensify and last for longer periods of time if the person has consumed large amounts of alcohol frequently, over a long period.

How long does alcohol withdrawal last?

Many factors determine how long alcohol withdrawal lasts. On average, mild symptoms start 6 to 12 hours after the person’s last alcoholic drink. Symptoms peak between 24 and 48 hours. For the majority of people, symptoms are gone within 5 to 7 days.

People with more severe symptoms and other high-risk factors, like preexisting health conditions, may experience withdrawal for weeks or months.

What is the most dangerous stage of alcohol withdrawal?

Delirium Tremens (DTs) is the most dangerous symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Only 1% to 1.5% of people with alcohol use disorder will have DT, but it can be fatal. DT manifests as tremors, confusion, hallucinations, and other withdrawal symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to heart and circulatory problems, however, treatment for DT is accessible, and mortality rates are low.

Can alcohol withdrawal cause seizures?

Yes, alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures. People who have experienced withdrawal symptoms before, have a history of seizures, or who have other medical conditions are at higher risk. Seizures are one of the reasons why guided detox programs are recommended to ensure withdrawal is safe and monitored.

Is it safe to stop drinking alcohol on your own?

People with mild alcohol use disorder, no co-existing medical conditions, and no history of previous withdrawal may be suitable to stop drinking on their own. 

People who have a severe alcohol dependency, a history of withdrawal, and other health conditions should seek support from detox centers. Anyone who is at high risk for seizures should also ensure that they go through withdrawal with professional guidance. 

What factors make alcohol withdrawal more severe?

Factors like age, existing health conditions, medications, other substance use/abuse, and body chemistry can all influence the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Other factors are likely to make symptoms more severe, these include: being older than 65, being a heavy drinker, having a history of seizures, having brain lesions, and having abnormal liver function.

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