Alcohol Withdrawal: How Long Does It Take?
For those suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms, a day can feel like an eternity. The good news is that, like intoxication itself, alcohol withdrawal syndrome is temporary. Here's what you should plan to expect during alcohol withdrawal and how long it might last.
Note: the severity of your symptoms—as well as the duration—will depend on the extent of your alcohol dependency.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
-
Expect to begin feeling the effects within 5-10 hours of your last drink.
- Initial symptoms: shakiness, sweats, nausea, anxiety, sleep problems.
-
Symptoms will peak around 48-72 hours.
-
If delirium tremens occurs, it will generally happen 72 hours or 7-10 days after the last drink.
- Symptoms of delirium tremens: confusion, hallucinations, seizures. This is a life-threatening condition and requires medical supervision.
-
If delirium tremens occurs, it will generally happen 72 hours or 7-10 days after the last drink.
Sources
"Alcohol Withdrawal." http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/25725.html. IntelliHealth., 5 Jan. 2010. Web. 8 Jul. 2011.
"Delirium Tremens." http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000766.htm. Medline., 22 Jun. 2011. Web. 8 Jul. 2011.
West, James W. "How Long Does Withdrawal Last?" http://www.bettyfordcenter.org/treatment/doctors-office/how-long-does-withdrawal-last.php. Betty Ford Center., 24 Jun. 2010. Web. 8 Jul. 2011.
- Most symptoms generally subside after a few weeks.
-
Less severe side effects (irritability, insomnia, etc.) tend to last for about as long as you were heavily drinking; in severe cases, anywhere from 3-12 months.
- This generally includes mood and sleep disturbances.