If you’ve decided to stop drinking alcohol – or you’re thinking of cutting back, you’re probably wondering what happens next. How will your body react? How will you be feeling? How difficult will it be? The truth is that alcohol withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, frightening and, in some cases, even dangerous. However, this phase of recovery is also manageable with the proper support. At Abbington House, our clinical team manage the detox process with compassion and trauma-informed care. Whether this is the first time you’re thinking about stopping or you’ve attempted to stop before and struggled, this guide will take you through exactly what to expect and what to do.

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person who has been drinking heavily or regularly for long periods suddenly stops or significantly reduces their intake. Because alcohol affects brain chemistry, the nervous system adapts to its presence, so when alcohol is removed, the body has to recalibrate. In simpler terms, your brain has adapted to alcohol, and without it, everything feels overstimulated, unsettled, or dysregulated. That’s what causes these withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is not a sign of weakness. It’s a biological response to your body adjusting without something it has come to rely on.

Why Does Alcohol Withdrawal Happen?

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down the brain’s activity and suppresses certain chemicals like glutamate while boosting others like GABA (which calms the nervous system). Over time, the brain compensates by working harder to maintain balance and increases its excitatory chemicals to try and “counteract” the alcohol. When alcohol is suddenly removed:

- The calming GABA effect drops quickly

- The excitatory chemicals are still overproducing

- The nervous system becomes overactive, anxious and unstable

It’s this sudden chemical imbalance that causes symptoms like tremors, sweating, insomnia, anxiety and – if severe – hallucinations or seizures.

Common Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Not everyone experiences withdrawal the same way. Symptoms vary based on how long you’ve been drinking and how much you drink, your general health and whether you’ve been through withdrawal before. We typically divide withdrawal symptoms into physical and emotional/psychological categories:

Physical Symptoms

- Shaking or tremors (especially in the hands)

- Sweating, (especially at night)

- Nausea or vomiting

- Headaches

- Increased heart rate

- Insomnia or disrupted sleep

- Sensitivity to light or sound

- Seizures (in severe cases – seek emergency help if this happens to you or someone you know.)

Emotional & Psychological Symptoms

- Anxiety or panic attacks

- Irritability or restlessness

- Depression or hopelessness

- Vivid dreams or nightmares

- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that aren’t there)

- Disorientation or confusion

- Mood swings

Even the psychological symptoms can feel very real in the body. You may experience a tight chest, racing thoughts, trembling, and feelings of dread.

Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The following table shows a timeline of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Symptom	Description	Typical Onset
Shaking	Hands or body tremble without control	6–12 hours after last drink
Sweating	Excessive sweating even when resting	Early phase
Anxiety	Nervousness, racing thoughts, chest tightness	Early to mid-phase
Insomnia	Difficulty sleeping, early waking	12–72 hours
Nausea/Vomiting	Digestive distress or queasiness	Within 24 hours
Hallucinations	Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real	24–72 hours (rare)
Seizures	Convulsions, muscle spasms (medical emergency)	6–48 hours (rare)

When Is Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?

In some cases – especially for those who’ve been drinking heavily for a long time – withdrawal can become serious and even life-threatening. The most severe form is called Delirium Tremens (DTs). Warning signs of dangerous withdrawal may include:

- Hallucinations that are vivid or distressing

- Seizures or muscle convulsions

- Sudden spikes in blood pressure or heart rate

- Extreme confusion or disorientation

- Fever, severe tremors or agitation

If you or someone you know is showing any of these signs, seek immediate medical attention. This is not something you should attempt to manage alone. If you’re unsure, we’re here to help assess your risk confidentially and advise you on the next steps.

Timeline: How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

While symptoms vary person to person, withdrawal typically follows a general timeline:

Time Since Last Drink	What to Expect
6–12 hours	Anxiety, shaking, insomnia, headache, sweating
12–24 hours	Heightened anxiety, irritability, nausea, craving
24–72 hours	Peak symptoms: tremors, hallucinations, seizures possible
3–7 days	Gradual improvement in most symptoms
1–2 weeks+	Lingering mood swings, insomnia, fatigue (PAWS)

Note: Some symptoms – especially insomnia and emotional distress – can persist for weeks. This is known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and can be managed with professional care, therapy, and support.

How to Manage Alcohol Withdrawal Safely

The safest way to manage alcohol withdrawal depends on your drinking history, medical risks, emotional state and how your body responds to stress. Some people can taper gradually at home with support, while those with more severe addictions will benefit from a medically supervised detox. This is advised where there’s a history of seizures, mental health problems, binge drinking, or previous failed attempts at quitting. When managing alcohol withdrawal, no single approach works for everyone, and detox should be tailored to the individual. Below are some of the options available.

At-Home Alcohol Withdrawal: When It’s Safer (and When It’s Not)

Mild withdrawal symptoms, such as headache, anxiety, restlessness and mild nausea, can be managed at home with planning, rest and gentle support. However, we always recommend speaking to a professional before you begin, especially if you’ve been drinking daily or heavily. You may be able to detox safely at home if you:

- Have no history of seizures or hallucinations

- Have someone supportive who can check in on you

- Can take time off work or commitments

- Don’t rely on alcohol to regulate severe anxiety, trauma or panic

- Are not pregnant or managing other chronic health conditions

You should not detox alone if:

- You’ve experienced withdrawal symptoms in the past

- You drink daily or in large quantities

- You’ve ever had a seizure, hallucination, or blackout from alcohol

- You have co-occurring physical or mental health conditions

- You’re pregnant or immunocompromised

- You live alone and won’t have support nearby

Even if your withdrawal seems “mild,” symptoms can escalate. We strongly recommend that you speak to a healthcare professional first if you have experienced withdrawal in the past. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and your wellbeing or that of a loved one should always be prioritised.

What to Expect in a Medically Supervised Alcohol Detox

In a supervised alcohol detox – offered at a private rehab clinic like Abbington House, your physical and emotional symptoms will be monitored by professionals and stabilised with medication if needed. At Abbington House, this includes:

- Regular monitoring of blood pressure, hydration and mental state

- Medication support (if needed) to reduce symptoms like tremors, anxiety, or risk of seizures

- 24/7 access to staff trained in trauma-informed care

- A calm, sensory-sensitive environment that reduces overwhelm

- Emotional support ensures you feel heard, not judged

Detox isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about being cared for at your most vulnerable. We understand you may be reluctant to reach out for fear of withdrawal. These feelings are very common and completely understandable, especially if you’ve attempted detox in the past and feel traumatised by the experience.

Self-Care Tips During Withdrawal (If Detoxing at Home)

If you and your provider decide a home detox is appropriate, here are ways to support your nervous system:

- Clear your calendar. Give yourself space to rest and recover without pressure.

- Stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen headaches, fatigue and confusion.

- Eat simple, nourishing foods. Even toast, fruit, or broth helps.

- Have someone check in. Even by phone or text – don’t isolate as connection and support is essential during this time.

- Create a calming space. Dim lighting, soft textures and silence can help soothe sensory overload.

- Use grounding techniques. Slow breathing, warm showers and weighted blankets can support regulation.

- Journal your experience. This helps process emotion and track progress.

Note: Reduce caffeine and sugary drinks during withdrawal – they can worsen anxiety and exacerbate sleep problems.

What Alcohol Withdrawal Feels Like (From Our Clients)

Everyone’s experience is different. But here’s how some of our clients have described it:

“I didn’t expect the dreams. They were vivid, strange, emotional.” “It was hard, yes. But not unbearable. What helped most was knowing it was temporary and that it wouldn’t last forever.” “I experienced minor shakes at first, but I felt safe knowing I was being cared for and monitored during this time.” “I tried to quit alcohol so many times before, but the withdrawal symptoms were too challenging alongside cravings. Abbington House helped me with both.”

These stories remind us that withdrawal is intense, but it passes. And what’s waiting on the other side is often worth the short-term discomfort.

When to Seek Help with Alcohol Withdrawal

You don’t have to wait for things to escalate before asking for help. If you’re even considering stopping alcohol – and especially if you’re nervous about how your body might respond, reach out to our team today. At Abbington House, we’ll talk through:

- Your personal history and risk level

- What to expect based on your symptoms

- Whether home or medical detox is safer for you

- What support you may need emotionally, not just physically

We never push. We simply offer honest answers and supportive guidance so you can make informed choices.

What Happens After Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Have Passed?

Many people think withdrawal is the hardest part. And physically, it often is. But once the symptoms subside, you may notice a new challenge: how to live without alcohol. That’s where recovery really begins.

Common experiences after withdrawal:

- Fatigue or emotional numbness (as the brain recalibrates)

- Mood swings or irritability

- Cravings especially in stressful moments or old routines

- Insomnia or trouble focusing

- Relief and fear about what’s next

This is a critical window. It’s when therapy, connection, structure and support can make all the difference.

Support We Offer After Detox

At Abbington House, withdrawal is only the first step. We provide care that extends far beyond those early days:

- Therapy & emotional support to process why you drank and what to do now

- Peer support and small groups (non-judgmental, neurodivergent-inclusive)

- Recovery planning routines, goals, relapse prevention, and lifestyle rebuilding

- Holistic healing movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and rest

- Aftercare coordination so you’re never left to figure it out alone

We don’t just help you get alcohol out of your system. We help you understand what it was doing in your system in the first place – and how to find new ways of feeling safe and in control without drinking.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Face Alcohol Withdrawal Alone

If you’re concerned about what will happen when you stop drinking, talking to our team today could give you the clarity you need to make an informed decision. Alcohol withdrawal can be frightening, but don’t let it prevent you from seeking help. Withdrawal is a sign that your body is recalibrating and remembering how to function without the alcohol it no longer needs. With the correct support, this process can be easily managed. Our team here at Abbington House has extensive knowledge and experience in supporting clients through alcohol withdrawal. Many of our staff have been through it themselves, so they truly understand what it takes to get through this stage safely and comfortably. Their expertise, both professional and personal, ensures you’ll receive the best possible care and support. If you need help quitting alcohol and want advice on the best course of treatment, whether for yourself or someone you love, get in touch with us today. Our team will explain your options and answer any questions you have about the alcohol rehab process.

Explore next:

- What Is Alcohol Addiction? →

- Private Alcohol Detox →

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: What to Expect & How to Cope

About The Author

Ellyn Iacovou