Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms - Effects and Risks

Learn about the symptoms that can arise when an individual reduces or stops alcohol consumption and the potential health risks associated with alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms FAQ

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What happens if you stop drinking alcohol?

Your CNS must work harder to overcome the depressant effects of alcohol to keep your body functioning. When you stop consuming alcohol after prolonged, heavy use, your CNS can’t respond or regulate itself fast enough. It becomes overexcited because there’s no more alcohol to slow it down.

What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within six to 24 hours of stopping or significantly decreasing heavy, long-term alcohol use. Symptoms — ordered from mild to severe — include: Headache. Anxiety, nervousness or irritability. Insomnia. Excessive sweating. Upset stomach. Heart palpitations. Increased blood pressure. Increased heart rate.

What is alcohol withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal refers to the physical and mental effects a person experiences after stopping prolonged and heavy alcohol use. When you suddenly stop drinking, your body is deprived of the effects of alcohol and requires time to adjust to functioning without it.

Can alcohol withdrawal be fatal?

Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal and may require medical supervision. Alcohol withdrawal causes physical and emotional symptoms like shaking, sweating, headache, nausea, agitation, irritability, and anxiety. The timeline for alcohol withdrawal varies. Symptoms can begin a few hours or a few days after you stop drinking.

How long do alcohol withdrawal symptoms last?

Someone who is alcohol dependent needs alcohol to feel normal. People who are alcohol dependent usually start having withdrawal symptoms 6 to 12 hours after their last drink, but the symptoms can start up to 72 hours (3 days) after the last drink. The symptoms usually get more intense, reaching their peak in the first 48 hours.

What is alcohol withdrawal syndrome (alcohol withdrawal syndrome)?

Alcohol withdrawal (alcohol withdrawal syndrome) is a range of symptoms that can happen if you stop or significantly reduce alcohol intake after long-term use. It typically affects people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol withdrawal can range from very mild symptoms to a severe form, known as delirium tremens.