Can You Die From Alcohol Withdrawal?

Many people in the US safely consume alcohol and do not develop a dependence or addiction to alcohol. Studies indicate that 86% of US adults have had an alcoholic beverage at some point in their lives. But around 6% of all US adults will go on to develop a dependence and full-blown addiction to alcohol. More adult men than women struggle with alcohol addiction and abuse.

There is not one definitive trigger that turns someone from a casual drinker into an alcoholic. Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complex disease. A combination of genetics, temperament, outside influences and triggers can all make someone vulnerable to developing AUD.

AUD is a pattern of alcohol use where the individual has issues controlling the amount they drink. They are preoccupied with drinking and continue to use alcohol despite any negative consequences that excessive drinking causes. People who have AUD will need to consume more significant amounts of alcohol to get the desired effect (tolerance). When they try to quit drinking altogether or limit their consumption, they will experience withdrawal symptoms that can vary in intensity and harshness.

An AUD is suspected when the individual’s health and safety are put at risk because of drinking, or they experience other alcohol-related problems. Binge drinking can be a symptom of AUD, but not all binge drinkers are dependent on alcohol. For men, binge drinking is when someone consumes five or more drinks within two hours. For women, it is four drinks within two hours.

When someone tries to quit an addictive substance, they will experience painful, severe withdrawal symptom. Withdrawal symptoms can be physical, mental, or emotional. In many cases, an individual will experience all three. The withdrawal timeline can also vary significantly from one individual to the next. Other factors can influence the intensity and duration of alcohol abuse withdrawal symptoms.

1. How long a person has been addicted.
2. If they abuse different substances, i.e., drugs and alcohol.
3. How much alcohol they consumed when addicted.
4. If they suffer from any other comorbid or mental health issues.

During alcohol consumption, an enzyme secreted by the liver breaks down the alcohol, helping the body rid itself of the toxin. Alcohol that isn’t broken down and secreted is absorbed into other parts of the body such as the brain. Alcohol suppresses neurotransmitters in the brain that cause the individual to feel at ease and relaxed while intoxicated. Once the alcohol wears off, the neurotransmitters are no longer dulled. As as a result, withdrawal symptoms occur.

Withdrawal symptoms can start in as little as two hours after cessation. Within 24 to 48 hours, the symptoms will peak. In some cases, severe, post-withdrawal symptoms can linger in at-risk individuals. Depression and anxiety and occasional cravings are common post-withdrawal symptoms. Heavy, long-term drinkers are at high risk of developing life-threatening complications from alcohol withdrawal. The most common symptoms for withdrawal include the following:

• Agitation and anxiety
• Headaches
• Shaking and hand tremors
• Nausea and vomiting
• Disorientation
• Seizures

• Insomnia
• High-blood pressure
• Hallucinations
• High fever and excessive perspiration
• Delirium Tremens

Symptoms vary from person to person, but anyone who has a history of alcohol dependence and abuse will experience some symptoms. Someone with a history of heavy, long-term drinking, or who has abused multiple substances in tandem with alcohol is more likely to experience painful, long-lasting, and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Tragically, yes. For at-risk persons, delirium tremens is a risk-factor during the alcohol withdrawal timeline. Delirium tremens is a deadly seizure disorder that can happen to people who’ve struggled with AUD for ten years or more and are heavy drinkers. Those who’ve experienced head injuries, infections or other illness at the time of withdrawal are at-risk for delirium tremens, too.

Usually, delirium tremens occurs within the first several days after a person has had their last drink. However, it can happen as long as ten days after cessation. It is an unpredictable condition.

• Severe confusion (delirium)
• Tremors
• Agitations
• Excessive sleep
• Fearfulness
• Hallucinations
• Strange bursts of energy
• Stupor
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures

Falls, seizures, and cardiac distress can cause serious complications and even kill.

Because alcohol withdrawals can be painful and potentially dangerous, it’s crucial that people get help from experienced medical professionals. For alcohol abuse disorder treatment, medical detox centers and inpatient rehab facilities are especially helpful. Because dangerous seizure disorders are a risk factor for alcohol withdrawal, medical professionals in a detox and rehab center can safely monitor patients for these complications.

Also, people need to seek treatment as soon as they experience withdrawal symptoms. Medical professionals can prescribe medications and help patients safely taper down from alcohol to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Anxiety medications and medications for comorbid mental health conditions can be prescribed to help alcohol withdrawal patients. In cases where delirium tremens is suspected, patients will need to stay in a hospital where they can be monitored and prescribed medications for seizure disorders.

For people struggling with alcohol addiction, attending a medical detox center and a rehabilitation facility is a proven effective way for treating the complexities of drug and alcohol addiction.