Last Updated:

May 16th, 2025

Alcohol Detox | Dealing with Alcohol Withdrawal

Just as a bar worker ends the night by wringing out the alcohol-soaked towels, alcohol detox allows you to squeeze out all the traces and toxins of excessive drinking. Alcohol detox is a pivotal step in breaking the cycle of alcohol addiction and laying a clean foundation for further recovery phases. While the process is daunting, understanding what happens during alcohol detox and how to detox your body safely can give you the courage and confidence to reach out for help.

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What is alcohol detox?

Beginning with alcohol detox is a critical move towards a sober life. This initial phase of treatment is focused on breaking your body’s dependence on alcohol, purging it from your system and starting the process of healing and stabilisation. The alcohol detox phase is indispensable not just for its physical benefits but also for preparing you for the mental and emotional rehab that follows, which will address deeper-seated issues to sustain long-term recovery.

The science behind alcohol detox

Alcohol changes how your brain’s chemicals work, particularly a chemical called GABA, which helps you relax and manage stress. Drinking heavily can trigger greater levels of GABA activity, which is why alcohol can make you calm and even drowsy. At the same time, it dials down another chemical called glutamate, which is responsible for keeping you alert and energised.

The problem is that when you are addicted to alcohol, the whole chemical makeup of the brain changes. The brain starts to believe that you should always have high levels of GABA and low levels of glutamate. If you stop drinking, this new equilibrium suddenly flies out of balance, and the brain is left scrambling to work out what is going on.

Until your brain is able to catch up and reestablish its natural chemistry (or until you start drinking again), you will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These are cravings and other physical and psychological reactions which often cause a relapse and can be dangerous and sometimes even deadly.

Potential alcohol withdrawal symptoms from detox

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary a lot, reflecting your drinking habits, health status and even previous attempts at detox. Symptoms typically kick in within hours to a couple of days after your last drink and will often include:

Delirium tremens – severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

In very serious cases of alcohol withdrawal, you may be at risk of delirium tremens. This is a severe alcohol withdrawal complication that usually emerges within the first two or three days but can appear up to ten days after you stop drinking. Delirium tremens is very dangerous and requires immediate medical assistance with symptoms that include:

  • Severe disorientation and confusion
  • Intense agitation
  • Dangerously high blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Fever
  • Auditory and visual hallucinations
  • Dangerous dehydration

Delirium tremens are more likely to develop in individuals with specific risk factors such as a history of heavy drinking, past withdrawal episodes, existing physical or mental health conditions and advanced age.

How to detox safely with delirium tremens

Due to its severe nature, delirium tremens require comprehensive medical intervention, with your detox team monitoring your vital signs and keeping you hydrated. Medication for alcohol withdrawal may also be given to help lessen the severity of symptoms. This often includes benzodiazepines to prevent seizures and reduce anxiety and possibly also antipsychotics if there are hallucinations.

How long does it take to detox from alcohol?

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically follow a general timeline, but the exact duration and intensity can differ slightly among people. By understanding the key stages of alcohol withdrawal, you will be better prepared for what to expect. Here is how a typical alcohol detox timeline plays out:

Hours six to twelve: The onset
Within the first six to twelve hours post-drinking, you might begin to feel the initial symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. These may include headaches, nausea, anxiety, abdominal discomfort and insomnia. While these symptoms are typically milder, they can still be quite unsettling.
Day two: Increasing intensity
In the next 24 to 48 hours, detox symptoms typically intensify, with possible increases in body temperature, a faster heartbeat and unstable blood pressure. Confusion is also common during this stage, often worsening during the night.
Days two to three: Heightened risk
The symptoms experienced in the first two days might continue or intensify during this phase. This is when professional medical support is most important. If there are severe symptoms or delirium tremens, it will usually be during this peak period.
The remainder of week one: Transition phase
During this time frame, most people see their most severe symptoms start to subside. Despite this general improvement, there remains a risk of developing delirium tremens, so careful medical observation is still needed.
Week two onwards: Extended recovery
Going into the second week, acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually lessen. However, some people experience a prolonged phase known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This condition can result in enduring symptoms like insomnia, mood swings and no appetite. It can last weeks or months but usually becomes less intense as time goes on.

The benefits of alcohol detox at a professional alcohol detox centre

Attempting to detox from alcohol on your own at home can be very appealing. It is free, won’t disrupt your life, and can be done privately without anyone knowing. However, there are many benefits of entering a professional alcohol detox centre, including:

 

Tailored alcohol detox planning for safety and comfort

When you enter a professional alcohol detox centre, the first step is a comprehensive medical evaluation. This is designed to detect any underlying conditions or risks that could complicate the detox process. Armed with this information, the detox team can create a personalised plan that anticipates and mitigates potential problems.

Emergency assistance if needed

The presence of a professional detox team during alcohol withdrawal is invaluable. If any severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms do arise, your team can manage them swiftly and effectively. They will also provide emotional support, hydration and any alcohol withdrawal medication that you need.

A controlled setting for relapse prevention

In a professional alcohol detox centre, there is no alcohol allowed at all, minimising the risk of relapse. This even extends to mouthwashes and other personal items which may contain alcohol. Home detox efforts often fail due to unmanaged cravings and the overwhelming nature of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. A professional alcohol detox programme removes temptation and provides continuous support and medical supervision to help you navigate alcohol withdrawal safely.

Uninterrupted transition from detox to rehab

At professional recovery centres, the treatment plan is meticulously structured to carry you from the initial detox phase directly into ongoing alcohol rehab. This continuity is essential as it prevents any disruption in the recovery process, ensuring that the progress made during detox is built upon in therapy. You will dig into deeper, emotional components of alcohol dependency, helping you to develop coping strategies and strengthen your long-term commitment to sobriety.

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Contact us today for alcohol detox support

The UK offers some of the best alcohol detox programmes in the world, but with so many private and NHS options available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. At Addiction Helper, we make the process easier with our in-depth knowledge of addiction and detox treatments. Contact us today, and let our expertise guide you to the alcohol detox programme best suited to your needs.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I crave sugar during alcohol detox?
Craving sugar during alcohol detox is common because alcohol and sugar both trigger similar reward pathways in the brain. When you stop drinking, your body seeks alternative sources to satisfy its craving for the dopamine release that alcohol provides. Sugary foods can temporarily replace this effect, providing a quick, albeit unhealthy, dopamine boost.
Why does alcohol detox cause night sweats?
Night sweats can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal as your body adjusts to alcohol’s absence. Alcohol affects the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that regulates temperature, and when you stop drinking, your body’s thermal regulation system can become disrupted. This often results in sweating, especially at night, as your body attempts to return to normal functioning.
Can alcohol detox cause blurred vision?
Yes, alcohol detox can cause blurred vision. Alcohol has a depressive effect on the nervous system, and stopping suddenly when you have been drinking a lot can lead to neurological disturbances while your body readjusts. Blurred vision during alcohol detox is typically temporary, but if vision issues persist, you should seek medical attention.

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