Alcohol Withdrawal & Headaches

  • Alcoholism (AUD)

    Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal – Treatment, Causes, Timeline & Dangers

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    When you make the decision to stop drinking, either gradually or suddenly, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal. While the exact symptoms of withdrawal will be different depending on the severity and longevity of addiction, there are some commonalities for withdrawal. Understanding the symptoms of withdrawal can help you prepare for the journey ahead. Keep reading to learn more about alcohol withdrawals and what to expect during the process.

    What causes alcohol withdrawal?

    Prolonged use of alcohol or alcohol misuse alters the brain’s chemistry. When copious amounts of alcohol are present or alcohol is used in high volumes, the body has to adapt. The mind adjusts to a new “normal” state with alcohol present. Once alcohol is removed, the body has to readjust to a new state of normal.

  • Alcoholism (AUD) FAQs

    Does Alcohol Withdrawal Cause Headaches?

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    What Types of Symptoms Often Accompany Alcohol Withdrawals?

    While the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal vary greatly between individuals, there are some common effects that many people experience. Here are some of the more common effects that come with stopping the consumption of alcohol.

    Headaches that range from mild to migraine-like
    Anxiety that can range from a slight nuisance to all-encompassing
    Struggles with getting to sleep or staying asleep
    Stomach upset, which may also include diarrhea and/or vomiting
    Hallucinations can happen in anyone, but typically happen with those who have consumed considerable amounts of alcohol in their lifetime
    Sweating that does not seem to stop even when the person cools off
    Mild shakes that can make sitting still difficult

    Most symptoms of alcohol withdrawal begin by the time the person hits 24 hours without a drink. In most cases, these symptoms subside within 5-7 days. However, in some of the more serious instances, these effects can go on for much longer. Some patients have actually struggled with some of these symptoms for weeks after their last drink.