Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol either in a single session or consistently over time can negatively impact your health. In addition to the heightened risk of injury, aggressive behavior, and addiction, you may also face potential harm such as liver damage, compromised cognitive function, cardiovascular issues, weakened immune system, and significant mental health disorders.

If you are aware of the harmful consequences of alcohol, you should make an effort to minimize your alcohol consumption and eventually quit drinking. However, before taking this step, it is important to understand the potential effects on your body when you stop drinking alcohol.

Find out what alcohol withdrawal is 

Giving up alcohol can be challenging, particularly for long-term drinkers. It’s essential to be aware that when you initiate the process of quitting alcohol, you may encounter uncomfortable and potentially severe symptoms known as alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol withdrawal is a state that arises when an individual who regularly consumes alcohol abruptly decreases or discontinues alcohol intake. This phenomenon is a natural response of the body, stemming from the central nervous system's adjustment to alcohol presence and the subsequent need for adaptation when alcohol intake is abruptly halted.

Alcohol withdrawal is a frequently encountered issue among individuals who have developed an alcohol addiction or have engaged in prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption.

How does the body react when you quit alcohol?

As you begin to reduce or cease alcohol consumption, you will encounter symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Throughout this phase, several changes will occur to your body.

First 6 hours

Usually, within the first 6 hours after quitting alcohol, you will experience mild symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Hand trembling
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating 
• Insomnia

Read more: Tips For Stop Drinking Alcoholic Drinks

12-48 hours

The second phase of withdrawal symptoms generally begins 12-48 hours after stopping drinking. The symptoms are often more serious and can even be life-threatening. Some of the symptoms that may occur include:

• Hallucinations that can be both visual (look like they are real) and auditory (sound like they are real)
• Confusion and loss of awareness of time, place or identity
• Increased blood pressure and pulse rate
• Rapid breathing 
• Decreased body temperature which may lead to mild hypothermia
• Seizures

Read more: Dangers Of Consuming Alcohol With Caffeine

48-72 hours

In the third phase of alcohol withdrawal, which occurs about 48-72 hours after the last drink, about 5% of people can experience serious withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening. These symptoms are called delirium tremens (DT).

Delirium tremens is an emergency condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Some of the symptoms associated with DTs include:

• Clear visual or auditory hallucinations
• False beliefs or delusions
• Disorientation regarding time, location, or self-identity
• Quick shifts in mood
• Elevated body temperature or hypothermia
• Restlessness and discomfort
• Excessive drowsiness or tiredness
• Uncontrollable spikes in activity or energy
• Profuse sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Elevated blood pressure
• Confusion
• Seizures

Although rare, delirium tremens (DT) is considered a medical emergency that needs immediate medical treatment and care. 

Taking the step to quit alcohol is vital for reclaiming a healthy body. However, because this transition carries the potential for alcohol withdrawal, it's advisable to seek guidance from your doctor beforehand. The doctor can offer medical guidance to facilitate a safe cessation of alcohol consumption.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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