Stronger Together: 3 Major Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal and Where to Get Help

Approximately 14.1 million adults ages 18 or older have reported having alcohol use disorder. Alcohol is a powerful substance; after all, it can adjust the brain’s chemical make up to only function properly when alcohol is present. However, once the alcohol is removed, what happens?

With this guide, we’ve provided a detailed listing of the three major phases every alcoholic struggles with once they enter withdrawal. You can learn what to look for and how you can help.

Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s a detailed look at the common signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:

1. Phase: 6 to 24 Hours

In phase one, most addicts begin to struggle with mild symptoms from 6 hours to 24 hours from their last drink. These early signs will likely intensify then decrease between 24 and 48 hours.

Symptoms usually range from anxiety to even nausea and vomiting. However, most addicts have an increased urge to drink during this time, making them susceptible to drinking again.

If you know someone who has an alcohol use disorder, the best thing you can do is try and persuade them to seek treatment. Fortunately, there are medications that can be prescribed to make the withdrawal symptoms more tolerable. That way, they won’t experience too much pain and won’t be at risk for severe reactions.

2. Phase: 24 to 48 Hours

During phase two, serious symptoms start to persist, like seizures, mild hallucinations, and even an irregular heartbeat. These intense symptoms are an increasing risk to an addict’s health.

It’s best to seek help from an alcohol services center in order to reduce the risk of serious illness. For example, an addiction center can administer medications that can treat increased pulse rate, seizures, and anxiety, and irritability.

That way, an addict can withdraw in limited pain under the watchful eye of professional healthcare workers. It’s imperative that once an addict reaches this stage, they seek medical attention before their symptoms get worse.

3. Phase: 48 to 96 Hours

At phase three, addicts begin to experience, Delirium Tremens or DTs, which is often the most dangerous part of alcohol withdrawal. With DTs, addicts are likely to experience tactical hallucinations ranging from intense itching, numbing sensations to even feelings of burning and rashes.

The sensations can leave alcoholics with severe skin damage and other serious medical conditions. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen or prolong.

Realize the Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawl Today

Going through alcohol withdrawal is a painful and taxing process that no one should go through alone. To prevent worse symptoms, addicts should seek medical care during phase one of withdrawal. At phase two, there’s a greater risk for serious illnesses to occur, which can put an addict’s health in danger.

Addicts can go to an addiction center or seek help from an alcohol service center. Just do so before an alcoholic enters phase three. After all, DTs can be dangerous to not only to an addict’s health but their life.

For more information about signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, visit our website today. We look forward to helping you!