The decision to quit alcohol intake comes with many challenges. While some decide to stop after much deliberation, it's a spur-of-the-moment decision for others, and these people take that path unprepared. However you choose to stop drinking, there are few things to expect. 

The recovery period could be long or short depending on factors like how much alcohol you drink and how long you've been drinking. Usually, it takes four to five days to stop feeling the effects of alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are often at the worst on day three. It’s important to note that being a heavy drinker or a lengthy one might leave you dependent on alcohol, which means quitting might take a toll on you. You would need enough knowledge and proper guidance through the process.

Symptoms of Withdrawal

Alcohol greatly affects our central nervous system, which is in charge of breathing, hormones, heart rate, etc. What alcohol does is it depresses the central nervous system, which also produces sensations of exhilaration and relaxation. 

Because the body's natural tendency is to preserve equilibrium, it will instruct the brain to produce additional neurotransmitter receptors that stimulate the central nervous system. The abstinence from alcohol translates to a reduction in the former receptors and the new receptors. This makes the nervous system overactive. Categorized below are the effects that this can cause.

Short Term Symptoms

For light drinkers, there is a possibility of difficulties in concentration and sleep. Some might feel tired, irritable, and anxious. Effects might get a little more physical. This includes feelings of nausea, a high heart rate, sweating, and tremors.

Long Term Symptoms

In severe cases, you may have delirium tremens, a sudden onset of disorientation caused by alcohol withdrawal (DTs), or alcohol withdrawal delirium. Doctors associate the following symptoms with DTs: high temperature, paranoia, seizures, illusions, and hallucinations. These are the most severe withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment

Doctors frequently use the Clinical Institute for Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol scale to measure a person's withdrawal symptoms and propose treatments. Depending on how severe a person's symptoms are, the doctor offers the sufficient level of therapy needed. 

For short-term effects, therapy might be enough treatment. But if you are experiencing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, you may require medicine. Here are several examples:

• Benzodiazepines (BZD, BDZ, BZs): These are also commonly called "benzos" or "blues ."They are medications prescribed by doctors to lessen the likelihood of seizures during alcohol withdrawal. It is achieved by a reduction in brain activity.

They include; Diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam. Doctors typically choose these medicines to treat alcohol withdrawal.

• Nutritional assistance: To alleviate withdrawal symptoms and rectify deficiencies caused by alcohol usage, doctors may prescribe nutrients like thiamine, folic acid and magnesium.
• Medications for epilepsy: Such drugs reduce nervous system activities and the possibility of seizures and agitation.

Doctors may prescribe other drugs to relieve withdrawal symptoms. A beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is one example of a medication used to treat high blood pressure.

After the first withdrawal symptoms have subsided, a doctor may prescribe medications to lessen the likelihood of a person resuming drinking. Examples of FDA-approved products include:

Naltrexone (ReVia): By blocking opioid (feel-good) receptors in the body, naltrexone can lower alcohol cravings and help a person abstain from alcohol.

Disulfiram (Antabuse): If a person drinks while taking this drug, it can diminish alcohol cravings and make them feel very ill.

These and other medications may be discussed with you by your doctor. You can use these with treatment and support groups to help you stay sober.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

According to a reliable source, the following are suggestions for alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

• Six Hours: A person with a history of heavy drinking may experience a seizure six hours after ceasing drinking.
• Between Twelve And Twenty-four Hours: At this stage, a small minority of people experiencing alcohol withdrawal have hallucinations. They might hear or see something that isn't there.
• Between Twenty-four And Forty-eight Hours: Minor withdrawal symptoms are common throughout this period. Headache, tremors, and stomach upset are some of the symptoms. If a person experiences a little withdrawal, their symptoms normally fade after four to five days.
• Between Forty-eight And Seventy-two Hours: Some people suffer from DTs, a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. This disorder can cause a rapid heart rate, convulsions, or a high body temperature.
• Seventy-two Hours: At this time, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are usually at their worst. Moderate withdrawal symptoms can linger for a month in rare circumstances. Rapid heart rate and illusions (seeing things that aren't there) are examples.

Several factors can influence how long it takes to abstain from alcohol. All of these criteria will be considered by your doctor when determining the duration and severity of your symptoms.

DT risk factors include Atypical liver function, seizures, potassium and sodium deficiency, and low platelet count. Those in the elderly spectrum experience lesions in the brain and 

It is important to note that experiencing these risk factors would require immediate medical assistance at a hospital.

How to Obtain Assistance?

Many organizations can help you if your drinking makes you feel out of control and ready to seek treatment. The National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) is 1-800-662-HELP.

This helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to individuals and their families battling substance misuse.

Helpline operators can direct you to a treatment center, therapist, support group, or other options to help you quit drinking.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism also has an Alcohol Treatment Navigator Trusted Source tool to help you find the correct treatments near you.

Other websites that provide well-researched information and assistance include Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), Alcoholism and Drug Dependence National Council, and Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism National Institute.

Your primary care provider can help you get treatment for the physical and mental symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Treatment is available, and it is possible to live a healthier life with a better relationship with alcohol.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Trusted Source, an estimated one-third of people who receive alcohol treatment are sober one year later.

In addition to the sober folks, many of the remaining two-thirds are drinking less and having fewer alcohol-related health problems after a year.

Finally, consult your doctor if you are concerned about probable alcohol withdrawal symptoms. A doctor can assess your overall health and alcohol abuse history to determine how likely you are to have symptoms.