November 12th, 2025
Taking the first step toward recovering from alcohol use disorder can be challenging. The road may seem unclear and rocky, but simply deciding to face those fears is where true recovery begins. As a substance abuse professional, when working with folks considering sobriety, a common fear that is mentioned is having to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
These fears are normal, as dealing with alcohol withdrawal can be painful and difficult; however, getting to the other side is absolutely worth it.
One way to lessen the fears that come with facing early recovery and alcohol withdrawal is being informed and prepared for what can happen. Being prepared will allow the person seeking recovery and their support systems to know what to expect as well as when and how to seek expert support if needed. Common symptoms of post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and post-acute withdrawal for alcohol use disorder as well as tools to manage these symptoms can be found below.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore or delay seeking professional help due to information found here.
Alcohol withdrawal happens due to the complex impact that alcohol has on our brains and bodies. A less severe withdrawal experience, like a hangover, happens due to dehydration, irritation to the stomach lining, and the body’s adjustments to how alcohol interacts with various bodily systems. Hangovers are like a mini-withdrawal that can last for 24 to 48 hours.
A more typical withdrawal experience occurs in people with a long-term and excessive history of alcohol consumption. This type of alcohol consumption disrupts typical brain activity and impacts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA respectively. The brain becomes accustomed to this disruption, so if alcohol use stops, the brain will go into a hyper-aroused state to compensate for its adjustments.
This hyperactive state is the brain’s attempt to rebalance itself after becoming dependent on alcohol to regulate its chemistry. This can lead to anxiety, restlessness, tremors, insomnia, vivid nightmares, and sweating just to name a few.
Alcohol withdrawal can occur when someone suddenly stops drinking or greatly cuts back after regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol for more than two weeks. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), heavy drinking is defined as:
Acute withdrawal occurs when someone has initially stopped consuming alcohol after prolonged use and is “sobering up. ”Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur in three potential stages (though not everyone will experience all three stages). The stages of alcohol withdrawal are:
Each person’s process through the stages of withdrawal will look different depending on that person’s body and mental health composition. Because of this, the timeline for how long each stage lasts can also vary widely.
If someone tries to detox from alcohol without the support of a trained healthcare professional, they will likely move from stage 2 to stage 3 of withdrawal quickly and are at a higher risk of death or injury. If you plan to detox from alcohol, please do so under the care of a professional.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually reach their highest intensity about 24 to 72 hours after the last drink, but some symptoms can linger for several weeks as the body adjusts. The exact timeline can vary depending on the individual.
The length and intensity of alcohol detox can look different for everyone. Several factors can influence how your body reacts when you stop drinking, including:
Studies have found that certain factors can also increase the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, such as:
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as 6 to 24 hours after someone stops drinking or sharply reduces heavy, long-term alcohol use.
If you or someone you know begins to show concerning symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, seek medical help right away—go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 (or your local emergency number).
While the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can vary from person to person, the most common symptoms are:
These symptoms may show up over the course of a few weeks to a few months, which can feel disheartening for someone in early recovery. Having awareness that these symptoms are a part of early recovery and are temporary can support someone’s continued recovery and can support the avoidance of relapse.
Each of these symptoms can increase in intensity depending on the severity of the withdrawal. That said, awareness is not the only way someone can manage alcohol withdrawal.
As said before, the safest way to treat acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms is under the care of a trained healthcare professional. Medical detox is typically facilitated at a treatment center for substance abuse or a hospital (Clarity Clinic does NOT provide this service).
While engaging in medical detoxification, patients may receive benzodiazepines to help prevent moderate withdrawal symptoms from progressing to severe. Patients may also be prescribed other alcohol withdrawal syndrome medications, vitamins, and fluids to treat their symptoms.
Medical detox typically takes five to seven days, depending on each person’s experience of withdrawal symptoms. Once someone completes medical detox, it is highly recommended that they engage in treatment such as psychotherapy or group therapy to support their continuing sobriety and to manage any experience of PAWS or post-acute withdrawal syndrome (Clarity Clinic DOES provide continued mental health support once someone is sober).
PAWS refers to the lingering impacts of substance abuse and addiction after the main withdrawal or alcohol detox has occurred and the brain continues to recalibrate. While acute withdrawal symptoms tend to be more physical, symptoms of PAWS tend to be more emotional and psychological. Additionally, these symptoms can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months and do not always occur immediately after acute withdrawal.
Awareness of PAWS is highly important as PAWS is often a driving force behind relapses to use. Knowing what to expect from PAWS and managing the symptoms of PAWS effectively can help prevent relapse.
As PAWS can be an ongoing experience, it is important to have support in place to manage it. One way to get support is to engage with therapists and psychiatric providers who are trained in addiction medicine. These providers can support mood and medication management while teaching skills that support PAWS management. Additionally, attending group therapy and other support groups can offer those recovering from PAWS spaces to connect with their peers about their experiences. Other tools for managing PAWS include:
Most importantly, remember to not rush recovery. Though it may take the brain time to heal, it will eventually heal from the damage that was done while drinking. Most people report a full recovery within a year or two of their last drink, so while these experiences are difficult, they do not last forever.
Every person’s journey of recovery has its own unique challenges, withdrawal, and PAWS being one of them. Know that working through the difficulty of withdrawal will bring you closer to healing, which is truly worth the effort.
At Clarity Clinic, we provide mental health care for individuals seeking support with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges. While we do not offer addiction treatment or detox services, we welcome individuals in recovery from substance use who are stable and ready to focus on their mental health. For those actively using substances, a higher level of care may be necessary before engaging in meaningful therapy.
We can provide referrals to external substance use treatment centers and welcome clients back once they are stabilized and ready to work on improving their lives post-treatment. Our team is here to support your mental well-being, whether you’re navigating the emotional impact of past alcohol abuse, relationship changes, or other life transitions.
Get SupportRelated Readings:
What are the stages of alcohol withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal usually happens in three stages—mild symptoms (like anxiety and tremors), moderate symptoms (such as sweating and confusion), and severe symptoms (including seizures or delirium tremens).
Can you die from alcohol withdrawal?
Yes. In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, especially if seizures or delirium tremens (DTs) occur. Medical supervision during detox is strongly recommended.
What does alcohol withdrawal feel like?
It can feel like intense anxiety, restlessness, shaking, sweating, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Some people also experience confusion, hallucinations, or seizures in severe cases. The general experience can vary from person to person.
When does alcohol withdrawal start?
Symptoms typically begin 6 to 24 hours after your last drink and can peak within 24 to 72 hours.
What helps with alcohol withdrawal?
The safest way to manage symptoms is through medical detox under supervision. Doctors may use medications, fluids, and therapy to help reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
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