Once you decide to stop drinking alcohol, you can expect withdrawal symptoms to occur. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and last for three to five days. Since the alcohol withdrawal timeline and symptoms are often misunderstood, many people will either never attempt to quit drinking or will try to detox on their own.
Sadly, detoxing on your own often leads to failed attempts or a high risk of a medical emergency without assistance. Below we look at the alcohol withdrawal timeline so that you know what to expect once you enter the drug and alcohol detox center in Tampa, FL.
Three Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal
Although each person is unique, most people follow three main stages of alcohol withdrawal that include:
Stage 1: Mild Symptoms
The first wave of symptoms starts to occur within six to twelve hours of your last drink. Symptoms can range from mood swings and behavior to minor physical discomfort or pain. Symptoms often include:
- Anxiety or stress
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Sweating or chills
- Restlessness or irritability
- Lack of energy or appetite
In most cases, these symptoms cause irritation, but no real medical issues. If your symptoms get no worse than this, then you can expect a fairly smooth detox.
Stage 2: Moderate Symptoms
Once you move into phase two of your alcohol withdrawal timeline, you can expect the withdrawal symptoms to become more intense during the detox timeline. They usually occur within 12 to 48 hours of your last drink. The symptoms include:
- Increased irritability
- High blood pressure or heart rate
- Sweating or fever
- Confusion or disorientation
- Irregular heartbeat
At this point, it is necessary for you to get medical supervision and assistance, if necessary. Your treatment specialist may offer a medication-assisted treatment program to help reduce the withdrawal symptoms and cravings. You may also have access to holistic therapy to help you stay focused on your goal.
Stage 3: Severe Symptoms
If you have been drinking large amounts of alcohol for several years, then you can expect severe symptoms to occur. Severer symptoms usually arise between 48 and 72 hours of your last drink. Severe symptoms will require ongoing supervision, medical assistance, and, possibly, emergency care. Some of the most severe withdrawal symptoms include:
- Extreme agitation or anger
- Delirium tremens
- High fever
- Ongoing seizures
- Hallucination or confusion
Although these withdrawal symptoms may seem unbearable, you will have first-class care from a trained professional who can help you complete detox successfully. While these symptoms may occur, they typically only happen in the worst alcoholism cases. The nature and severity of your alcohol withdrawal timeline depend on the circumstance of your addiction.
Learn More About the Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline at South Tampa Detox
If you have made the decision to stop drinking, then we can help walk you through the alcohol withdrawal timeline. Contact South Tampa Detox to receive comprehensive treatment for alcoholism at our detox center in Tampa, FL. To find out more about your treatment options, call us at 866.223.5241. We are here to help you get on the road to recovery.
