Alcohol Withdrawals

Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. This Q&A covers the most common questions about withdrawal symptoms, risks, and how Jehovah’s Behavioral Care provides safe, professional support for recovery.

Q1: What is alcohol withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal is a physical and psychological reaction that occurs when a person who has been drinking heavily or regularly for a long time suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake. The brain and body, having become dependent on alcohol, react strongly to its absence — often in distressing and dangerous ways.

Q2: Why does alcohol withdrawal happen?

Alcohol affects the brain’s chemical balance, particularly involving neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate. When someone drinks heavily over time, their brain adjusts to the presence of alcohol. When alcohol is suddenly removed, the brain becomes overstimulated, causing withdrawal symptoms. This is the body’s way of trying to re-regulate itself after dependency.

Q3: What are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink and vary in severity. Common symptoms include:

• Mild to moderate symptoms:
• Tremors (shaking)
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Severe symptoms (may require emergency care):
• Seizures
• Confusion or disorientation
• High blood pressure
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
• Delirium tremens (DTs) — a life-threatening condition that includes severe confusion, agitation, fever, and seizures

Q4: What is Delirium Tremens (DTs)?

Delirium Tremens is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal. It typically begins 2–3 days after the last drink and can last up to a week. DTs are a medical emergency and can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms include:

• Severe confusion
• Body tremors
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Fever
• High blood pressure and rapid heartbeat

Immediate medical treatment is critical.

Q5: Who is at risk for alcohol withdrawal?

Anyone who drinks heavily over time can develop alcohol dependence, especially if they:

• Drink daily or binge drink regularly
• Have been drinking for weeks, months, or years
• Have previously gone through withdrawal
• Have co-occurring mental health disorders
• Have poor overall health or liver problems

The more a person drinks and the longer the period, the greater the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Q6: Can alcohol withdrawal be dangerous or fatal?

Yes. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening if not properly managed. Severe cases, particularly those involving seizures or Delirium Tremens, require medical supervision and sometimes hospitalization. It is not recommended to quit alcohol “cold turkey” without consulting a healthcare provider.

Q7: What should someone do if they’re experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

If someone starts experiencing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, they should seek medical help immediately. Even mild symptoms can escalate quickly. Contact a healthcare provider, go to an urgent care center, or call 911 if symptoms become severe.

Q8: How does Jehovah’s Behavioral Care treat alcohol withdrawal?

Jehovah’s Behavioral Care provides safe, compassionate, and medically-informed support for individuals going through alcohol withdrawal. Our services include:

• Medical Monitoring – Supervision to manage symptoms and prevent complications
• Detoxification Programs – Structured environments for safely reducing alcohol in the body
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – Use of medications like benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants to ease symptoms
• Crisis Stabilization – Immediate care for severe withdrawal cases
• Behavioral Therapy and Counseling – Once stabilized, individuals begin therapy to understand the root causes of addiction and build relapse prevention skills
• Support Groups – Peer support for encouragement and shared recovery

Q9: How long does alcohol withdrawal last?

The duration of alcohol withdrawal can vary based on the individual’s drinking history, overall health, and presence of co-occurring disorders. Generally:

• Mild symptoms begin within 6–12 hours
• Peak symptoms occur between 24–72 hours
• Symptoms subside within 5–7 days for most people

Some individuals experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), which includes lingering emotional and psychological symptoms that may last weeks or months.

Q10: Can someone safely detox from alcohol at home?

In mild cases, it may be possible to detox at home under a doctor’s guidance. However, home detox can be dangerous and should never be attempted without medical consultation, especially if:

• You’ve had withdrawal symptoms before
• You have a history of seizures
• You have been drinking heavily for a long time
• You live alone or have no access to immediate medical help

Professional detox programs provide a much safer and more comfortable experience.

Q11: What happens after detox?

Detox is just the beginning of recovery. After stabilization, Jehovah’s Behavioral Care offers:

• Ongoing individual and group therapy
• Addiction education and relapse prevention planning
• Dual diagnosis treatment for those with mental health disorders
• Referral to long-term treatment programs if needed

Long-term support increases the chances of a lasting recovery.

Q12: How can I or a loved one get help at Jehovah’s Behavioral Care?

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol withdrawal or alcohol dependence, don’t wait. We’re here to help you take the first steps toward recovery:

📍 Location:
4652 Lawrenceville Hwy, Suite 101, Lilburn, GA 30047

📞 Phone:
678-314-5299

📧 Email:
business@jehovahsbehavioralcare.com

🌐 Website:
www.jehovahsbehavioralcare.com