Deciding to stop drinking is a big step. For many people it is also the moment the body pushes back. If someone has been drinking heavily for a long time, cutting down or stopping suddenly can bring on withdrawal. This guide explains what alcohol withdrawal is and why medical support matters.
The information here draws on Healthdirect Australia and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. It is general information and is not a plan for any one person. Your doctor is the right person to talk through your own situation. That conversation is worth having before you stop.
What alcohol dependence means
Healthdirect describes alcohol dependence as drinking regularly and finding it hard to control how much you drink. It is also called alcoholism or alcohol use disorder. Signs include strong urges to drink, trouble stopping and needing more alcohol to feel the same effect. Healthdirect also says it is a treatable condition and that it is never too late to seek support.
Dependence is different from one heavy night out. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation explains that when a person is dependent, their body has come to rely on alcohol. That is why reducing or stopping can trigger withdrawal quite suddenly. If you are unsure where your own drinking sits, this closer look at addiction and rehab treatment covers questions people often ask.
Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
Withdrawal can range from very unpleasant to dangerous. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation lists a number of symptoms people may have. They include the following.
- Sweating
- Anxiety or agitation
- Poor appetite and trouble sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors, seizures or fits
- Delusions and hallucinations
- A faster heart rate and higher blood pressure
The last item on that list matters more than it might seem. The foundation notes that a raised heart rate and blood pressure can lead to stroke or heart attack. Healthdirect lists similar effects, including nervousness, sweating, confusion and seizures. Not everyone will have every symptom. The mix varies from person to person.
When withdrawal becomes a medical emergency
The most severe form is called alcohol withdrawal delirium. You may also hear it called delirium tremens. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation describes it as a medical emergency. Signs include intense confusion, agitation, tremors, paranoia, hallucinations and blood pressure that rises and falls.
According to the foundation, it occurs in about 3 to 5 per cent of people going through withdrawal. Symptoms can develop within 24 to 48 hours of stopping or sharply cutting down. It usually lasts around 3 to 7 days but can continue for up to 14 days. Deaths have occurred, which is why this stage should never be managed alone.
If someone shows these signs, call triple zero and ask for an ambulance. Stay with them until help arrives. Do not try to wait it out at home.
Why stopping suddenly can be risky
Many people want to stop all at once and get it over with. That urge is easy to understand. The trouble is that a body used to alcohol may react strongly when it is taken away. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation advises withdrawing under medical supervision. At the very least, it says to speak with a medical professional first.
A doctor can look at how much and how often you drink, your health history and any other medicines you take. From there they can talk about the safest way to stop or cut back. The foundation notes that doctors can prescribe medicine to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This is one reason a GP visit is a sensible first step.
Withdrawal support options in Australia
There is more than one way to go through withdrawal with support. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation describes detox services that can be outpatient or residential. In some areas, withdrawal at home is possible with support from a withdrawal nurse. Even then, the foundation says to consult a medical professional before you start.
Healthdirect also lists detox facility stays and rehabilitation among the options for alcohol dependence. Services and how you reach them vary across states and territories. Your GP can point you to what is available near you. The Healthdirect page on alcohol dependence and where to get help lists national and state services you can contact.
Medicines for cravings
For some people a doctor may suggest medicine to help with cravings. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation names naltrexone and acamprosate as options a GP can prescribe. Whether either suits you is a question for your doctor. They will weigh up your health and any other medicines you take.
What happens after withdrawal
Withdrawal deals with the body adjusting to life without alcohol. It does not, on its own, deal with the reasons someone was drinking. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says most people need ongoing support afterwards. That might be counselling, residential rehabilitation, peer support or a mix of these.
Healthdirect lists behavioural treatment as one approach that helps people build coping skills. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy in rehab are one example of this kind of work. Peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are another option it names. Many people also find practical plans help, like these steps for breaking free from addiction.
Alcohol and mental health
Drinking and mental health are often tangled together. Healthdirect notes that using alcohol to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma or stress is a risk factor for dependence. It also lists mental illness among the complications of heavy drinking. Care that looks at both sides is discussed in this piece on treating addiction and mental health disorders.
Supporting someone who wants to stop
If you are worried about a partner, friend or family member, the same advice applies to them. Encourage them to see a GP before they stop drinking. Healthdirect notes that a GP can refer people on to a psychologist or counsellor. It also lists support services for families and friends of people who drink, as well as for carers.
Healthdirect lists other complications of heavy drinking too. These include liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers. Talking about health in plain terms can be an easier way into the conversation than talking about the drinking itself. Either way, a doctor is well placed to help.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to stop drinking on my own?
For someone who is dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly can bring on withdrawal that is dangerous. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation advises doing it under medical supervision or speaking with a doctor first. A GP can help you work out the safest approach.
How long does alcohol withdrawal last?
It varies between people. For the severe form, alcohol withdrawal delirium, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation says symptoms can begin within 24 to 48 hours and usually last 3 to 7 days. In some cases they continue for up to 14 days.
Can I go through withdrawal at home?
In some areas, home withdrawal is possible with support from a withdrawal nurse. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says to consult a medical professional before starting. Your doctor can tell you whether it is a safe option for you.
What are the Australian drinking limits?
Healthdirect says Australian guidelines advise no more than 10 standard drinks a week. They also advise no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day. If you are dependent on alcohol, talk to a doctor about how to cut down safely.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an assessment by a doctor. Please speak with a doctor or qualified health professional about your own health and any plan to stop drinking.
