Alcohol withdrawal: the symptoms and what to do about it

Alcohol withdrawal happens when someone who is dependent on alcohol stops drinking or suddenly reduces the amount they drink.

You can manage some milder symptoms of withdrawal yourself, like:

• sweating
• feeling anxious
• feeling sick or vomiting

What is alcohol dependence?

Alcohol dependence is when your body needs alcohol to function normally. Someone who is alcohol dependent needs alcohol to feel normal.

You are more likely to become alcohol dependent if you:

• drink alcohol most days
• drink in the morning to relieve shakes or sweats
• regularly drink above the recommended weekly limit of 14 units

People who are alcohol dependent usually start having withdrawal symptoms 6 to 12 hours after their last drink, but the symptoms can start up to 72 hours (3 days) after the last drink.

The symptoms usually get more intense, reaching their peak in the first 48 hours.

After that the symptoms will start to decrease and usually go away altogether within 5 to 7 days.

Things like your sleep patterns and energy levels might take a little longer to feel normal again, but these will get better with time.

If you're finding things hard in the meantime, you could try our advice for relaxing at home or finding a new distraction.

Cutting down alcohol when you're dependent

Reducing the amount you drink without any support is dangerous. The withdrawal process needs to be managed by a trained expert.

An alcohol treatment service will work with you to manage your withdrawal and reduce the amount your drink safely and steadily.

They will also help you set realistic goals and work with you to achieve them, giving you a better chance of making a lasting change.

Find a free, confidential service near you

If you’re not ready to speak to someone face to face, our trained staff can offer you free, confidential online advice about what to do next.

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