and “How long does it last?”
However, there is no “normal” when it comes to alcohol withdrawal.
Click below to listen now.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Before you attempt to quit on your own, talk to your doctor for advice and support.
Attempting detox on your own can be scary and potentially dangerous.
Your doctor can supervise this process and may be able to prescribe medications that can help.
As a result, they first experience basichangover symptoms.
Here’s how people reported their symptoms on day one afterquitting alcohol.
“I am in my first hours of sobriety.
I just took the quiz for withdrawal symptoms and scored 60% moderate to severe.
Funny, because my average hangover is usually worse than this.”
“I’m shaky, jumpy, and anxious today.
The shaking/tremors and pounding heartbeat are gone.
My head feels a little cloudy, and I’m tired.
And I still have the itching/tingly feeling in my legs and feet.”
“Tried again today, but it was severe this timebad shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat.
They gave meLibriumto take home.
I hope the Librium helps and I can make it into work tomorrow.”
Severe Symptoms
“I had to miss work again because I didn’t sleep again.
I went to the hospital.
Blood pressure was 200 over 130, and heart rate [was] 150 BPM lying at rest.
They stabilized me with a bunch of IV meds and admitted me for alcohol detox.”
Might be time for a trip to the ER."
Your body and mind are undergoing enormous change as you adjust to sobriety.
For some, symptoms already start to subside, while others begin to experience more severe ones.
Those who seek medical attention tend to feel better than whose who do no.
“I am bored, folding laundry, and craving a glass of wine.
My anxiety is high, and I hate it!”
My jaws hurt as well, but possibly that’s from tension.
Already, I feel better and hope every day continues that way."
Visiting the toilet is becoming less frequent.
Even managed to get a small meal in."
“I feel totally horrible.
Shakes, sweats, and insomnia.
I am hearing noises that don’t exist.
It seems to be helping.
I hope tomorrow I won’t need it.”
Massive sweats and tremors."
“I think I’ve seriously damaged my brain.
Sudden sharp pains in the head.
Visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations.
Couldn’t walk right.”
“Spent day in ER, heart rate of 160, dehydrated, and generally just sick.
Shaking so bad I couldn’t walk.
Anxiety attack that convinced me I was having a stroke.”
“Last night was horrible.
Some have the same symptoms as on day one and ask, “How long does this last?”
The urge to relieve thosewithdrawal symptomswith a drink can be overwhelming.
“My worst symptoms so far seem to be lightheadedness, minorirritability, and insomnia.”
“Doing OK. No major symptoms.
This is to let folks know that not everyone has severe physical symptoms.”
I have plans to get some yard work done, so that will keep me busy.”
“I have weird ringing in the ears and dizziness (moderate).
I also have cold, clammy skin while feeling hot flashes.
I feel sometimes as if I have earmuffs on.”
“Went from shaky to wanting to scream all day.
I almost talked myself into ‘just one more’ several times, but somehow made it through.”
“When I was heaving my guts out, I knew something else was going on.
I called my doctor, and she sent me to the ER for fluids and blood tests.”
I have just had to surf theurges, keep busy, and use all my strength."
“I actually slept but still waking up drenched in sweat.
The shakes have minimized.
I actually ate three meals yesterday.”
Day Four
Day four for many brings relief from their most severe symptoms.
For some people, however, it’s just the beginning.
Best night’s sleep in some time.
Weird dreams but not too nasty and scary.
Feel a little weak, but I did avoid food for about four days.
Very reflective still."
“It is absolutely wonderful to wake in the morning with nohangoverat all.
Yay for day four!”
“Feeling a bit better.
One concern I have is my swollen abdomen.”
“Insomnia is the worst thing now.
The anxiety, sweats, and nausea in the morning have lessened.”
“Fortunately, not near the hell the first three [days] were.
I am hoping that means I may finally sleep tonight.
For me, the toughest parts are the vomiting (dry heaves), insomnia, and anxiety.”
“Trying to exercise really helps with the anxiety and sleeplessness.
“What scares me the most is my inability to think.
I am veryparanoidand don’t know why, peeking out windows and not thinking rationally.”
“Last night, I felt like I was coming out of my skin.
I woke up this morning with a nasty headache and nausea.”
“Called my wife to come home as soon as possible.
She drove me and the kids to the ER.
People forget the pain and tell themselves that one drink won’t hurt.
That’s why some people can say they quit for three or four days 100 times.
Some are finally able to get some sleep at day five, whereas others still have problems sleeping.
Didn’t sleep great last night, but tonight will be good.”
“What finally helped me wasexercise.
If I was going to sweat as part of the withdrawal, it would be at the gym.”
“Now that most of the physical symptoms have gone away, time to work at staying sober.
I know I can’t.”
For Others, Symptoms Continue
“Still having cravings and thinking a lot about drinking.
I have noticed the cravings for sugar.
Raw sugar snap peas take the edge off that.”
“Feels like a mild flu, but the tension is unbelievable.
“My insomnia is still pretty bad.
Takes forever to get to sleep, and I’m waking up too early.
As of yet, not too much anxiety.
I’ve lost a few pounds.”
“My head feels funny, as if thousands of ants are running inside.”
Sleepor lack thereofplays an important role in withdrawal.
Quitting alcohol consumption affects drinkers' sleep patterns differently.
Some are able to return to normal sleep patterns after a few days.
Others struggle with insomnia and poor-quality sleep long after they quit drinking.
That could be because they didn’t have normal sleep patterns to begin with.
After six days of sobriety, these people report vastly different experiences with sleep and other alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
No more sweating and headaches, and I’ve actually had three nights of sound sleep.
It’s amazing how different I feel.”
“Already feeling semi-human.
Sleeping much better, bloating gone.
Anxiety’s still there, but way down.
“The more time that goes by, the clearer the picture becomes.
I see my triggers, and I work through them.
I’m always thirsty and drink a lot of water.
I’m still not sleeping through the night.”
I actually sleep better now than when I was drinking.
My problem is the mood swings.
I have an irrational rage and sometimes want to destroy everything around me.
I have a constant feeling of restlessness.”
“I spent five days in the hospital detoxing.
The first 12 hours were horrible!
Shaking uncontrollably, sweating, couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep.
The doctor gave me lorazepam to take the edge off.
I think I was in a chemically induced coma for those days.
I hardly remember anything.
I remember having a “fall risk” bracelet on my wrist because I couldn’t walk by myself.
I was so dizzy and couldn’t catch my balance.”
“The hardest symptom for me is the anxiety.
“Anxiety, dizzy, no sleep, exhausted.
Does anyone ever feel like an electric current sometimes runs through your body?
But it’s getting better every day.”
My blood pressure was 151/106 on day two of withdrawal.
On day six, my blood pressure is normal again.
I still have a tingly numb sensation in my arm.”
“Gradually, it’s getting better.
The only symptoms I seem to have now are occasional goosebumps/skin crawling, lack of focus, and anxiety.
Still experiencing strange dreams and nightmares, but I remind myself theyre not real and it helps.”
“Feeling much better.
Very slight discomfort in the chest occasionally.
But I guess in a few days, I should be fine.”
The battle now becomes more psychological than physical for most.Professional counselingand/or a support group such asAlcoholics Anonymouscan help.
However, for some, the physical symptoms will continue even after seven days.
Many people who were still having physical symptoms after seven days regretted not seeking medical help.
Cravings, Stress, and Staying Sober
“This disease is certainly as cunning as people say.
Just pull it back a little.'
I’m just trying to focus on not this drink, not today.”
“The recent nine months' sobriety [has] done great good for my body.
That said, I hope never to forget how much damage I felt in four days of drink.”
“Going back to the office was a little stressful.
My physical cravings are somewhat subsiding.
I have the psychological urges.
More like a bad habit.
I’m used to stopping off to buy a couple of bottles on my way home from the office.
I would never have before.”
Seizures, Panic, and More Insomnia
“I can’t believe the luxury of sleep!
After a really hard time, I slept for two nights!
Not all night, but great sleep.”
“Just laid on the couch and went into a full-blown seizure.
Woke up on the floor sore all over.
The only thing I remember is extreme tingling all through my body.
I was alone and called 911.
A paramedic on each side holding me up, I felt like my legs were rubber bands.”
“Starting to feel a little better.
If I had the money, I would have gone to a 30-day rehab.
I am still having shakes now and again.
My head is in a fog constantly.”
“The depression is deep, and racing thoughts are hard to control.”
“It’s the mood swings that scare me.
One moment up, the next down, and no concentration.
It’s hard to pretend to be happy and normal.”
For most, the craving for alcohol remains a challenge.
Seek medical assistance if your physical symptoms last for a week or longer.
The symptoms you’re experiencing may not be the result of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Only your healthcare provider can tell for sure.
Better Sleep, Lower Blood Pressure
“I feel incredible.
“Haven’t listened to the little voice.
Thinking about all the money I’m saving.
The only issue besides the little voice is insomnia, but [I’m] getting some sleep.
My blood pressure and heart rate have come down to just about normal.”
“Physically, I feel fine now, but I still crave alcohol like crazy.
That’s going to be the worst part.”
I feel flat and find the evenings difficult, feeling restless, with alcohol consuming all my thoughts.
I can’t imagine my life without a drink just yet and look forward to feeling better.”
“My worst withdrawal symptom is that mybrain does not seem to workvery well.
Lots of spelling errors and poor fine-motor skills.
I will not even go into the insomnia.”
“I can’t keep anything down, not even a glass of water.”
Day Nine
The benefits of abstaining often become apparent around this stage.
Some nagging symptoms might linger, but the benefits far outweigh the negative after nine days.
Getting Things Done, More Energy
“I feel great!
My energy level and mental alertness are way up, and it’s only getting better.”
“The itching has cleared up.
I still feel groggy and confused at times, but at other times, moments of extreme clarity.
Headaches are clearing up as well.”
Peanut M&Ms have become my new best friend.
It really has helped to have the sugar when I need it.”
“It feels good.
I am also amazed I have had none of the typical shakes, hallucinations, palpitations, etc.
other than a horrific constant headache.”
By this time, people are often beginning to feel better and notice more energy.
just seek medical advice.
Lots of time on my hands I used to spend drinking.
My swollen abdomen has already started going down, and I have energy.
Plus I have myself-esteemback and don’t feel like a loser at life."
“Feeling just OK. Just loving waking up without counting the hours to the next drink.”
“My mind has never felt sharper.
I have started swimming and going to the gym.”
How many times have I fallen for that one?
“I am starting to feel somewhat normal.
Finally, the night sweats, shakes, and nausea are gone.
The anxiety is still there, but I am learning to live with it.”
Day 11
If physical symptoms continue after 11 days of abstinence, seek medical attention.
Those persistent symptoms might have some other cause than alcohol withdrawal.
The further they get from their last drinks, the better most former drinkers feel.
It’s the taste of detox, I’m guessing.
“Happy to say, most of my withdrawal symptoms are gone.
No sweating, no shakes, and [I’m} getting some decent sleep.
I have actually never felt better.”
“Wow, what a rough night it was last night.
I spent what seemed like an eternity struggling with myself not to go and buy beer …
I went to the ER and detoxed five days in the hospital.”
The struggle at this stage is trying to remain sober.
Intense cravings and irritability are commonly reported after day 12.
“I feel good today but was very irritable last night.
My clothes are fitting better, and my face isn’t as puffy.”
“I’m feeling so much better about my life and my actions.
I love life without alcohol.
Every day that passes, I realize the cravings are fewer and farther between.
I’m not so tired all the time.”
It’s amazing how foggy life was."
“I’m very irritated at times.
I feel really good about my choice to quit drinking.
I have headaches often and I have weird andbad dreams.
Every night I dream that I’m having a drink again.”
They also report feeling calmer and better able to cope with some of their remaining symptoms.
Uninterrupted Sleep, Good Appetite
“I feel terrific!
I’m still having trouble falling asleep, but once I do, it is very, very sound.
And I feel so much better than any morning after having the drink.
I had some pain in my esophagus when swallowing, and that is now gone.”
“Most symptoms are gone except constipation and occasional shakes.
Been sleeping really good.”
When I do sleep, it’s uninterrupted eight to nine hours, which is very nice!"
Insomnia, Irritability
“I realize this is no easy task.
I am in my 30s and just now have decided to quit.
I am not sleeping right.
I snap at everyone.”
“Sleep is a problem, but if I sleep at all, it is a good night.
I think that I have always had the sleep disorder.”
For some, even the craving for alcohol begins to subside.
These reduced cravings can help make it easier to stick to sobriety for the long-term.
Thinking Clearly, Fewer Cravings
“I’m feeling fantastic.
My energy and confidence are back.
It is wonderful.”
“I feel like I am actually going into the honeymoon phase of my recovery.
I feel great and am finally starting to be able to think clearly.”
“I am starting to feel more human.
The exhaustion has gone away, and my concentration seems better.”
My skin and eyes look better, and the bloated stomach is starting to recede."
“I could easily sleep 12 hours a night and still feel tired the next morning.”
“I still feel really anxious and panicky and confused sometimes, especially in public.”
“I am feeling better than I have in a while, a long while.
“I was feeling great having got over the nausea, shaking etc.
Your symptoms could be triggered by other conditions or illnesses.
The good news: Bloated stomach has gone, along with 10 pounds.”
“I hope it helps someone to know the physical stuff will pass.
I had a lot of odd symptoms and memory loss etc.
but have noticed a definite improvement in the past week.
I still crave alcohol, but it’s more the mental side now.”
“I feel great.
To all those that are ready to give up because of withdrawals, hang in there!
It does get better.”
“No more fuzziness.
No more ritual and control, only freedom.
My skin is looking fresher and less red and blotchy.
“Quite relieved to say that I am still sober.
Some days are like riding a rollercoaster, up, down, up and down.”
The remaining battle is to maintain abstinence and recovery.
The cravings and the urge to drink do not suddenly disappear after 30 days ofabstinence.
For many, remaining sober and resisting a relapse take real work.
“With hard work and vigilance, I am pleased to be getting more sober time in.
“I still have cravings, but they seem to be getting weaker.
“I am feeling better each day goes by.
Day 36
“Well, what I didn’t know, was all of the side effects.
Now, at day 36, I am fatigued all day.
No desire to drinkbut when will I feel energy again?”
Day 50
“Last week, I was [on] holiday.
Day 53
“I don’t remember ever feeling so incredible.
I wake up looking forward to the day.
I sleep through the night and work out every morning.
It’s a wonderful feeling to be sober!”
Day 62
“I feel like I am getting stronger every day.
I’m not sure why it all seems to hit me at onceproblems with family, work, etc.
So yeah, I made it, and I’ll wake up sober again.”
I have never felt happier and more complete as a woman.
There were others that made me face harsh realities.
Through these highs and lows, I learned I don’t need alcohol to cope with disappointment.”
The sad truth is, I miss drinking, even after all the hell it has caused.
But to go back will be my death.”
If you experience PAWS, your doctor may prescribe gabapentin to help you manage your symptoms.
Tips for Getting Help
A healthcare provider can help you navigate or even minimize withdrawal symptoms.
They can help you get medical attention should you have severe symptoms.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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