The alcohol withdrawal symptoms timeline can vary dramatically from person to person.

In general, the severity can range from mild to severe depending on how much alcohol the individual consumes at one time and how long he has been drinking. Also, it will depend on how dependent the individual body is on the alcohol. Because of this chemical dependency, withdrawal is often quite difficult and the alcohol withdrawal timeline changes.

Alcohol is like a drug in that a person can become addicted to it and can find it extremely difficult to quit drinking. It is almost impossible for a moderate to heavy drinker to give up alcohol without some help from either a doctor or another professional. Very often, it is necessary for this person to enroll in some kind of rehabilitation program that focuses on group therapy, medications and constant supervision since some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening.

For a dependent person, the alcohol withdrawal symptom timeline can start within a few hours of having a drink. The entire process may only last a few days but can extend to weeks or even months. In fact, some symptoms may follow the individual for years or may result in a permanent change either mentally, emotionally or physically.

Mild symptoms may be just barely noticeable by others. They can include shaking, especially of the extremities, waking up in a deep sweat and increased blood pressure and heart rate. Objective symptoms may include gastrointestinal pain and nausea, mild to severe headaches and a feeling of depression or anxiety. Although these symptoms are excruciating, the individual will most likely still desire to have another drink. However, if he takes another, it will only mean that he will have to go through the same symptoms at a later time.

On the other hand, some symptoms may be so severe that hospitalization may be necessary. For example, if the person is experiencing hallucinations or delusions, whether auditory, visual or other, or if he is becoming dangerous to himself or others, he would be best cared for at a psychiatric center. Hospitalization should occur if seizures begin or if any of his vital signs rise or drop to a dangerous level.

The medical term for this sort of severe symptoms is delirium tremens. Usually, these symptoms begin approximately forty eight hours after the last drink was consumed. Drugs known as benzodiazepines are often given in the hospital for this issue; this medication calms the nervous system.

As has been shown, the alcohol withdrawal symptoms timeline can vary significantly based on the individual, his history of alcohol abuse and how his body responds to alcohol. Quitting alcohol is not a mission that anyone should undertake alone.