Recognizing Early and Severe Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

What are the Early Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually start 6 to 12 hours after the last drink. These include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors in hands or other body parts.

• Anxiety: This is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. It’s common in the early stages of alcohol withdrawal.
• Insomnia: This is a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep.
• Tremors: These are involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions that cause shaking movements in one or more parts of the body, often the hands. They are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal.

What are the Severe Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually start 24 to 72 hours after the last drink. These include hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens, which can cause severe confusion, fever, disorientation, rapid heart rate and breathing, and uncontrollable shaking.

• Hallucinations: These are perceptions that occur without an external stimulus. They can involve any of the senses and can be a symptom of severe alcohol withdrawal.
• Seizures: These are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. They can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness.
• Delirium Tremens: This is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that causes sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes.

What Additional Symptoms May Occur During Alcohol Withdrawal?

Additional symptoms that may occur during alcohol withdrawal include loss of appetite, depression, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke in severe cases.

• Loss of Appetite: This is when you do not feel hungry or have a desire to eat. It can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal.
• Depression: This is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It can occur during alcohol withdrawal.
• Rapid Heart Rate: This is when the heart beats faster than normal. It can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal and can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Britney Elyse

Britney Elyse has over 15 years experience in mental health and addiction treatment. Britney completed her undergraduate work at San Francisco State University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Britney worked in the music industry for several years prior to discovering her calling as a therapist. Britney’s background in music management, gave her first hand experience working with musicians impacted by addiction. Britney specializes in treating trauma using Somatic Experiencing and evidence based practices. Britney’s work begins with forming a strong therapeutic alliance to gain trust and promote change. Britney has given many presentations on somatic therapy in the treatment setting to increase awareness and decrease the stigma of mental health issues. A few years ago, Britney moved into the role of Clinical Director and found her passion in supervising the clinical team. Britney’s unique approach to client care, allows us to access and heal, our most severe cases with compassion and love. Prior to join the Carrara team, Britney was the Clinical Director of a premier luxury treatment facility with 6 residential houses and an outpatient program