What is a Typical Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline?

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man wondering about alcohol withdrawal timeline

Would it surprise you to know the possibility of alcohol withdrawal acts as a deterrent for some people wanting help? It’s true. Some people choose to keep drinking instead of having to deal with harsh alcohol withdrawal symptoms. In reality, alcohol withdrawal does have the potential of causing problems. Just the same, that should never keep someone from seeking help for a better life. If knowledge would make a difference, we offer some information about the alcohol withdrawal timeline.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Before discussing the average alcohol withdrawal timeline, let’s get info about alcohol withdrawal symptoms. As a Houston detox center, Kemah Palms Recovery® knows a thing or two about the alcohol withdrawal timeline and treatment.

As the body and mind become dependent on alcohol, the individual becomes subject to addiction. Dependence becomes an addiction when certain behaviors fall into place. Once addiction sets in, the physiological changes in the body create a need for alcohol. At the point where the user decides to withhold alcohol, the body reacts. We call these reactions withdrawal symptoms. The most common and harsh withdrawal symptoms that require an alcohol detox program include the following:

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Issues with heart-rate, breathing, and blood pressure
  • Tremors, convulsions, hallucinations and possible nightmares
  • Sleeping issues–insomnia and sleep deprivation
  • Psych issues like anxiety, anger, and depression
  • Mental confusion and diminished capacity to perform simple tasks
  • Mood swings

Now that we have established what happens when the body doesn’t get what it needs, we can discuss a typical alcohol withdrawal timeline.

The Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Remember, the alcohol withdrawal timeline can vary from one person to the next. The length of the timeline depends on factors such as:

  • Length of addiction
  • Amount of alcohol the user consumes
  • The height and weight of the addict
  • Amount of alcohol being consumed per day
  • The frequency of drinking

Instead of trying to target one group over another, we layout the average timeline. Within the first 6-8 hours of abstinence, the drinker might experience stomach cramping, anxiety, and agitation. That’s phase one. During phase two, blood pressure, breathing problems and mental confusion sets in. This usually occurs with the first 24-48 hours. By day three, the real challenge begins as tremors, convulsions, and hallucinations become a real possibility. With any luck, the worst withdrawal symptoms will only last a day or two. By the end of the first week, the individual should start getting some clarity. It is possible for some symptoms to linger for several weeks before the individual feels normal.

Withdrawal Treatment and Other Services at Kemah Palms Recovery®

As a full-service addiction rehab center in Texas, Kemah Palms offers medically-monitored detox programs. We have designed our detox programs to help the patient get past their withdrawal symptoms with a minimum of discomfort. While under a doctor’s care, the patient might get prescription medications to help with pain and sleeping issues during detox. The goal of detox and the alcohol withdrawal timeline is to make sure the patient ends up with the capacity to participate in counseling and therapy.

We have structured our treatment programs around evidence-based treatment modalities with extra emphasis on holistic treatment options. We prefer to treat the whole individual as a unique patient with unique circumstances. To help us facilitate this high level of treatment, we offer the following options among a more extensive list:

Now that you have a better understanding of the alcohol withdrawal timeline, we hope you can find the motivation to get help. The cycle of addiction doesn’t offer you much of a future. If you would like more information about detox and addiction treatment, call Kemah Palms Recovery® today. You can reach one of our staff members at 855-568-0218.