Noah Vinter
Quitting alcohol can be challenging, and it's not uncommon to experience withdrawal symptoms that make you feel unwell. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, slowing heart rate, respiratory rate, brain activity, and lowering blood pressure. When you stop drinking, your body goes through a withdrawal process as it readjusts to functioning without alcohol. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, but they typically include fatigue, nausea, headaches, mood swings, sleep issues, and strong cravings. In more severe cases, individuals may experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome, delirium tremens, seizures, dangerous spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, and hallucinations. Seeking medical advice and support is crucial, especially for those with a history of heavy or dependent drinking, as withdrawal can be dangerous and even life-threatening in some instances.
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and even fatal
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin within 6 to 24 hours after your last drink and can include mild symptoms such as headache, mild anxiety, insomnia, and upset stomach. More severe symptoms can appear within 24 to 72 hours and may include hallucinations, seizures, and dangerous spikes in blood pressure and heart rate. The risk of seizure is highest 24 to 48 hours after your last drink.
The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms depends on several factors, including the severity of alcohol use and overall health. Unmanaged, cold-turkey alcohol withdrawal can be very unpleasant and dangerous. It is important to seek medical help if you or a loved one is experiencing concerning symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Doctors may prescribe medications such as benzodiazepines to prevent or lessen withdrawal symptoms and stabilize patients.
The good news is that the benefits of quitting alcohol can start to be noticed as early as one week after stopping. Physical symptoms of withdrawal will typically resolve within two weeks, and by the third week, most people will feel pretty good about quitting. Some of the benefits of quitting alcohol include improved energy levels, better sleep, improved mood, weight loss, healthier skin, and lower blood pressure.
While quitting alcohol can be challenging and dangerous due to withdrawal symptoms, it is important to remember that the long-term benefits are well worth the effort. Seeking medical help and support services can help increase your chances of success and provide you with the tools you need to make lasting changes.
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Extreme fatigue is a common side effect
Alcohol withdrawal can cause extreme fatigue, which is a common side effect of giving up alcohol. This fatigue can be caused by dehydration, which in turn causes blood pressure to drop and circulation to slow, resulting in reduced oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Even those who are not addicted to alcohol may experience this.
Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 12 to 24 hours after your last drink, typically starting mildly with symptoms like a headache, tremors, and mild anxiety. However, these symptoms will intensify as withdrawal progresses. Extreme fatigue is more likely to occur after heavy drinking or binge drinking.
Withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous, and even fatal, so it is important to seek medical support and advice before quitting, especially if you have been a heavy or dependent drinker. Proper medical care can greatly reduce or even eliminate withdrawal symptoms. Counseling is often recommended during alcohol withdrawal to help cope with the mental and emotional aspects of withdrawal and to prepare for life after withdrawal. Doctors may also prescribe sedative drugs to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent them from worsening.
While the first week after quitting alcohol can be challenging, you will likely begin to see benefits by the end of it. Your body will be more hydrated, and you will have had about 6,000 fewer calories than you would have consumed if you had continued drinking. By the third week, your blood pressure levels will be healthier, and you will have saved money that would have been spent on alcohol.
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Alcohol is a depressant, slowing your brain and central nervous system
Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down the central nervous system, affecting the communication between the brain and the body. When you drink alcohol, it inhibits neurons by impacting their ability to transmit impulses. This results in decreased brain activity and slower processing speeds, affecting your alertness, balance, movement, and cognitive abilities.
As a depressant, alcohol reduces arousal and stimulation. It slows down the messages between the brain and the body, affecting concentration and coordination. In small doses, it can cause feelings of relaxation and reduced inhibitions. However, in larger doses, it can lead to drowsiness, vomiting, unconsciousness, and even death.
When you stop drinking alcohol, your body goes through withdrawal as it has become accustomed to operating with alcohol in its system. This can result in a range of physical and mental symptoms, including extreme fatigue, shaking hands, headaches, tremors, and anxiety. The severity of these symptoms depends on the level of alcohol consumption and the overall health of the individual.
Withdrawing from alcohol can be challenging and even dangerous due to the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms. It is important to seek professional help and support during this process to ensure safety and increase the chances of long-term success. The first week to week and a half after quitting alcohol is typically the most difficult, as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol.
During the withdrawal process, it is common to experience improved energy levels, better sleep quality, and an enhanced ability to wake up in the morning. The restorative sleep gained during this time can contribute to feeling better overall. Additionally, the body becomes more hydrated, improving physical and mental well-being.
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Your body will be dehydrated from drinking
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down your heart rate, respiratory rate, brain activity, and can also lower your blood pressure. When you drink heavily, frequently, or for prolonged periods of time, your brain compensates for alcohol's depressant effects by releasing more stimulating chemicals compared to when you do not drink. Overproduction becomes the brain's new normal. When you stop drinking, your brain is still producing extra chemicals, which can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms associated with overstimulation.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person and can be mild to severe. Some common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include shaking hands, headaches, tremors, mild anxiety, nausea, and extreme fatigue. In severe cases, those who are addicted to alcohol and try to detox from it may experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome and delirium tremens, which can cause seizures, dangerous spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, and even hallucinations.
One of the reasons you may feel ill after giving up alcohol is dehydration. Alcohol causes you to produce excessive amounts of urine, leading to dehydration. If you have been drinking for a while, you will be surprised by how much being sufficiently hydrated improves your health. Chronic dehydration can affect how you feel, how your skin looks, your hair quality, and your overall well-being. By the first week after stopping alcohol, you will be more hydrated, and the effects of being well-hydrated will continue to build, having more positive results as you continue sobriety.
In addition to dehydration, alcohol withdrawal can also cause sleep issues. Alcohol disrupts the important REM stage of sleep, which can leave you feeling tired the next day, no matter how long you stay in bed. When you quit drinking, you may experience trouble sleeping, and it may take some time for your sleep patterns to return to normal.
It is important to note that quitting alcohol can be challenging and even dangerous due to its withdrawal effects. If you are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or are concerned about your health, it is recommended to seek medical advice or support from a healthcare professional.
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Withdrawal can cause protracted withdrawal, with symptoms lasting months or years
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, and while many people experience short-term withdrawal effects, some may endure protracted withdrawal, with symptoms persisting for months or even years. This prolonged withdrawal phase, known as protracted withdrawal, remains a subject of ongoing investigation by experts.
When an individual quits drinking alcohol, particularly after prolonged, frequent, or heavy consumption, their brain continues to produce excess stimulating chemicals to compensate for the absence of alcohol's depressant effects. This overproduction becomes the brain's new baseline, and until the brain readjusts, the person in withdrawal may experience a range of unpleasant symptoms associated with overstimulation.
The protracted withdrawal phase can be influenced by the rate at which the brain adapts during recovery. Individual variations in brain chemistry, the presence of other mental health conditions, and the severity of previous alcohol use can all contribute to the duration and intensity of protracted withdrawal symptoms. While the brain gradually recalibrates, those experiencing protracted withdrawal may continue to face challenges.
It is important to seek professional help when dealing with protracted alcohol withdrawal. Medical professionals can provide guidance, support, and treatment options tailored to individual needs. Counselling, medication, and inpatient or outpatient care are some of the resources available to aid in managing protracted withdrawal symptoms and promoting long-term recovery.
While the journey to recovery may be challenging, it is important to remember that proper medical care can greatly reduce or even eliminate withdrawal symptoms. Seeking support and taking advantage of available resources can help individuals effectively manage protracted withdrawal and work towards a healthier, sober future.
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Frequently asked questions
Feeling unwell after quitting alcohol is a common side effect of alcohol withdrawal. Your body has become accustomed to operating with alcohol in its system, so when you stop drinking, your body experiences withdrawal symptoms. These can include nausea, headaches, tiredness, and mood swings.
Withdrawal is different for everyone, but it typically takes about a week to a week and a half for physical symptoms to subside. Some symptoms, like changes in sleep patterns, fatigue, and mood swings, can last for weeks or months. With proper medical care, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be greatly reduced or even eliminated.
Quitting alcohol can offer many benefits, including improved mood and energy levels, better sleep, clearer thinking, weight loss, improved appearance, and decreased risk of diseases such as heart disease and stroke. You will also save money that would have been spent on alcohol.
It is recommended that you seek medical advice before quitting alcohol, especially if you have been a heavy or dependent drinker. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, such as sedatives or anxiolytics. Counseling is also advised to help cope with the mental and emotional aspects of withdrawal and to prepare for life after withdrawal. Support services and inpatient or outpatient rehab programs can also provide assistance during the recovery process.
