Alcohol is a toxin that needs to be eliminated from the body. It is broken down in the liver at about 100mL per hour.
Once you stop drinking, your body will start to experience withdrawal symptoms as the level of alcohol in your system decreases. This can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion and tremors.
Day 1
If you have been a heavy drinker, the first day of alcohol detox is typically characterized by symptoms similar to a hangover. While these withdrawal symptoms are a sign of a serious addiction, they can be overcome with the right professional help and support.
Depending on how long you’ve been drinking, the symptoms of withdrawal can start as early as six hours after your last drink. Delirium tremens, the most severe form of withdrawal, occurs in 3-5% of people who stop drinking cold turkey.
Day 2
After your first day of detox, you may begin to feel the preliminary effects of alcohol withdrawal. This includes anxiety, insomnia, nausea and abdominal pain.
These symptoms are not uncommon but are often a sign that you’re starting to adjust to your new normal. Your blood pressure and body temperature should begin to normalize, and you may also see a decrease in cravings for alcohol.
Day 3
Once you've stopped drinking alcohol, your body and brain are going through a lot of changes. It's not uncommon to feel symptoms of withdrawal during this time period.
The good news is that most withdrawal symptoms will subside after 72 hours. In a few cases, however, more severe symptoms may occur. These include delirium tremens, which can be fatal without treatment.
Day 4
When you stop drinking daily and heavily, the withdrawal symptoms will begin to set in. While the intensity of these symptoms will vary depending on how long you've been using and what type of alcohol you're detoxing from, they usually peak on day three or four after your last drink.
The key is to stay as safe as possible during this critical period. This means getting support from family and friends, having a trusted person you can call in an emergency, and making sure that you're prepared to handle withdrawal.
Day 5
If you’ve been drinking daily and heavily for an extended period of time, alcohol withdrawal can be very painful. This is why detoxing under the care of qualified professionals at a detox center is crucial.
For most people, withdrawal symptoms will start to lessen after about 72 hours. In rare cases, they may continue for weeks or months.
Day 6
Often, people who have been drinking daily and heavily for years find that alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin to subside around the third day after they stop.
Symptoms include tremors, nausea and vomiting, cold sweats, anxiety, and sometimes seizures.
For some people, the worst of these symptoms may last for up to a week. This is called delirium tremens.
Day 7
Having a week without alcohol can be a major milestone. It can give you a new perspective on your drinking habits and kickstart long-term change.
Day 7 is typically the last day you experience physical withdrawal symptoms from alcohol. But they may still be present, so seek medical help if they persist.
Many people report that they have more energy on day seven, after the sluggishness and discomfort of the first few days. Others also find their sleep improves.
Day 8
When you stop drinking, your body is going to react and experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include shaking, sweating, headache, nausea and other physical symptoms.
Typically, withdrawal symptoms subside within 72 hours of ceasing to drink alcohol. However, in some people, withdrawal symptoms can continue for weeks.
Day 9
Detox can be an uncomfortable, vulnerable experience. Having support from your family, friends and other people in your life who can be a positive influence can make it easier to stay strong through withdrawal. Having someone you can trust to be on call should you experience any medical emergencies during detox is also important. Getting professional help from a trained therapist, group or other addiction related health professionals is another option.
