Alcohol consumption is a common part of many social activities, but for some individuals, it can lead to dependence and addiction. Deciding to quit drinking is a brave and commendable decision. However, it is not always easy to stop alcohol abuse without experiencing minor or severe withdrawal symptoms. On one hand, mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms are not dangerous and can be managed at home. On the other hand, severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may require medical supervision and professional treatment.

If you or someone you care about is planning to start their recovery journey, it is important to be aware of the common alcohol withdrawal symptoms and listen to your body in the first few days after you stop drinking. In our guide, we will list the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, explain why they occur, and offer a few tips to manage mild symptoms and get the necessary help and support.

What Are Mild Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

When a person is physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol, their body gets used to the constant presence of this substance in their system. Alcohol affects gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – a neurotransmitter that reduces the activity of the nervous system. It means that when you are under the influence of alcohol, your brain function is temporarily suppressed. Once you stop drinking, your brain chemistry is altered which may lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms.

Even individuals who are not addicted to alcohol may deal with minor withdrawal symptoms after they give up drinking. Here is a list of mild symptoms you may experience:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating

Why Does Alcohol Withdrawal Occur?

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) takes place when a person who was drinking heavily or moderately for a long time abruptly stops alcohol consumption. This happens because of alcohol’s impact on brain neurotransmitters – excitation and inhibition of brain chemicals lead to an imbalance in the brain function when the individual decides to quit drinking.

There are several factors that contribute to alcohol withdrawal:

• The duration of alcohol abuse. The longer the person drinks, the higher is the likelihood of alcohol addiction and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
• The amount of alcohol consumed. A person that drinks large quantities of alcohol daily is likely to become dependent on this substance.
• Previous episodes of withdrawal. If you had to cope with alcohol withdrawal in the past, there is a chance you will deal with this problem again especially if you resume drinking after a period of sobriety.
• Underlying health issues. Let your doctor know if you have been drinking to self-medicate and cope with a physical or mental health disorder you have – you may require a special treatment plan to address your personal health needs.
• Psychological symptoms. It is not uncommon to struggle with mental health symptoms when you give up alcohol – besides anxiety and depression, people often feel like their sleep patterns are messed up when they stop drinking.

How Long Do Mild Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

The alcohol withdrawal timeline depends on multiple factors – some people start feeling unwell within a few hours after their last drink while others do not have any symptoms at all. On average, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal begin 6 hours after you stop drinking, peak within 72 hours, and resolve within 7-10 days.

Fortunately, mild symptoms do not last long – you may feel anxious and nauseous for a couple of days yet manage to overcome these symptoms with proper hydration, a healthy diet, and ample sleep. If you feel like the symptoms persist and you are starting to feel worse a few days into your sobriety, reach out to a healthcare provider – a doctor will be able to diagnose your condition and adjust your treatment.

How to Deal With Mild Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Here are a few tips that will help you manage mild withdrawal symptoms from alcohol:

• Drink a lot of water. It is essential to stay hydrated during the withdrawal to replenish your body with necessary nutrients.
• Have a balanced diet. While you may not have much of an appetite when you feel unwell, make sure you eat
  fresh fruits and vegetables that will give you energy.
• Get enough sleep. Your body and mind need to rest especially when you feel unwell – create a comfortable environment and stick to the sleep schedule that suits you.
• Reach out to your friends and family. Do not underestimate the importance of support from your loved ones – surround yourself with people that care about you and let them help you on your recovery journey.
• Contact a mental health professional. Whether you manage to handle the mild symptoms on your own or start feeling better only to relapse shortly afterward, it is a good idea to talk to a therapist who will be able to advise you and come up with a personalized treatment plan for you.

When to Seek Help During Alcohol Withdrawal?

While mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be dealt with at home without medical assistance, in certain cases, intervention from a healthcare provider is necessary. Here are a few signs to look out for:

• Your symptoms do not go away after a few days
• You have trouble sticking to your normal routine because of the withdrawal
• Your mental health is getting worse – you feel depressed, have suicidal thoughts, and struggle to sleep at night
• You start showing severe symptoms of withdrawal such as seizures, fever, agitation, and hallucinations

You should be able to get through the alcohol withdrawal when you have support from medical professionals. A doctor will monitor your symptoms, prescribe medication to manage your condition, and advise you to enter an inpatient or outpatient program to treat alcohol addiction.

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