When someone quits drinking alcohol cold turkey, they abruptly stop their consumption of alcoholic beverages. This sudden cessation can result in withdrawal symptoms that can be highly uncomfCold Turkeyortable and may even be dangerous. If you or your loved one is planning to quit drinking cold turkey, make sure you know what the symptoms are to look out for and how to handle them when they occur.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. The most common symptoms include:
- Shaking or trembling
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Irritability
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
How Can I Deal With Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
If you experience any of the above symptoms after quitting drinking cold turkey, it is essential to seek medical help immediately. While most withdrawal symptoms will resolve on their own within a few days, some can be quite dangerous and may require medication or hospitalization. In some cases, seizures and hallucinations can be fatal.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms & Timeline
The first 24 hours are often the worst, as your body rids itself of the toxic effects of alcohol. Symptoms may include:
- Shaking or tremors
- Anxiety and/or nervousness
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
Increased blood pressure and heart rate. The next few days are dramatic as your body adjusts to no longer having alcohol in its system. Symptoms may include:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Depression &/or suicidal thoughts
Some people experience hallucinations during this time, but generally, these will only occur if you have a history of mental illness or other risk factors. After a day or two, symptoms should begin to improve.
Depression and anxiety continue for several weeks after you stop drinking alcohol but generally get easier with time. Like all addictions, recovery takes time, patience, and support.
Signs and Side Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a name for the range of symptoms that can occur when a person who regularly drinks large quantities of alcohol suddenly stops drinking.
AWS can be broken into mild, moderate, and severe categories.
- Mild AWS includes anxiety, headache, nausea, and insomnia.
- Moderate AWS has symptoms such as tremors, confusion, and hallucinations.
- Severe AWS can be life-threatening and includes symptoms such as seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and coma.
The time it takes for the symptoms of AWS to appear depends on how much alcohol a person consumes and how long they have been drinking. Generally, the symptoms will start within 12 hours of the last drink and peak between 24 and 48 hours. Symptoms usually resolve within 5 to 7 days.
However, AWS can persist for weeks or even months after quitting alcohol in some cases. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
PAWS can include depression, anxiety, fatigue, lack of motivation or pleasure in life, memory problems, and sleep disturbances.
The Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that slows down the activity of the brain and nerves. When you stop drinking alcohol after chronic heavy use, your body goes into overdrive because the absence of alcohol in the system causes your brain to over-activate. The withdrawal symptoms usually begin 6-12 hours after your last drink, peak one or two days later, and then slowly start to fade. You can learn more on how alcohol affects heart failure.
Symptoms
A person who is withdrawing from alcohol may display signs that are mild when they first appear but become increasingly severe and include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Aggression or hostility toward others
- Clammy skin
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Appetite loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Cognitive difficulties
- Mood swings
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Agitation
- Depression
- Short-term memory lapses
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling generally unwell.
Other symptoms may also occur, such as hallucinations/psychosis, tremors (shaking), and sweating. Some people get depressed when they stop drinking and may have thoughts about harming themselves.
Timeline
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms will usually start within 12 hours of the last drink, peak at 24-48 hours, and then slowly fade. However, they can persist for weeks or even months in some cases.
Medical help should be sought if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Hallucinations/Psychosis: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there is one of the most severe symptoms. A person may require hospitalization if this is experienced.
- Seizures: This can be due to the over-activation of the central nervous system, which is very dangerous. Hospitalization will usually be required, with seizures lasting at least 5-10 minutes.
- Delirium Tremens (DTs): This can be a life-threatening condition where confusion, fever, seizures, rapid heart rate, and agitation are present. Hospitalization will usually be required.
- Coma: This is an extremely dangerous state of being unconscious that may lead to death if untreated.
- Hospitalization will usually be required.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
This can last for weeks or months after stopping drinking and is characterized by depression, sleep disturbances, low energy levels, anxiety, and problems with memory and concentration.
Prevention: There are some things that a person can do to lower their chances of severe alcohol withdrawal. Staying hydrated by drinking water will be helpful, especially before bed. It is also essential to eat healthy food and avoid caffeine, worsening withdrawal symptoms.
Some medications can help reduce the risk of severe alcohol withdrawal but should only be taken under medical supervision. Benzodiazepines such as Valium and Librium are often prescribed to help reduce anxiety, agitation, and seizures. Beta-blockers such as propranolol can help lower heart rate and blood pressure.
If you are experiencing alcohol withdrawal, it is essential to seek medical help. The symptoms can be severe and life-threatening in some cases. Medications and treatments can help alleviate some signs and prevent severe complications.
Alcohol Withdrawal Causes and Other Negative Effects
Cold turkey quitting drinking can have other adverse effects such as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), which can last for weeks or months. PAWS can be treated with various drugs, but only under the supervision of a doctor. Benzodiazepines such as Valium and Librium are frequently given to treat anxiety, agitation, and seizures. Beta-blockers like propranolol can assist relieve prehypertension.
Alcohol Detox Treatment
There are a few different types of alcohol detox treatments. Some people choose to stop drinking cold turkey, while others may go through a detoxification program. Some medications can be used to help with the detox process.
How to Stop Drinking Safely and Easily
If you are looking to stop drinking, it is essential to do so safely and efficiently. There are a few things that you can do to lower your chances of experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal. Staying hydrated by drinking water will be helpful, especially before bed. It is also essential to eat healthy food and avoid caffeine, worsening withdrawal symptoms.
The detox process is usually not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable for some people. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical help. The symptoms can be severe and life-threatening in some cases. Medications and treatments can help alleviate some signs and prevent severe complications.
There are a few different types of alcohol detox treatments. Some people choose to stop drinking cold turkey, while others may go through a detoxification program. Some medications can be used to help with the detox process.
If you don’t want to quit drinking cold turkey and your symptoms continue for more than a few hours after your last drink, you can always visit a doctor. Medications and therapies may be available to relieve some symptoms and avoid severe issues. They might also give pointers on how to stop drinking in the future if you decide that cold turkey isn’t for you.
If you feel sick due to alcohol withdrawal, you must contact a health professional. In some circumstances, the symptoms can be severe and potentially deadly. Medications and therapies may help relieve some of the discomforts while also minimizing potential problems.
Can your body go into shock when you stop drinking?
Yes, your body can go into shock when you stop drinking. This is a life-threatening condition where confusion, fever, seizures, rapid heart rate, and agitation are present. Hospitalization will usually be required.
Can I die from alcohol withdrawal?
Yes, you can die from alcohol withdrawal. This is a life-threatening condition where confusion, fever, seizures, rapid heart rate, and agitation are present. Hospitalization will usually be required.
How long after quitting drinking do you feel normal again?
It can take weeks or months for you to feel normal again after quitting drinking. This is because of the Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), which can last for weeks or months. Some medications can help with PAWS but should only be taken under medical supervision.
What is alcohol withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is the symptom that occurs after your blood alcohol levels start to fall. This can begin between 6 hours and two days after your last drink. Many times, your body becomes used to the presence of alcohol in its system, leading to withdrawal symptoms when it starts to decrease.
What is detox?
Detox, or detoxification, is the process of removing toxins from the body. In the case of alcohol, detoxification occurs after you stop drinking. There are a few different types of detox treatments. Some people choose to stop drinking cold turkey, while others may go through a detoxification program. Some medications can be used to help with the detox process.
What is the difference between detoxing off alcohol, going cold turkey?
Detoxing off alcohol refers to the process of allowing the body to rid itself of all the alcohol in its system. This can be done through a detoxification program or quitting drinking cold turkey. Quitting drinking cold turkey is when you abruptly stop drinking without any assistance from medication or other treatments.
Can I drink during alcohol detox?
No, you should not drink during alcohol detox. This can lead to dangerous alcohol poisoning, which could be life-threatening. Alcohol detox is the process of removing all of the alcohol from your system, which can be done through a detoxification program or by quitting drinking cold turkey. Going without any treatment has no health benefits and can lead to fruitless relapses in drinking.
Treatments for Alcoholism
Alcoholism is the dependency on alcohol, which can cause serious health problems. Alcohol detox typically involves treatment to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and avoid relapse. There are many different treatment options, but medications are often used to help with some withdrawal symptoms that may interfere with other treatments. Some medications can even be used long-term for continued sobriety.
What is the best way to detox from alcohol?
The best way to detox from alcohol is through a medically supervised detoxification program. This can allow you to be monitored during one of the most sensitive periods in your sobriety. Many medications and therapies will be available to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and avoid relapse. However, this method does not address the mental dependence on alcohol, which will need to be treated with therapy.
Can I detox from alcohol at home?
No, you should not detox from alcohol at home. This is because alcohol detox can be life-threatening. Alcohol withdrawal can cause high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, seizures, and agitation, leading to death. Do not attempt to detox from alcohol at home since this will only increase the risk of severe health complications or even death.
What medications can help with alcohol withdrawal?
Some medications can help reduce the effects of alcohol withdrawal, but it is important to note that this method may not address mental dependence on alcohol. Some common medications for detox from alcohol include benzodiazepines such as Valium and Librium, beta-blockers such as propranolol, and anti-seizure medications such as phenobarbital. It is essential to work with a doctor to find the best remedy for you and ensure that you are not at risk for any dangerous interactions.
How long does alcohol detox last?
The length of alcohol detox will vary depending on the person. It will generally last between a few days to a few weeks. During this time, you will need to avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages since alcohol detox is the process of removing all of the alcohol from your system. Once the detox is complete, some medications may be needed for on-going sobriety.
What is a safe way to quit drinking?
The safest way to quit drinking is through a medically supervised detoxification program. This can allow you to be monitored during one of the most sensitive periods in your sobriety and ensure that you are safe from any life-threatening alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
