“My hands shake uncontrollably, making it impossible to write. I experience fever, chills, nausea, and a lack of appetite. I manage to consume only 300-500 calories a day, forcing myself to eat. My mind feels confused with random thoughts; recently, I even thought I was dead and this was the afterlife. I struggle with stuttering speech, insomnia, and widespread body pain. Within 2-3 days of not drinking, I relapse because alcohol is the only thing that eases my symptoms.” – Anonymous
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the United States. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, alcohol use among adults increased from 65% to 73% between 2002 and 2013, with the most significant rise among women and minorities. Currently, over 86% of individuals aged 18 or older report having consumed alcohol at least once. Despite being legal, alcohol can be more dangerous than other substances like heroin and methamphetamine. It is estimated that alcohol-related causes account for 88,000 deaths annually, making it the third leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.
The dangers of alcohol are manifold. Excessive consumption can lead to unconsciousness, impaired judgment, and potential liver poisoning. Its widespread availability and legality make it easier to access, which can increase its risks. Additionally, people who pass out from drinking may vomit and choke, potentially leading to death by asphyxiation. Alcohol depresses the nerves responsible for involuntary actions, such as breathing and the gag reflex, making asphyxiation a risk for those who are unconscious due to intoxication. Another lesser-known risk associated with alcohol is withdrawal, which can also be deadly.
Can You Die From Alcohol Withdrawal
YES
While it is rare, death from alcohol withdrawal is a real possibility. For example, Amy Winehouse’s family reported that she died from fatal seizures linked to alcohol withdrawal. Although her toxicology report suggested otherwise, healthcare professionals acknowledge that alcohol withdrawal can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. These may include convulsions, which involve epileptic seizures, and cardiac arrhythmia, where the heart experiences spasms. Because of these risks, hospitals and treatment centers may sometimes recommend that individuals continue drinking until they are admitted for treatment.
What Happens During Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone who has been consuming excessive amounts of alcohol over a long period suddenly stops drinking. Alcohol acts as a sedative, providing relaxation and calmness. Over time, the brain compensates for this sedation by working harder to maintain normal function. When alcohol intake ceases abruptly, the brain’s neurotransmitters, which had been subdued by alcohol, continue to fire without restraint. This leads to a range of complications.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
To visualize this, think of your brain as a car and alcohol as the brakes. If you drive with your foot on the brakes and suddenly remove it while still pressing on the gas, the car will accelerate rapidly. Similarly, if two people are playing tug of war and one suddenly lets go, the other will be jolted backward. Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
These symptoms can be uncomfortable but are not typically life-threatening. However, severe symptoms are more common in individuals with long-term heavy drinking habits and require immediate medical attention. Serious symptoms that warrant urgent care include:
While mild withdrawal symptoms can often be managed with rest, hydration, and monitoring, severe withdrawal can be dangerous and requires medical supervision. A study published in 2010 in the Oxford University Press Journal Alcohol and Alcoholism found that 6.6% of patients admitted to hospitals with alcohol withdrawal symptoms died due to complications. All participants in this study were severe drinkers who had abruptly stopped drinking.
Heart Palpitations
Alcohol withdrawal can lead to heart palpitations, also known as alcohol-induced arrhythmias. According to the Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, these palpitations may arise due to several factors, including electrolyte imbalances, rebound and adrenergic hypersensitivity, QT interval prolongation, decreased heart rate variability, and disruptions in the atrial effective refractory period.
Hallucinations
During alcohol withdrawal, neurotransmitters in the brain become overly active without the usual regulation. Hallucinations typically occur between 12 to 24 hours after alcohol consumption stops and affect more than a quarter of individuals hospitalized for withdrawal. These hallucinations are often auditory and verbal and are usually accompanied by delusions and mood disturbances, resembling symptoms seen in schizophrenia.
Seizures
Sudden withdrawal from alcohol after prolonged use can trigger seizures, even in individuals with no prior history of epilepsy. Both alcohol toxicity and metabolic changes contribute to these seizures, as the central nervous system becomes highly active after being suppressed by alcohol for an extended period. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 90% of alcohol withdrawal seizures occur within the first 48 hours after cessation, and the risk and severity of seizures increase with the number of previous withdrawal episodes.
Delirium Tremens
Delirium Tremens (DT) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal characterized by a rapid onset of confusion and intense physical symptoms. Commonly referred to as “The Shakes,” DT typically affects individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use lasting more than a year and usually appears within 2 to 3 days after their last drink. Symptoms include body tremors, confusion, deep sleep, delirium, mood swings, hallucinations, and restlessness while awake. Although manageable with appropriate medical care, Delirium Tremens can be fatal in 5-15% of cases.
Stories of Alcohol Withdrawal
To provide readers with a clearer understanding of Delirium Tremens and other alcohol withdrawal symptoms, we’ve gathered firsthand accounts from Reddit. These personal experiences are shared for illustrative purposes and are not endorsed or associated with Sunrise Recovery.
“I experienced severe shaking, sweating, diarrhea, extreme anxiety, and a racing heart. The first night in the hospital, I sweated so much that my bed had to be changed. I was put on an IV drip because I couldn’t keep fluids down. My anxiety was so overwhelming that I couldn’t sleep for days.”
“Stopping drinking left me incredibly anxious. My ears were ringing, and it felt like I was enveloped in static. I felt as though the world was closing in on me. During lunch at a regular spot, I was sweating profusely and could only see my lunch companion’s lips moving without hearing her. However, I imagined I could clearly hear a conversation from across the restaurant, even though it was five tables away. Returning to my office, I had a panic attack, irrationally believing that if I moved, I might be sucked out of the window and fall to my death. I lay down on the carpet, gripping it for safety. My heart was racing, colors seemed washed out, and I saw things as if they had been burned. I experienced intrusive thoughts, persistent panic, sweating, and audio hallucinations. This intense phase lasted for a few days, with the most severe symptoms occurring during the first day or two.”
“I was convinced that the entire universe was disintegrating and felt helpless. I vividly heard children laughing and crying outside my window (despite it being the middle of the night) and then loud, robotic alarms. At one point, I looked at my hand and saw it covered in blood, though it eventually disappeared after several checks, revealing that it wasn’t real. I saw faces in the textures of objects like the bathmat and ceiling stippling, and every time I closed my eyes, I saw disturbing and nonsensical images that made me jolt. My vision narrowed to a pinprick, and all I could hear was a rushing sound in my ears. This severe episode lasted about 36-48 hours.”
Other Side Effects of Long-Term Alcohol Abuse
Individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms are also at risk of encountering several other health issues linked to chronic alcohol consumption. Long-term drinkers and those struggling with alcohol addiction often face similar medical conditions due to their drinking habits. Some of these conditions include:
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis results from prolonged liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. As liver tissue becomes scarred, the liver’s ability to function properly diminishes, impairing its capacity to produce proteins and filter toxins from the blood. Symptoms of cirrhosis include jaundice, portal hypertension, itching skin, anemia, elevated blood sugar, and high blood pressure. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be the only option for recovery.
Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
Long-term alcohol addiction can also lead to serious heart conditions. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy, sometimes called alcohol-related heart disease, occurs when prolonged alcohol consumption weakens and thins the heart muscle, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can result in heart failure and other severe health issues. Treatment typically involves the use of beta-blockers, reducing sodium intake, and administering ACE inhibitors.
Alcoholic Neuropathy
Also known as peripheral neuropathy, this disorder results from excessive alcohol intake causing damage to the peripheral nerves. Chronic alcohol use depletes essential nutrients in the body and disrupts how nerves obtain these nutrients. The damage from alcoholic neuropathy can significantly impair nerve function and, in severe cases, may lead to permanent loss of function in the hands and feet. It is estimated that approximately 65% of individuals in the United States diagnosed with alcohol use disorder also suffer from alcoholic neuropathy.
In Conclusion
Alcohol withdrawal can be both dangerous and potentially fatal. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependence and seeks to achieve sobriety, it is crucial to consult with a medical professional or seek help from a certified detox and rehabilitation center. Withdrawal symptoms are a clear indicator of a serious problem. At Sunrise Recovery, we are dedicated to providing top-tier, evidence-based treatment for all types of substance use disorders. For more information on drug and alcohol rehabilitation options, including residential treatment and intensive outpatient programs, please visit our website.
