Clinically Reviewed on 28/11/2023 11:00 am by Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, slowing down brain activity by enhancing the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and suppressing excitatory pathways. When someone drinks heavily over a long period, the brain adapts by changing how it responds to these chemical signals.
Once alcohol intake is suddenly cut off, the brain can become hyperactive, leading to Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). The more a person drinks on a regular basis, and the longer they’ve been drinking, the greater the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking.
Your body, accustomed to regular alcohol intake, will experience a range of symptoms as it adjusts to the absence of alcohol. These can vary widely in severity and often include both physical and psychological effects.
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin 8 to 24 hours after the last drink. For some people, these symptoms remain mild, but for others, withdrawal can quickly escalate. Recognising the early warning signs and seeking professional help can be lifesaving.
There are many different types of withdrawal symptoms and they can start as early as six hours after stopping drinking.
2-5 days after drinking, you may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
Around 5 days after your last drink, your withdrawal symptoms are likely to start easing off. However, a small number of people will continue to experience withdrawal symptoms for several weeks, and some severe withdrawal symptoms may be life-threatening.
For some people, withdrawal may progress into severe or life-threatening forms:
Diagnosing Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome involves assessing a person’s overall health, history of alcohol use, and whether they’ve had withdrawal episodes before. While there isn’t a single test for AWS, doctors may order blood work or heart tests to rule out other issues.
Medical professionals also refer to the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing withdrawal, which include:
Understanding these factors helps in creating an appropriate treatment plan and ensuring that any other complications are properly managed.
While anyone who drinks heavily over time can develop withdrawal symptoms, certain factors increase vulnerability:
According to some estimates, around 5-6% of hospitalised patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) experience AWS, underscoring the seriousness of the condition.
The severity of withdrawal determines the level of care required. Mild to moderate cases may be managed on an outpatient basis with close monitoring, while severe cases require hospitalisation or a specialised detox facility. Common treatments include:
If you detox at home without medical supervision some basic steps can help:
If you start to experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as a rise in your body temperature, pulse or blood pressure, or if you start experiencing hallucinations and seizures, you should seek medical care immediately.
Also known as a planned detoxification under medical supervision, MAW often combines medication with psychosocial support. Clinicians may adopt symptom-triggered approaches using scales like the Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale or the Minnesota Detoxification Scale (MINDS) to tailor care.
When untreated or poorly managed, alcohol withdrawal can result in complications such as:
Ruling out any co-occurring withdrawals (e.g., from drugs) or other medical problems is critical to providing effective treatment.
If you or a loved one may be dependent on alcohol, early intervention is crucial. The following resources can help:
A well-structured plan that combines medical supervision, counselling, and long-term support can greatly increase the likelihood of successful, sustained recovery.
Alcohol withdrawal can be challenging and, in severe cases, life-threatening. Recognizing the symptoms early, seeking professional guidance, and following a structured detox plan can significantly reduce the risks and improve overall outcomes. Here at Asana Lodge we provide full medically assisted detoxification and alcohol rehabilitation programmes for clients wishing to overcome their alcohol addiction.
AWS refers to the set of physical and psychological symptoms that appear when someone who is dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or reduces their alcohol intake. Heavy drinkers are most at risk, with an estimated 8% of hospitalised individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) experiencing AWS.
Symptoms can range from mild (hand tremors, sweating, restlessness, insomnia) to severe (hallucinations, seizures, delirium tremens). Mild symptoms often start 8–24 hours after the last drink, while severe symptoms, like DTs, can develop around 2–3 days later.
DTs is a life-threatening form of withdrawal marked by severe tremors, hallucinations, and confusion. It typically emerges 2–3 days into withdrawal. DTs can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular instability and even death, making early detection and immediate medical care essential.
MAW is a planned detox process performed under medical supervision, often in specialist treatment settings. It may use symptom-triggered medication protocols (like the Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale). Psychosocial support is generally included, ensuring both the physical and emotional aspects of withdrawal are addressed.
Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) - Clinical Reviewer - Last Reviewed: 28/11/2023 11:00 am
Dr. Otulana is a highly skilled General Practitioner and Addiction Specialist. He possesses extensive expertise in the field of Substance Misuse Management and boasts a diverse background in evaluating, overseeing (including detox procedures), and overseeing the residential recovery of individuals grappling with various drug and substance addiction issues. His primary goal is to conduct thorough assessments of patients dealing with addiction issues and determine their medical detoxification and psychological treatment requirements. Dr. Otulana is well-versed in caring for patients who need dual drug and alcohol detoxification therapies.
In addition to his medical qualifications, Dr. Otulana is a proficient healthcare professional who holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from the prestigious Cambridge University Judge Business School.
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