Last checked for clinical accuracy on 14 April 2025. This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation.
Common side effects of alcohol withdrawal include shaking or tremors, sweating, nausea, headache, agitation, anxiety and insomnia. They can start as early as 6 to 12 hours after the last drink and tend to peak between 24 and 72 hours, although some people feel symptoms for weeks. More serious complications include hallucinations, seizures and delirium tremens. Speak to a doctor before stopping, because a supervised withdrawal is safer.
Before you go further, a safety note
If you are physically dependent on alcohol or on benzodiazepines such as diazepam or alprazolam, do not stop taking them suddenly. Sudden withdrawal from either can cause seizures and can be life threatening. A medically supervised withdrawal is the safe route, and your GP can arrange one.
In an emergency call 999 in the UK, or 112 anywhere in Europe. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, NHS 111 is available in England around the clock.
In 2014 alone, there was a whopping 4.9%, or 240 million people worldwide, were suffering from alcohol use disorder. This is composed of 7.8% men and 1.5% women. Because alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances, we can only assume that the numbers will continue to rise unless we continue to raise awareness and continue to encourage people that it is okay to get help. It is okay to reach out because someone will always be ready to listen and help. Come with us as we take you through a journey of learning about alcohol withdrawal and what the side effects are that you can experience.
What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
Drinking beyond your body's limit can be extremely irritating for your system. Once you start drinking consistently, your body will have to catch up, and it will slowly become dependent on alcohol over time. As a result, the central nervous system will not be able to adapt to the lack of alcohol in the system easily. If a person suddenly stops the consistent intake of alcohol or reduces the intake by a significant amount, it will cause the person to develop alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
When do Withdrawal Symptoms Start?
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may start as early as 6 hours up to 12 hours after the last consumption of alcohol. The person may experience relatively mild symptoms of withdrawal, such as headaches, mild anxiety, insomnia, small tremors, and an upset stomach. After 24 hours since the last drink, the person experiencing withdrawal may experience visual, auditory, and/or tactile hallucinations. On the other hand, between the window of 24 to 72 hours, several symptoms may have reached their peak and have started to slowly wear off. The risks of experiencing seizures may be at their highest during 24 to 48 hours after the last drink, which would require the need to be closely monitored and seizure prophylaxis. During the window of 48 to 72 hours after the last consumption of alcohol, the possibility of withdrawal delirium tremens appears; delirium tremens is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal. This occurs if withdrawal symptoms are left untreated and seen in up to one-third of patients.
What Happens During Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detoxification is one of the most essential steps in any addiction recovery journey. People will surely experience different things during this process, and that will depend on several factors around the severity of their addiction. The process of detoxification will depend on the overall assessment of your situation, but here is a quick overview of what happens during the detoxification: The first course of action will be to slowly remove alcohol from your system under medical supervision. The use of controlled medications will also be utilised to help manage the symptoms arising. Further down the process, it is also important to ensure adequate hydration while the body processes and eliminates alcohol from the body. The licensed professionals will then conduct the intake assessment and, based on the assessment, will continue to prepare for further treatment.
What are the Side Effects?
Examples of common side effects of alcohol withdrawal are:
- Shaking/tremors
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Headache
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
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How Long Do Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
The symptoms that are experienced during alcohol withdrawal tend to reach their peak at the 24-hour to 72-hour mark after the last drink. However, you may experience symptoms for weeks depending on several factors.
Risk Factors
There are significant risk factors associated with alcohol withdrawal, and here are examples of the risk factors that you can keep an eye out for:
- A history of withdrawal is considered a risk factor for future episodes and instances.
- A history of alcohol withdrawal seizures is also a risk of experiencing more severe alcohol withdrawal.
- Approximately 50% of people who have a history of long-term heavy alcohol consumption will experience mild alcohol withdrawal.
- Approximately 10% of symptomatic people will progress.
- Generalised tonic-clonic seizures. - 1/3 of patients could progress from withdrawal seizures to delirium tremens if left untreated.
Management of Alcohol Withdrawal
There are several goals for the management of alcohol withdrawal, such as to reduce or minimise the withdrawal symptoms, stop the development of complications, and provide treatment for alcohol use disorder. However, the proposed treatment will differ based on the severity of alcohol withdrawal.
Detox
Detoxification is usually the first step of any recovery journey. It is a crucial step to break the cycle of addiction because it slowly eliminates the physical dependence on alcohol. It helps minimise the health risks associated with alcohol abuse, and it prepares the body for further treatment.
Therapy
Therapy is essential for building and strengthening the foundation patients have in order to intercept the progression of symptoms and advocate for their safety. This is also important because it will help motivate patients to commit to long-term treatment.
Aftercare
Recovery from addiction is never considered linear. People will experience setbacks. Aftercare is essential to have additional and continuous support even after treatment. This could be essential in maintaining long-term sobriety, relapse prevention, and enforcing accountability. It is beneficial for the patients to be surrounded by people who understand what they are going through.
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If I Have Alcohol Dependency, Can I Detox at Home?
It is possible to undergo the detoxification process at home. However, the process is going to require a lot of preparation, both emotionally and physically, besides all the material things. The process itself is very tricky, and attempting to go through it at home without the guidance of a licensed professional can have consequences. It is important to ask for a professional's opinion because they can assess the severity of your case and whether or not detoxification at home is a good idea. They can also prescribe medications for you to make the symptoms more manageable and for you to be safe throughout the process.
Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol dependence is being unable to reduce the amount of alcohol consumption without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This can make the withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming alcohol more complicated because the body is both physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a compilation of symptoms that are experienced after people decrease their alcohol consumption or stop drinking alcohol altogether. Some common symptoms are anxiety, shakiness, sweating, vomiting, and accelerated heart rate.
Severity Of Dependence or Addiction
The severity of dependence or addiction can directly influence the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. Severe dependence accompanied by high tolerance levels and physical and psychological dependence can result in life-threatening symptoms such as seizures, delirium tremens, and even death. For those who are experiencing mild symptoms, it is generally more manageable but still uncomfortable.
Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal
The treatment process for alcohol withdrawal will depend on how your healthcare provider will conceptualise your treatment plan based on your specific goals, needs, and other commitments.
Detox Safely
Yes, you can do the detoxification process at home, but this is at the discretion of your doctor. It is essential to take the proper precautions and be well-informed about the possibilities of what could happen. Depending on the assessment, if advised by your healthcare provider, you may have to undergo detoxification in a hospital or a centre. The following are theindications for in-hospital treatment: - History of severe AWS, including delirium tremens or withdrawal seizures - Current severe withdrawal with high alcohol levels - Co-morbid physical conditions (e.g. liver disease, epilepsy, cardiac issues, mobility impairments) - Pregnancy - Co-morbid mental health issues (e.g. dementia, psychosis, high suicide risk) - Complex social issues (e.g. homelessness, domestic violence) - Repeated failed community medically assisted alcohol withdrawal (MAW) episodes with worsening AWS Following your healthcare provider will provide you with the safest outcome to reach your goals in recovery.
What To Expect
During the treatment process of alcohol withdrawal, it is normal to expect some physical and emotional difficulty, especially during the detoxification process. You should also expect that if the symptoms get out of hand, you will have to go to the hospital. To get a better view of what you can expect, you should also read about your condition and look for people who have experienced the same things. This will also help you prepare better in terms of what you need to have around you and when to do certain things to ensure you have a safe recovery journey.
Medication To Help with Symptoms of Withdrawal
Several medications are used to help manage the signs and symptoms of withdrawal according to the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. For mild alcohol withdrawal that does not have the risk of progressing into moderate or severe symptoms, healthcare providers may prescribe gabapentin and carbamazepine. For moderate alcohol withdrawal, barbiturates and benzodiazepines are usually the first medications to be prescribed to patients to minimise the risk of seizures and the development of delirium tremens. Some examples are: - Diazepam - Lorazepam - Phenobarbital - Chlordiazepoxide Severe or complicated withdrawal usually requires hospitalisation to be closely monitored by healthcare professionals. The medications normally used are long-acting benzodiazepines such as IV diazepam and IV lorazepam.
The Benefits of Detox
There are several benefits of detoxification, such as:
- The improvement of mood, anxiety, and stress levels
- The ability to have a better sleep
- The improvement of relationships with friends, family, and loved ones.
- The enhancement of attention and concentration.
- The increase in energy levels and productivity.
What to Do If You Experience or Are Concerned About Side Effects
It is important not to panic, be aware of what you feel, and ask for opinions about what you are experiencing. If you have a prior history of alcohol abuse or any other substance abuse disorder, it is important to read up and understand the risks and possible problems that could happen in the long run. However, during these kinds of situations, it is important to not hesitate to ask for a professional's help, especially if you are experiencing side effects such as severe headaches, shaking, tremors, hypertension, or repetitive vomiting, it is important to seek treatment right away.
We Are Here to Help
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are more common than we think, and it is important to raise awareness about how it can affect each aspect of our lives. It is important to see alcohol as a disease, and people who abuse it can quickly become overpowered by the addiction. However, we can save a life by lending a hand to those who are ready to break free from the shackles of alcohol addiction. Sometimes, we cannot avoid using alcohol as a coping mechanism, but we can slowly learn new ones by putting the work in and recovering from alcohol addiction. Trusting the course of treatment is important for the therapeutic process to work. Contact us today and experience the sober life with Sierra Recovery. Find help for alcoholism today
Last reviewed 2026-07-25. Next review 2027-07-25.
Questions people actually ask
When do alcohol withdrawal symptoms start and peak?
Symptoms can begin as early as 6 to 12 hours after the last drink, often as headaches, mild anxiety, insomnia, small tremors and an upset stomach. Visual, auditory or tactile hallucinations may appear after 24 hours. Symptoms tend to peak between 24 and 72 hours and then slowly wear off, although some people notice effects for weeks.
How dangerous is alcohol withdrawal?
It can be serious. The risk of seizures is highest 24 to 48 hours after the last drink, and delirium tremens, the most severe form, can appear between 48 and 72 hours if withdrawal is left untreated. Severe dependence with high tolerance can produce life-threatening symptoms. Mild symptoms are more manageable but still uncomfortable. Do not stop drinking suddenly without medical advice.
Can I detox from alcohol at home?
It is possible, but only at your doctor's discretion and after a proper assessment. Attempting it without the guidance of a licensed professional can have consequences. A professional can judge whether home detox is appropriate and prescribe medication to make symptoms safer and more manageable. In-hospital treatment is indicated for people with a history of severe withdrawal or seizures, pregnancy, or significant health conditions.
What medications are used for alcohol withdrawal?
It depends on severity, and it is a decision for your healthcare provider. For mild withdrawal not expected to progress, gabapentin and carbamazepine may be prescribed. For moderate withdrawal, benzodiazepines and barbiturates such as diazepam, lorazepam, chlordiazepoxide or phenobarbital are usually first choices to reduce seizure risk. Severe or complicated withdrawal usually requires hospital care with close monitoring.
When should I ask for urgent help?
Do not hesitate to seek a professional's help if you experience severe headaches, shaking, tremors, high blood pressure or repeated vomiting. Try not to panic, pay attention to what you are feeling, and ask for an opinion rather than waiting it out. If symptoms get out of hand, hospital care may be needed. In an emergency call 999 in the UK or 112 in Europe.
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