how many days will an alcoholic suffer from withdrawn after they quit drinking?

Answer 1

their entire lives if they're a true alcoholic.

as for physical symptoms? delerium tremens (dt's), hallucinations, and a general feeling of being sick, it depends on the person, how heavy they drink, how often they drink. It varies so much, it can last anywhere from a few hours or days to a few weeks.

Answer 2

The worst will be over after 72 hours. If the alcoholic survives 72 hours without major withdrawal symptoms (also known as delirium tremens, or DT's), then the rest of their withdrawal period, while uncomfortable, will be partly psychological, along the lines of quitting smoking.

If the person has a history of extremely heavy daily drinking (> 6 drinks/day for a period of >2 weeks), it is best for them to seek medical advice if they are trying to stop drinking abruptly. Delirium tremens are medically dangerous, similar to shock, and can be fatal in extreme cases. The full spectrum of DT's may include nausea, vomiting, visual and auditory hallucinations, tactile hallucinations ("skin crawling"), extreme nervousness, paranoia, fever, headache, sleeplessness, stupor, loss of appetite and extreme mood swings. Even in the mildest form, DT's are very unpleasant and a doctor should be consulted at least initially.

The first few weeks after quitting drinking are the hardest, both from a standpoint of physical debilitation and psychological difficulties. Insomnia, poor appetite, nervousness ("the shakes") and irritability are common. Best remedies are frequent small meals high in carbohydrates, plenty of rest, staying in touch with supportive friends and family, and supportive therapy such as AA or psychotherapy.

Symptoms of nervousness, restlessness and irritability can persist well into sobriety. It takes about a full year for the body to fully recover from the residual damage done by long term heavy drinking, but the good news is that the worst is over after the first few weeks.

A doctor can recommend other treatments such as vitamins, antidepressants or other medications.

(Most alcoholics should not take tranquilizers or other "downers" for fear pf triggering a relapse; a doctor should always be told the full extent of the drinking history. Never "self-medicate"; always take medication as prescribed by a doctor.)

I have been sober six years. I wouldn't want to go through that initial recovery again for anything, but I can say it is worth it to go through it to get sober.

Answer 3

It all varies depending on how long and how heavily the person has been drinking