More than half of American adults drink alcohol regularly, and an estimated 28.9 million have an alcohol use disorder. So, if youโve ever wondered what alcohol withdrawal is like, youโre certainly not alone. People turn to online platforms like Reddit every day to ask questions about drug and alcohol use, addiction, and what happens if you suddenly quit. In fact, there are entire subreddits, like r/stopdrinking, dedicated to educating and supporting people who want to quit.
In this article, weโll explore what alcohol withdrawal is really like by looking at firsthand accounts of people on Reddit. Through their comments and stories, you will learn:
- What happens during alcohol withdrawal
- What symptoms to expect
- The potential dangers of alcohol withdrawal
- Why medical supervision is so important
To speak with a treatment provider about your detox and treatment options, please contact the admissions team at Moving Mountains Recovery today.
Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal
Long-term alcohol abuse has numerous consequences for the mind and body. One of these is alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence is a term that describes what happens when the body relies on alcohol to function as a result of heavy or consistent use.
Alcohol is a depressant. It reduces brain activity by increasing the effects of a calming chemical called GABA and decreasing a stimulating chemical called glutamate. Thatโs why people feel relaxed, sleepy, or less anxious when they drink.
If someone drinks heavily and regularly, the brain fights back by producing less GABA and more glutamate to stay balanced and keep the body alert and functional despite the alcohol.
After a while, the body adjusts to this balance, and it starts depending on alcohol to maintain this balance. Then, if the person suddenly stops drinking, the brain is left with low levels of GABA and high levels of glutamate, resulting in an overactive central nervous system (CNS) and unwanted withdrawal symptoms.
People at the highest risk for withdrawal are those who:
- Drink daily or binge frequently
- Have tried to quit before and experienced withdrawal
- Have been drinking for many years
- Have other medical or mental health conditions
Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on how long and how heavily someone has been drinking. Symptoms usually begin within a few hours after the last drink.
Mild to moderate symptoms include:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Irritability or mood swings
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Tremors or shaky hands
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of appetite
Severe symptoms that may occur include:
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that arenโt there)
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Confusion or disorientation
- Delirium tremens (DTs) โ a serious condition that can include severe confusion, tremors, hallucinations, and rapid heartbeat
Delirium tremens is rare but very dangerous. It usually occurs in people who have been drinking heavily for many years and suddenly stop. DTs occur in about 2% of people with alcohol use disorder. DTs can be fatal without medical treatment, with a mortality rate of up to 37%.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal symptoms usually follow a general timeline, though they can vary from person to person. Hereโs a basic overview of what to expect after your last drink:
6-12 Hours
In heavy drinkers, withdrawal symptoms may begin 6-12 hours after the last drink. Early symptoms often include shaky hands, headache, anxiety, sweating, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.
12-24 Hours
Symptoms gradually worsen over the next 12-24 hours. People often experience mood swings, increased sensitivity to light and sound, and cravings for alcohol.
24-48 Hours
Symptoms often peak 24-48 hours after the last drink. The seizure risk is highest during this time. Nausea, sweating, and restlessness may get worse.
48 to 72 Hours
For some, symptoms begin to subside. For others, though, peak symptoms continue, and there’s a risk for delirium tremens (DTs), severe confusion, fever, racing heart, and agitation.
3-5 Days
For most people, symptoms begin subsiding after 3-5 days. Anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems, and cravings for alcohol may persist.
5-7+ Days
After 5-7 days, the body will be mostly stable. However, some people experience lingering effects like anxiety, fatigue, or sleep problems. These longer-lasting symptoms are known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and may continue for weeks or months.
What Alcohol Withdrawal is Like According to Reddit Users
All across Reddit, from communities like r/stopdrinking to r/explainlikeimfive, people ask questions about alcohol withdrawal. In one thread on r/explainlikeimfive, a user asks why alcohol withdrawal is so dangerous, and in the comments, many former alcoholics share their experiences:
- โWhite knuckling is rough man. The worst was not being able to sleep at all. Every time Iโd drift off to sleep Iโd wake up gasping for air. I donโt know if my body forgot how to breathe in proper rhythm to supply me with oxygen while I slept or if it was just the anxiety/overactive brain. The lack of sleep and depression/anxiety was worse than the actual pain of being sick. I can handle feeling like I have a terrible flu, but severe withdrawal is a huge Mind F***. Whenever I think of drinking hard again I try and remember those days and it usually clears that right up.โ – Jake_Bearrieta
- โI actually experienced delirium tremens when I was 28. It was terrifying. The walls were moving and there were bugs crawling inside my skin that I could see and feel them as real as the house I was in. The anxiety was terrifying. I could cup my hands and the sweat would actually puddle. The first and only time in my life my mother bought me beer. The family doctor actually gave me a script for Ativan in the morning and my mother got a schedule from him for when and how much to give and I detoxed at home. I couldn’t go anywhere to detox professionally because I didn’t have insurance. It took me another 13 more years and a handful of rehabsโฆto finally get soberโ – Deleted user
- โMy dad went through DTs when he quit. One day after a lifetime of drinking and then several years of even heavier drinking post-retirement he decided to quit and just did, cold turkey. Almost killed him. The first seizure hit while my parents were driving out of town for a weekend vacation. Ended up in the hospital and almost died.โ – fried_eggs_and_ham
- โAnother thing that happens when u suddenly stop drinking- rebound nightmares….My nightmares were terrifying. And even in the middle of them I knew I was dreaming and I knew it wasn’t real, but they were relentless. I would cry every night when I went to bed becuz I knew it was going to happen again. But they don’t last forever.โ – IcyStrawberry911
In the r/stopdrinking subreddit, people also share their experiences:
- โI didn’t realize I was going through withdrawals at first, I legitimately thought I had the flu or something since the symptoms were so similar. Then I realized it was happening every single time I was coming off of a bender, didn’t take too long to be extremely aware of what was happening and I’d try everything to fight it off.โ – tarkata14
- โWorst ones I’ve had involved sleeping and waking every hour for 3 days straight. Nightmares and diarrhea.โ – IIISuggestion1433
- โThe sweats, the brain zaps, the shakes. Ughโ – MartyCool403
- โI tried to stop on my own once. First day I vomited roughly 50-60 times. 2nd day, I had a seizure while I was at a park. Apparently I was turning blue. I clenched my teeth down on my tongue, too and it was swollen for a week or more. The seizure itself wasn’t scary because I was unconscious for the whole thing and didn’t know it happened until it was over, but the idea of cutting off oxygen to my brain for an extended period of time is definitely scary. At the time, it wasn’t enough to make me quit drinking because I declined going to the hospital with the paramedics and I went to the liquor store, instead.โ – Deleted user
- โThe heart pounding, hand shaking, anxiety bursting, drives to the gas station at 7am.. never again.โ – Soberdot
- โI canโt believe how many severe withdrawals Iโve gone through with horrifying delirium tremens and the whole lot of nonstop vomiting, seeing things, even with my eyes closed, shakes, restlessness.โ – usagicassidy
- โThe first week with the racing heart, shakes, and neusea was the worst for me. Right now my main feeling is just always antsy and anxious. I find it hard to sit still.โ – theslimmestotter
- โIt felt like I essentially had a hangover for a few days? but I also had one every single other day of my life for years before that. Not sure what I expected, maybe I just got lucky.โ – mister-fancypants-
Factors That Affect the Severity and Duration of Alcohol Withdrawal
Anyone who engages in heavy alcohol use or has a long drinking history who decides to suddenly stop drinking has the potential to experience withdrawal. However, alcohol withdrawal can look different for everyone. How severe symptoms become and how long they last depend on many factors. These include:
How much and how often you drink
The more alcohol someone consumes and the more frequently they drink, the greater the impact on the brain and body. Heavy, daily drinking leads to stronger physical dependence, which often results in more intense withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use stops. Additionally, binge drinking or drinking large amounts in short periods can also raise the risk, especially if itโs a regular habit.
How long youโve been drinking
Long-term alcohol use changes how the brain functions. Over time, the body adjusts to having alcohol in its system to feel โnormal.โ The longer someone has been drinking, especially in large quantities, the more deeply ingrained that dependence becomes. This means withdrawal may be more severe and take longer to resolve.
Previous experiences with withdrawal
People whoโve gone through alcohol withdrawal before are at higher risk for serious symptoms the next time they quit. This is known as the kindling effectโa phenomenon where withdrawal gets worse with each repeated episode. Someone who had mild symptoms during their first detox might experience more intense symptoms, like seizures or delirium tremens, during future withdrawals.
Overall physical and mental health
Health plays a substantial role in how the body handles alcohol withdrawal. If someone has existing health conditions like liver disease, heart problems, or a weakened immune system, they may be more vulnerable to complications. Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma can also make symptoms like agitation, mood swings, or insomnia more difficult to manage.
How to Cope With Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal: Tips from Reddit
People who are going through alcohol withdrawal, often for the first time, will turn to anonymous message boards and social media platforms like Reddit to ask for help. Either they donโt have insurance and canโt afford to go to treatment, or simply donโt realize they need help, so they look for advice from people who have already been through it.
Overwhelmingly, the advice on Reddit is to seek medical treatment, whether at the hospital or at a medical detox center. Many Reddit users share their past experiences with detoxing at home, most of which were unsuccessful, before they ultimately sought medical help.
For those with mild, non-severe withdrawal symptoms, there are steps that can be taken to help relieve the symptoms. These are outlined in a comment by Reddit user, Wurm42, who wrote,
โKeep super-hydrated. Drink lots and lots of water.
You’re probably going to have morning sickness-like stomach upset. It’s your body’s reaction to changes in blood chemistry. Drink things like Gatorade and chicken broth to keep getting some nourishment.
Exercise. A lot. If you’re sitting around and feel the urge for a drink, get up and go walk, run, whatever you can do. Probably stay away from biking and swimming until you’re through the shakes. EDIT/CLARIFICATION: Get moderate exercise reguarly. Don’t strain your body or your BP, but getting up and moving around will can help anxiety symptoms and get your mind off cravings.
Stay away from sugary, high-carb foods. This one is about reducing anxiety as much as helping with alcohol withdrawal. You don’t want your blood sugar to spike and drop. Fresh veggies are your friend.
Do your best to keep a steady schedule. Create a routine for yourself– get up, shower, dress, exercise, etc.
Most of all, do NOT think about this time as just “not drinking.” That’s like trying not to think about the camel’s left knee. Think of it as getting in shape, putting your life back together, etc,. and come up with some concrete goals you can work on during this time. Keep busy with those things.โ
Getting Through Withdrawal Safely
Medical supervision is required when detoxing from alcohol. This is because, in severe cases, life-threatening emergencies like seizures can occur that land people in the emergency room (ER) or even the intensive care unit (ICU).
Without medical treatment, alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. In one Reddit user’s post on r/stopdrinking, they issue a stark warning to other Reddit users: โDO NOT COLD TURKEY.โ
Their post reads:
โI got the autopsy for my little sister (29) who died in September. Official cause of death was an alcohol withdrawal seizure. She was drinking HEAVY (for months if not years), and hid it well. No legal trouble, no job issues. No drugs or alcohol were found in her system. I assume she was coming off a weekend bender. She told us repeatedly she had been sober for months. She wrote about relapsing, had a bucket list, etc. I have been sober since, I was up to about a fifth of tequila a day. Do not do it alone pleaseโฆSeek professional medical assistance. I’d pay any price to have her back. She was my best friend, and an absolute riot. If you’re drinking moderately/heavily, please do not do this alone. Talk with your doctor, be honest, because this is what can happen.โ
In the comments, another user writes shares a similar story, writing, โmy ex died at 26 from an alcohol withdrawal related seizure. his twin brother died from the exact same thing 2 years prior.โ
Unfortunately, the effects of alcohol abuse affect real peopleโs lives, and withdrawal is nothing to take lightly. If you or a loved one are struggling with a drinking problem, itโs imperative to take these warnings from people on Reddit seriously.
Ledgem, a Reddit user and physician, emphasizes the importance of medical care to another Reddit user who was inquiring about withdrawal. They say, โAs a physician, I only want to add that doing this in a medically controlled manner is not about the comfort of it. People going through withdrawal can suffer seizures and die. It’s not something to “tough out.” For anyone reading this who has drank heavily for a time, please do this with medical assistance. Medical assistance for safely getting off of alcohol doesn’t have to be in a hospital setting, either.โ
People who previously tried to detox from alcohol at home have also shared their experiences and regrets. Educational_Piglet39 writes, โI decided to do it at home, and what a miserable existence. I could barely stand I was shaking so bad. First few days I couldnโt eat or drink because of the nausea and I couldnโt hold a cup or silverware. Had a seizure in my sleep and bit by tongue. Pretty much laid in bed and sweated for a week detoxing.โ
No matter how long youโve been drinking, itโs always best to detox under the guidance of a medical professional.
Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment in a Detox Center
Seeking medical help for alcohol withdrawal is key to a safe and effective detox. Detox centers are designed to help people manage withdrawal symptoms in a supportive, medically monitored environment. Rather than going through the process alone, patients receive around-the-clock care that can ease discomfort, prevent complications, and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery.
Detox Medications
Medical detox centers can prescribe medications to help manage alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The most commonly used drugs for alcohol withdrawal are benzodiazepines, which help calm the nervous system, lower the risk of seizures, and ease anxiety or agitation.
Other medications that may be used include:
- Anticonvulsants – to prevent or control seizures
- Antipsychotics – to manage hallucinations or severe confusion
- Beta-blockers – to reduce high blood pressure and heart rate
- Vitamins and supplements – especially thiamine and folic acid, which are often depleted in those with alcohol use disorder
The detox team will tailor medication use based on your symptoms, health history, and level of alcohol dependence.
Medical Supervision
Detox centers provide 24/7 medical supervision, which is critical for people going through moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal. Nurses and doctors closely monitor vital signs, watch for warning signs of complications, and adjust treatment plans as needed in real time.
Therapeutic and Peer Support
While detox is mostly about stabilizing the body, many detox centers also offer emotional and psychological support. You may meet with a therapist, counselor, or case manager during your stay to talk through what led you to seek help and what your next steps will be after detox. You may also have the chance to connect with peers in group therapy or support group formats.
Find Help Now
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, evidence-based treatment is available at Moving Mountains Recovery. We offer several levels of care that are accommodating to individuals at all stages of their recovery. We take a whole-person approach to recovery by offering a continuum of care, clinically proven treatments, and holistic healing.
To learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment programs or get help managing your alcohol withdrawal symptoms, please contact us today!
References:
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics
- NIAAA: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Delirium Tremens: Assessment and Management
- NIH: Prevalence, Trends, and Incidence of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): The ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management
- American Psychological Association (APA): Understanding alcohol use disorders and their treatment
