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Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms, Detox, and What to Expect

About half of the people struggling with alcohol abuse experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. Decades ago, the lack of proper medical care made alcohol withdrawal extremely dangerous—nearly 40% of people didn’t survive the process. Thankfully, with today’s medical support and safer detox options, the risk of death has dropped to less than 7%.

Our Alcohol Treatment Programs

Medical detox and proper withdrawal management play a key role in safely overcoming alcohol withdrawal. If you need help finding the right approach, the addiction specialists at Arizona IOP are here to guide you every step of the way.

Alcohol Withdrawal Explained

Alcohol withdrawal and detox can be dangerous without proper medical care. It’s important to know what to expect during the process and to seek help as soon as you decide to stop drinking. For personalized guidance and support, contact the addiction specialists at Arizona IOP today.

What is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal refers to a range of symptoms that can appear when someone who drinks heavily suddenly stops. These symptoms are often diagnosed as Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). They can vary from mild to severe and usually develop over the course of about eight days.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Two Phases of Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can look very different from one person to the next. However, they’re generally divided into two main phases: Acute Alcohol Withdrawal and Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).

What is Acute Alcohol Withdrawal?

Acute Alcohol Withdrawal refers to the initial phase that begins soon after someone stops drinking. This stage is mostly a physical reaction to the sudden absence of alcohol and, in severe cases, can become life-threatening without proper care.

What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is the second phase of alcohol withdrawal and can appear weeks or even months after someone stops drinking. This stage often brings psychological and emotional challenges, such as fatigue, lingering aches, and depression. Although PAWS usually fades with time, symptoms can sometimes recur even after they’ve subsided.

PAWS is a common cause of relapse.

As the brain and body adjust to life without alcohol, many people experience what’s known as “emotional withdrawal.” This stage is sometimes misunderstood or overlooked, but with the right support and guidance from your doctor, the symptoms can be managed effectively.

Physical Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

During Acute Alcohol Withdrawal, people can experience a wide range of physical symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe complications. As symptoms progress, medical support often becomes essential. Without proper care, severe withdrawal can sometimes be life-threatening.

Patient Explaining The Mild Symptoms Of Alcohol Detox They Are Experiencing

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • Headaches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tremors or shakiness
Patient Being Checked Up On For Moderate Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

  • Elevated body temperature
  • Excessive sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort
Patient Experiencing The Severe Symptoms That Accompany The Third Stage Of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

  • Hallucinations
  • High fever
  • Severe confusion
  • Seizures
  • Delirium Tremens (DT)

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for alcohol withdrawal symptoms can differ greatly depending on factors like age, drinking habits, and how long someone has struggled with alcohol abuse. For most people, symptoms begin within about eight hours after their last drink and usually improve within a week. The most intense withdrawal effects often peak around the third or fourth day.

Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Patient Struggling With Withdrawal Symptoms In The First Stage Of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

The first stage of alcohol withdrawal usually brings mild symptoms and often starts within 8 to 24 hours after the last drink.

Client Struggling As They Experience The Second Stage Of Alcohol Withdrawal

The second stage of alcohol withdrawal often involves moderate symptoms and usually appears within 48 to 72 hours after the last drink.

Patient Experiencing The Severe Symptoms That Accompany The Third Stage Of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

The third stage of alcohol withdrawal is the most severe and often begins around the third or fourth day. When it occurs, symptoms can last up to five days after delirium sets in. However, not everyone with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome will reach this stage.

Stage 3 is by far the most severe stage and is typically characterized by the onset of Delirium Tremens (DT).

What is Delirium Tremens (DT)?

Delirium Tremens (DT) is a serious neurological condition that affects about 5% of people with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). It impacts the central nervous system and can cause severe disruptions in both mental and physical functioning. Men over 40 who have been drinking heavily for a decade or more face the highest risk of developing DT.

Common symptoms associated with DT include:

Icon Depicting Severe Confusion

Severe
Confusion

Icon Depicting Body Tremors

Body
Tremors

Icon Depicting Visual Hallucinations

Visual
Hallucinations

Icon Depicting Mood Change

Mood
Changes

Icon Depicting Seizures

Alcoholic
Seizures

1 in 25 people die from Delirium Tremens each year in the U.S.

Detoxing From Alcohol

Detoxing from alcohol is a serious process and should never be taken lightly. It’s the first crucial step toward recovery and should always be done under professional medical supervision. Across Arizona and throughout the United States, numerous centers are available to help you stop drinking safely. To learn which locations accept your insurance and to find the right detox center for your needs, reach out to Arizona IOP today.

Can I detox from alcohol at home?

While detoxing at home on your own can be risky, outpatient rehab offers a safe and flexible way to begin recovery. With professional support just a call away, you can get the care you need while staying in the comfort of your own home. Many programs even offer same-day placement so you can start your journey to sobriety as soon as you’re ready.

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

Navigating Alcohol Withdrawal

Today, most people start treatment for alcohol abuse with outpatient detox programs rather than inpatient care. Research shows that fewer than 20% of alcohol withdrawal cases actually need hospitalization, while more than 70% of people who choose outpatient detox complete it. These programs provide safe, professional support to help you manage withdrawal symptoms and take the first important step toward overcoming alcohol abuse.

What is Alcohol Detox?

According to SAMHSA, detoxification is the process of clearing harmful substances from the body while safely managing withdrawal symptoms. The goal is to reduce the physical risks linked to substance abuse and help people begin recovery in a safe, supportive way.

  • Types of Detox Settings

    Types of Detox Settings

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  • Outpatient

    This form of detox typically occurs in a doctor’s office or dedicated clinic where clients arrive for scheduled appointments, receive necessary treatment, and then return home. Outpatient detox is generally used in cases where a client is at a lower risk of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

  • Intensive Outpatient

    This level of care is similar to outpatient detox; however, once clients arrive for their scheduled appointments they are monitored by medical professionals for a number of hours before going home.

  • Residential Inpatient

    Residential inpatient detox is characterized by clients coming to a non-hospital setting and staying for the duration of their detox symptoms. These environments focus on mutual support rather than medically monitored support. This level of care is best suited for clients who are not likely to experience severe symptoms.

  • Medically Supervised Inpatient

    This level of care is similar to outpatient detox; however, once clients arrive for their scheduled appointments they are monitored by medical professionals for a number of hours before going home.

  • Hospitalized Inpatient

    Hospital inpatient detox is just that – clients stay in a hospital setting for the duration of their detox under strict 24-hour medical supervision. This form of detox ensures vital signs are managed and severe symptoms (like DT) can be quickly identified and treated. While anyone can detox in a hospital setting, it is more common when the problem is severe.

Finding the Right Detox Center

At Arizona IOP, we partner with trusted local providers offering high-quality alcohol detox programs designed to help you or your loved one safely manage withdrawal and take the first step toward lasting recovery.

Take the First Step to Conquering Alcoholism

Alcohol Detox Stages

No matter where it takes place, alcohol detox usually follows three key stages designed to support lasting recovery. Research shows that about one in five people discharged from detox go on to further substance use treatment programs. While that number varies by program and location, continuing care after detox is strongly linked to better long-term outcomes.

Patient Meeting With A Doctor As They Enter The First Stage Of Alcohol Detox Evaluation

When someone begins outpatient alcohol detox, care should be tailored to their unique needs. Medical professionals take time to understand each person’s background—including factors like mental health, family history, gender, and any past relapses. These details help create a safer, more effective detox plan while anticipating potential symptoms along the way.

Two Clients Sitting Together As They Enter Stage Two Of Alcohol Detox Stabilization

Once the initial evaluation is complete, medical professionals develop a personalized detox plan to help manage both physical and emotional symptoms, while keeping vital signs stable throughout the process.

Patient Preparing For Next Steps In Their Treatment As They Enter Stage Three Of Alcohol Detox Preparation

As clients near the end of detox, they start preparing for the next stage of their recovery. What this looks like can vary for each person, depending on their individual needs and goals.

Alcohol Withdrawal Medication

FDA-Approved Alcohol Withdrawal Medications

Several medications can help ease symptoms and reduce health risks linked to Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). The FDA has approved the use of benzodiazepines to safely manage these symptoms in clients.

Most Common Alcohol Withdrawal Medications

An icon for Chlordiazepoxide for Medication

Chlordiazepoxide

An icon of Diazepam for Medication

Diazepam

An icon of Lorazepam for Medication

Lorazepam

An icon of Oxazepam for Medication

Oxazepam

Research shows that using benzodiazepines to manage alcohol withdrawal is much safer than attempting to detox with alcohol itself. When administered correctly, these medications can lower the risk of seizures, Delirium Tremens (DT), and other withdrawal symptoms. While other medications are being studied for AWS, they have not yet received FDA approval.

After completing detox, clients can continue addressing their symptoms through a combination of FDA-approved medications and therapy—an approach known as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This can be done in either outpatient or inpatient settings, depending on individual needs.

Read more about FDA-approved treatment options for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) here.

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Finding an Alcohol Detox Program

Seek Professional Help

Finding the right outpatient alcohol detox program can feel overwhelming, and many people aren’t sure what to look for. Professional guidance can make this process much easier and help ensure you get the care you need.

When choosing an outpatient detox program, it’s important to consider:

  • Selecting a Detox Center

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  • Staff Credentials

    Make sure the staff providing care are properly credentialed and trained. Starting with master’s-level clinicians is a good first step, and you can also look for team members with specialized training in areas like trauma therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other evidence-based approaches.

  • Facility Credentials

    In addition to qualified staff, make sure the outpatient facility itself is properly accredited. While there are different types of accreditation, the national gold standard is Joint Commission accreditation, often displayed as the Gold Seal of Approval on the facility’s website or materials.

  • Treatment Programs

    There are many levels of care for addiction treatment and thus multiple treatment modalities a facility can employ. No treatment works with all clients, so, the best thing to look for is facilities offering a personalized approach to treatment and specific programs to suit your needs (like treating mental health problems or allowing you to work during treatment). It’s also wise to research various types of treatment therapies to better understand what you or your loved one may need.

     

    Addiction treatment can involve many levels of care and a variety of treatment approaches. Because no single method works for everyone, it’s best to look for outpatient programs that offer personalized care tailored to your specific needs—whether that means addressing co-occurring mental health issues or allowing you to continue working while in treatment. It’s also helpful to explore different types of therapy so you have a clear understanding of what might work best for you or your loved one.

  • Client Management

    One of the most important factors when choosing treatment is personalized client management. Some programs prioritize filling beds over providing tailored care, offering limited access to treatment options and support. Look for outpatient programs that provide dedicated case managers, higher staff-to-client ratios, and strong aftercare support—these elements are key to achieving long-term success both during and after treatment.

At Arizona IOP, we specialize in addiction treatment and meet all the standards of care outlined above. Our team can help you find the outpatient detox program or treatment solution that best fits your needs. We also provide ongoing support for clients transitioning from detox to outpatient care and offer comprehensive aftercare to promote long-term sobriety.

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Alcohol Detox Aftercare

Achieving Long-Term Recovery

While alcohol detox is a crucial first step, it’s only the beginning of recovery. Addiction is often linked to underlying issues, such as trauma or mental health challenges, so continuing care after detox is strongly recommended.

For the best chance at lasting recovery, clients are encouraged to enroll in an outpatient rehab program that provides ongoing support, therapy, and personalized treatment tailored to their needs.

Ongoing Treatment Options

In an outpatient program, clients participate in behavioral therapy sessions to understand the mechanics of addiction and learn strategies to manage cravings and prevent relapse.

After completing detox or initial treatment, individuals are encouraged to continue their recovery through programs such as intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or other structured aftercare options.

Addiction is a lifelong condition, and ongoing care is essential—without it, the risk of relapse remains high.

Leaders in the Industry

At Arizona IOP, our master’s-level clinicians and addiction specialists focus on trauma-informed, individualized care. We can help you find an outpatient detox program to safely manage alcohol withdrawal and provide the tools you need to begin and maintain your journey toward long-term sobriety.

Our outpatient programs in Scottsdale, Arizona prioritize addressing addiction at its source and offering holistic, sustainable solutions. We also work with most insurance providers to help make treatment accessible and affordable.