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Substance Use Disorder SUD: Symptoms & Treatment

25 September 2025

Over weeks or months, you’ll have smaller or fewer drinks until you reach a point where you don’t have any at all. Alcohol withdrawal is a potentially serious complication of alcohol use disorder. It’s important to get medical help even if you have mild symptoms of withdrawal, as it’s difficult to predict in the beginning how much worse the symptoms could get. Many involve a combination of group psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. The Ashton Method, developed by Professor Heather Ashton, remains one of the most widely respected tapering protocols.

Additional Common Questions

  • You may want to reach out to a friend or loved one for support as you start your treatment journey.
  • Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, may also be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and promote relaxation.
  • Diagnosis and clinical management of alcohol withdrawal involve a careful assessment of drinking history, the timing of the last drink and the presence of withdrawal symptoms.
  • Someone who has been drinking heavily for many years will typically experience more prolonged withdrawal than someone with a shorter history of alcohol use.
  • For many people, home detox is not only difficult, it is dangerous.
  • You are monitored around the clock, your symptoms are treated early, and your care team can adjust medications as your body responds.

Once you stop drinking and all the alcohol is out of your system, your diarrhea should start to get better. If you’re getting through alcohol withdrawal at home, here’s what can help. These medications aren’t for everyone but could help lessen severe DT symptoms, such as hallucinations and aggression.

  • A native Chicagoan and recent Florida transplant, Angela enjoys spending time in nature exploring the beaches of southwest Florida with her husband and two young children.
  • Often, medical teams will recommend that you complete at least the first 3 to 5 days in a safe detox program on site, and then step down to outpatient services.
  • When you drink regularly, your brain chemistry adapts by producing more excitatory neurotransmitters to compensate for alcohol’s depressant effects.
  • Alcohol no longer feels like a daily decision or a source of mental tug-of-war, and many people feel more emotionally resilient and self-trusting during this stage.

What are the signs of addiction?

Alcohol consumption can lead to nutritional deficiencies, and correcting these deficiencies can help alleviate some withdrawal symptoms. A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support the body’s recovery. Additionally, drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help prevent dehydration, a common issue during alcohol withdrawal. It includes any drinking behavior that increases the risk of physical, mental or social problems.

What can I not eat or drink if I’m taking benzodiazepines?

They may also evaluate prescription drug monitoring program reports (a database of distributed controlled substances). The 24 to 72 hour window represents the peak danger zone for the most severe withdrawal complication called delirium tremens, or DTs. This life-threatening condition affects approximately 5% of people going through alcohol withdrawal and includes symptoms like severe confusion, fever, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. This is why detox centers in Scottsdale and other locations emphasize medical monitoring during this critical period. If your symptoms are mild and you do not have high‑risk features, supervised withdrawal can sometimes occur in an outpatient setting. Benzodiazepines are considered the gold standard for managing alcohol withdrawal.

what is alcohol withdrawal

The duration and intensity of your alcohol use play the most significant role. Someone who has been drinking heavily every day for years will typically face a longer, more intense detox than someone who recently increased their consumption over a few months. If you’re considering stopping Alcohol Withdrawal alcohol use after a period of heavy or prolonged drinking, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is how long the detox process will take.

what is alcohol withdrawal

Yes, benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed and see widespread use. In a 12-month period spanning 2014 and 2015, experts estimate that at least 30.5 million people in the U.S. took benzodiazepines prescribed by a healthcare provider. Many people with DTs also have dehydration, electrolyte imbalances or mineral deficiencies. Your healthcare provider can treat these by infusing you (through an IV in your vein) with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Some infusions come specially prepared for this type of situation.

Medical detox vs social detox in Utah

In Utah, you have access to medically supervised detox, social detox with medical support, and structured residential programs that focus on safety, dignity, and long‑term recovery. This guide walks you through what to expect and how to choose the safest option for your situation. Detox typically lasts 3 to 10 days depending on drinking history and withdrawal severity. Medical professionals use standardized assessment tools measuring withdrawal symptoms every 4 to 8 hours.