The Hidden Risks Behind Alcohol Detox
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
For many people, the decision to stop drinking begins with hope, but the body doesn’t always catch up right away. When alcohol use suddenly stops, the nervous system can react loudly, sometimes dangerously. Understanding what happens next can be the difference between discomfort and a medical emergency.
Chronic alcohol drinkers and people battling alcohol use disorder who abruptly cease drinking or significantly reduce their alcohol intake may experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). AWS symptoms can last for days after drinking alcohol, ranging from mild to severe. The body is detoxifying from alcohol, causing discomfort and potentially dangerous conditions.
If you depend on alcohol, it’s crucial to know the signs of alcohol withdrawal. If the symptoms become moderate or severe, seek assistance from a healthcare provider.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
People who drink frequently and then suddenly cease may experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
While AWS generally affects adults, it can also occur in teenagers or children. The likelihood of experiencing alcohol withdrawal syndrome increases with the duration of alcohol dependence.
Symptoms of AWS can vary from mild to life-threatening and should be continuously monitored and recorded. The risk of complications rises when additional medical conditions are involved.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the history and severity of alcohol use. Physical and mental symptoms can manifest, potentially starting mere hours after your final alcoholic beverage.
People with pre-existing physical and mental health issues may undergo these symptoms with greater severity.
Typically, alcohol withdrawal syndrome encompasses three stages:
AWS Mild symptoms
The most common signs of alcohol withdrawal syndrome usually start within six to twelve hours after the last drink. These signs include:
- A throbbing headache
- Perspiration
- Yearning for alcohol
- Restlessness
- Sleeplessness
- Intense dreams
- Lack of hunger
- Feeling queasy
- Throwing up
- Being easily annoyed
- Difficulty in concentrating or clear thinking
AWS Moderate Symptoms
Moderate alcohol withdrawal syndrome appears alongside mild ones and generally starts about 24 hours after the last drink. These symptoms may include:
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Shakiness
- Tremors
- Abnormal breathing
- Mild hypothermia with pale, cold, or numb limbs
- Shivering
- Extreme agitation
It’s crucial to watch these new symptoms closely, as they can rapidly escalate and become hazardous.
AWS Severe Symptoms
All alcohol withdrawal syndrome symptoms can persist as the final stage of withdrawal starts. The most severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms are alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens (DT), which can be deadly.
If you are suffering from extreme AWS, it’s a medical crisis, and immediate medical assistance is necessary.
How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Last?
The timeline for alcohol withdrawal syndrome varies from person to person, but symptoms typically follow a predictable pattern. Mild symptoms can begin within hours, while more severe complications may emerge days later. For some individuals, lingering effects such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, or mood changes may last weeks. Because alcohol withdrawal syndrome can evolve quickly, professional monitoring is often recommended, even when symptoms seem manageable at first. Early medical intervention can significantly reduce risks and improve comfort during detox.
Diagnosis for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Healthcare providers typically take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical examination. Doctors may ask for blood or toxicology tests to check for more health issues, concerns, or the presence of drugs.
These tests can help identify any underlying issues affecting a person’s health. Doctors must gather this information to provide the best possible care for their patients. Testing for these factors can help doctors make informed decisions about treatment options.
The Revised Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale (CIWA-Ar) is a questionnaire utilized by medical practitioners to assist in identifying alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). The CIWA-Ar also helps gauge the severity of symptoms in patients, allowing for accurate and timely treatment.
The CIWA-Ar evaluates and scores the subsequent symptoms on a scale ranging from 1 to 10:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors
- Paroxysmal sweats, which are sudden, uncontrollable, and excessive sweating
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Tactile disturbances
- Visual disturbances
- Headache or a sensation of fullness and heaviness in the head
- Orientation and clouding of the sensorium, indicating confusion and difficulty thinking clearly
Some questions in the CIWA-Ar assessment may include:
- Can you identify yourself?
- Can you tell me the current date?
- Are you particularly conscious of the noises in your surroundings? Do you perceive sounds that don’t actually exist?
- Does the light appear more intense or of a different hue than usual? Does it cause discomfort to your eyes?
- Does it seem as if there’s a tight ring encircling your head?
- Do you experience a lack of sensation or a feeling of insects creeping beneath your skin?
Why Medical Detox Matters
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is more than an uncomfortable adjustment. It is a complex medical process that affects the brain, nervous system, and vital organs. When someone who has been drinking heavily suddenly stops, the body can struggle to regain balance. This instability is what makes alcohol withdrawal unpredictable and, in some cases, life-threatening.
Medical detox provides a controlled, closely monitored environment where symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be addressed as they arise. Vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, hydration levels, and neurological function are regularly assessed to ensure safety throughout the detox process. If complications develop, trained medical professionals can intervene immediately, reducing the risk of seizures, delirium tremens, or other serious outcomes.
Another critical benefit of medical detox is symptom relief. Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, agitation, nausea, insomnia, and tremors can be overwhelming and often drive people back to drinking simply to make the discomfort stop. In a medical detox setting, appropriate medications and supportive care can help ease these symptoms, making the process more manageable and lowering the risk of relapse during the early stages of recovery.
Medical detox is especially important for individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use, previous withdrawal attempts, or co-occurring mental or physical health conditions. Each detox experience can intensify future withdrawal symptoms due to kindling, making professional oversight increasingly necessary. What may seem like a “manageable” withdrawal at home can escalate quickly without warning.
Beyond physical safety, medical detox also offers emotional and psychological support. Being cared for by compassionate professionals helps reduce fear, isolation, and uncertainty during withdrawal. This supportive foundation allows individuals to move into ongoing treatment with greater stability, clarity, and confidence, turning detox from a crisis moment into the first meaningful step toward long-term recovery.
Risk Factors for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Heavy drinkers and those addicted to alcohol are at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
People who have gone through detox before may be more likely to experience severe AWS due to a process called kindling. Kindling happens when a person experiences withdrawal more than once. The first time someone withdraws from alcohol, their central nervous system may react mildly. However, each time after that, the reactions can become more intense, increasing the risk of severe symptoms.
Additionally, long-term alcohol users often experience a loss of appetite, leading to deficiencies in essential nutrients. The deficiency of nutrients also leads to more intense AWS.
Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal
When treating alcohol withdrawal syndrome, the primary focus is on managing the immediate symptoms and ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety. Once the acute withdrawal phase has passed, the objective of alcohol addiction treatment shifts to maintaining sobriety.
Care providers should customize treatment plans based on the severity of symptoms, aiming to provide the patient with the highest chance of success.
The top three prevalent approaches to managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome include:
- At Home/Outpatient Care – For mild cases of AWS, regularly consulting with a doctor and recuperating at home or with a supportive person can be less stressful than being in a clinical setting. This approach should incorporate a long-term strategy involving participation in support groups, therapy, and other healthcare professional recommendations to prevent relapse.
- Hospitalization or Residential Treatment – Severe, high-risk, or recurrent AWS requires inpatient care and supervision. Should a patient be suffering from dehydration or malnutrition, they could be administered fluids and nutrients via an IV, in addition to drugs, to mitigate any symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, if necessary. Learn more about residential treatment and how White Oak Recovery Center’s facility may suit you or your loved one.
- Medications – There are several effective sedatives and supplements available to alleviate both the immediate symptoms of AWS and the longer-term effects and cravings to resume drinking. However, only medical professionals should prescribe medication. Learn more about White Oak Recovery Center’s medication-assisted treatment program.
Inpatient Alcohol Rehab at White Oak Recovery Center
With appropriate care and a long-term strategy to remain alcohol-free, most people fully recover from alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
White Oak Recovery Center’s team of medical professionals and substance abuse counselors understands that withdrawal is often the most challenging part of recovering from alcohol use disorder. WORC provides medical detox in a safe, supportive environment, with compassionate specialists to assist you.
At White Oak Recovery Center, we offer personalized treatment programs that address the root cause of substance misuse. Our program offers medical detox, drug-assisted therapy, and dual diagnosis to provide the best care for each resident.
A primary reason people avoid seeking professional help is the fear that it might be too costly. We offer a confidential insurance verification form to determine if your insurance covers the cost of treatment.
Contact our admissions team today with any questions or concerns. Our treatment specialists are ready to guide you toward lasting and meaningful recovery.
Medical Disclaimer:
