Quitting alcohol cold turkey when using it for years can result in severe withdrawal, including:
- Delirium tremens
- Alcohol Hallucinosis
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (Wet brain syndrome)
- Seizures
People usually underestimate how dangerous and uncomfortable alcohol withdrawal can be. Stay with us to understand the implications of unmonitored withdrawal. In recent years, alcohol has claimed about 178,000 lives per year. Living with alcohol is difficult, and so is quitting it abruptly.
Table of Contents
How Alcohol Affects the Brain
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant (CNS). It is addictive because it works on the brain’s reward systems while relieving negative emotions. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks neurons’ activity and can help balance and regulate signals in the nervous system.
Alcohol works to enhance the effects of GABA and disrupts the natural balance of the brain. When alcohol binds itself to the receptors, it produces calming and sedative effects. Over time, the body becomes accustomed to GABAnergic activity in the brain. The perturbation of balance in GABA activity is responsible for extreme withdrawal symptoms.
4 Reasons Why Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey Is a Bad Idea
While many people attempt to quit alcohol on their own, not everybody should do so. Addiction specialists do not recommend quitting alcohol cold turkey, especially if you are a chronic alcohol drinker. The reasons are explained below.
1. Delirium Tremens
Delirium tremens refers to a medical emergency that results from sudden cessation of drinking. It can be life-threatening and needs urgent professional care. Sudden changes in the nervous system characterize this condition. Typically, signs of DT appear 2 to 5 days after the last drink. Symptoms of delirium tremens include:
- Tremors
- Mental confusion
- Altered mental state
- Stupor
- Long sleep patterns
- Anxiety or depression
- Mood swings
DTs are likely to occur in about 5 to 10% of those undergoing alcohol withdrawal. There is said to be a lifetime risk for this. It usually happens when someone has a severe alcohol use disorder. Quitting alcohol cold turkey can seem to be going well since the symptoms of DTs start showing after a few days. However, it is important to remember that this practice is risky.
2. Alcohol Hallucinosis
Alcohol hallucinosis is a term used to describe alcohol-induced hallucinations that occur after a day or two of quitting alcohol cold turkey. These are characterized by:
- Paranoia
- Auditory hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Fear
Hallucinosis is different from delirium tremens mainly because it involves auditory hallucinations, and the patients are completely conscious. Hallucinations are accusatory verbal voices that may threaten or order the individual experiencing them. While hallucinosis may be reduced with appropriate treatment, 10 to 20% of people may exhibit the symptoms for over 6 months. Usually, hallucinosis happens during and after chronic alcohol use.
Insights: 5 to 20% of individuals who experience alcohol hallucinosis are likely to develop schizophrenia. It also increases the risk of psychosis in family history.
Insights: 5 to 20% of individuals who experience alcohol hallucinosis are likely to develop schizophrenia. It also increases the risk of psychosis in family history.
It may occur due to changes in brain chemistry and certain important nutritional deficiencies. Most people with chronic alcohol use are not attentive to their health. This leads us to our next point: wet brain, or “Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.”
3. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS)
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is not necessarily a product of alcohol withdrawal, but it may appear during the process. WKS results from the deficiency of vitamin B1 (Thiamine). B1 is responsible for converting food into energy. Due to its deficiency, some symptoms start appearing.
Mental Symptoms of WKS
- Amnesia (loss of memories)
- Filling gap in memories with made-up scenarios
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Indifference
- Agitation and hallucinations
Bodily Issues
- Trouble walking without someone’s assistance
- Speech issues
- Different than usual gait
- Not being able to see properly
- Double vision
- Tremors
- Coma
When left untreated, WKS can result in untreatable permanent brain damage and even death. Quitting alcohol cold turkey can exacerbate and worsen this condition. Urgent nutritional and drug therapy is required in the case of WKS. Abstinence from alcohol is also necessary to prevent further nerve damage.
WKS may require inpatient rehabilitation because careful monitoring is needed. Call 844.445.2565 or register here for treating alcohol use disorder.
4. Seizures
Seizures mostly occur during withdrawal from long-term alcohol use. An older study showed that tonic-clonic seizures occurred in about 11 to 33% of people undergoing withdrawal. Seizures may occur 6 to 48 hours after the cessation of alcohol use.
Alcohol withdrawal is also responsible for the development of seizures that persist for 5 minutes (or more) without any recovery between them (status epilepticus). This is a hazardous situation. 3 percent of people in alcohol withdrawal may exhibit status epilepticus.
FACT: Seizures are also a medical emergency, as untreated seizures can lead to irreversible brain damage. Getting urgent care is necessary. Call 844.445.2565 or fill this up to undergo safe alcohol detox.
FACT: Seizures are also a medical emergency, as untreated seizures can lead to irreversible brain damage. Getting urgent care is necessary. Call 844.445.2565 or fill this up to undergo safe alcohol detox.
7 Common Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Some other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that commonly occur and are not necessarily dangerous include:
- Insomnia that lasts for days
- Irritability
- Shakes
- Body aches
- Alcohol cravings
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
Severe withdrawal from alcohol may last for 5 to 7 days, but for some people, it may go on for weeks or even months. Every person’s addiction recovery is different. However, appropriate medical attention is needed to avoid harmful consequences.
What to Do If You Have a Drinking Problem
As it is clear by now, alcohol use disorder is a struggle that needs professional attention to be overcome. To avoid an uncomfortable withdrawal from addiction, it is important to seek help from a professional. Some treatments can ease withdrawal and prevent harmful outcomes.
Medically-Assisted Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox is supervised by a healthcare professional to reduce the chance of DTs, seizures, or hallucinations from getting worse. There are professionals available on time who can help patients:
- Withdrawal becomes slightly less uncomfortable
- You know you’re in safe hands
- Medications are available for aches and other withdrawal symptoms
Do not underestimate the hazardousness of substances. Get help by calling at 844.445.2565 or entering your information here.
Addiction Counseling
Anyone who has battled with alcohol use will not be able to handle addiction well without the support of a mental health professional. This is why rehabs like ChoicePoint offer counseling alongside detox to ensure that psychological withdrawal is also addressed. It is also vital to get therapy when symptoms of hallucinations and psychosis persist.
Alcohol Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can persist for months, which is why medications may be prescribed as maintenance therapy. Once a person is abstinent from alcohol, even then, cravings may return. To prevent relapse, some medications are used. These include:
MAT can serve as an important part of the recovery process. Some people also enroll themselves in aftercare programs after completing rehab.
Level of Care at ChoicePoint
Treatment at reputable rehab centers is essential. Quitting alcohol in any of the settings more convenient for you is the best thing you can do for yourself.
- Inpatient Rehab
- High-Intensity Outpatient Program/Partial Hospitalization Program (HIOP/PHP)
- Intensive-Outpatient Rehab
A study found that 69% of Veterans relapsed, and one of the causes of relapse was mood disorder. ChoicePoint offers a specialized Veterans Program and co-morbidity treatment. All you need to do is call 844.445.2565 or enter information here. We also accept most public and private insurance.
Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
More About Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey
Many misconceptions arise in one’s mind when fighting off alcohol use disorder. Some of the questions are answered below.
Why Can Alcohol Withdrawal Kill You?
Yes. Though not very common, alcohol withdrawal leads to complications that may kill you. This includes delirium tremens, seizures, or hallucinations. Going cold turkey on alcohol after years of chronic alcohol use is extremely dangerous. If not death, it may lead to permanent brain damage or suicidal thoughts.
Can You Hallucinate From Alcohol Withdrawal?
Yes, alcohol withdrawal can lead to auditory and visual hallucinations. These hallucinations are very troubling because they usually involve threatening or commanding voices.
Is Shortness of Breath a Symptom of Alcohol Withdrawal?
Shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and disorientation are some symptoms of delirium tremens resulting from alcohol withdrawal. If you are experiencing shortness of breath during withdrawal, let your doctor know immediately.
Does Xanax Help With Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
Xanax is sometimes used to ease alcohol withdrawal. However, it is for the doctor to decide whether you should take Xanax or not. It is decided after a complete evaluation of your situation.
Can Alcohol Detox Kill You?
Non-medically assisted detox has the potential to become hazardous. Alcohol withdrawal complications like seizures, depression, hallucinations, and WKS are all medical emergencies. If not treated appropriately, the situation may worsen, leading to permanent brain damage and coma.
How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Tremors Last?
Tremors induced by alcohol withdrawal may start within the first 10 hours of the last drink. They may last for weeks or even longer. The peak of tremors happens somewhere between 48 to 72 hours.
Does Quitting Alcohol Improve Mood?
While initial withdrawal is difficult and uncomfortable, quitting alcohol can certainly improve your mood in the long run. Quitting alcohol helps reduce anxiety, become physically better, and avoid heart and liver problems.
What Depletes GABA in the Brain?
The most common reasons for GABA depletion include nutritional deficiencies and excessive alcohol use. Over time, GABA starts depleting due to a lack of vitamin B. This is one vital correlation between GABA and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrom (WKS), also caused by vitamin B1 deficiency.
Sources
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2023). Alcohol-Related Emergencies and Deaths in the United States | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-related-emergencies-and-deaths-united-states - Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 25). Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22857-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-gaba
- Rahman, A., & Paul, M. (2024). Delirium Tremens. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482134/#:~:text=The%20lifetime%20risk%20for%20developing
- Alcoholic Hallucinosis – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Www.sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/alcoholic-hallucinosis
- Rubio, G., & Ponce, G. (2013). Alcohol detoxification. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 355–366).
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-398338-1.00037-3 - Gonçalves, M., Félix, F., Romão, J., André, R., Sereijo, C., & Ismail, F. (2022). Seizures and alcohol withdrawal: A literature review. European Psychiatry, 65(S1), S828.
https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2143
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.