Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Alcohol Withdrawal and the side effects that go with it can vary from person to person. For the most part, after an individual’s last beverage, the time it takes for side effects to begin is the following:

5–10 Hours Into Alcohol Withdrawal

Tremors or trembling, referred to as “the shakes,” can start. These ordinarily subside 1–2 days.

6-8 Hours Into Alcohol Withdrawal

Minor Alcohol Withdrawal sets in, lasting one to two days for most, however a few people may have these symptoms for a few days.

Symptoms or Alcohol Withdrawal include:

    • Tension
    • Headache
    • Shaking
    • Stomach upset
    • Sweating

Alcohol Withdrawal 24 Hours or Less

Though uncommon, alcoholic hallucinations, or nightmares, with side effects lasting 24 hours to six days. In exceptional cases they may last a month or more. These dellusions can change the manner in which an individual experiences certain things, including:

  • Sound
  • Touch
  • Vision
  • Balance

Alcohol Withdrawal 6-48 hours

Seizures start and usually subside after 3 days.

Alcohol Withdrawal seizures include:

  • Grand Mal Seizures
  • Up to 6 seizures per hour
  • Seizures can lead to Delerium Tremens

Alcohol Withdrawal 2–4 days

“Withdrawal insanity” or Delerium Tremens begins. This state may start 7-10 days after an individual has their last beverage. Side effects last as long as about 14 days and can incorporate general indications of Alcohol Withdrawal.

Effects of DTs are:

  • Nervousness
  • Hallucinations
  • Light Sensitivity
  • Hyperactivity
  • Fear
  • Nightmares
  • Seizures
  • Exhaustion
  • Daze
  • Mood Swings
  • Confusion

Alcohol Withdrawal 4 Weeks — 1.5 Months

Certain individuals experience extended Alcohol Withdrawal disorder, or post-Alcohol Withdrawal disorder (PAWS).

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Include:

  • Tension
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of Sex Drive
  • Depression
  • Exhaustion
  • Aggression
  • Sadness
  • Sleeping Disorder
  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Poor Focus
  • Confusion

A few individuals will encounter these side effects or phases of Alcohol Withdrawal. Some may see side effects improve after a long period of Alcohol Withdrawal, although some other individuals’ side effects may deteriorate to the point of DTs.