Can you die from alcohol withdrawal? Understanding the dangers and why it's important to detox safely

• Most people do not die from alcohol withdrawal, but many will experience symptoms like tremors, headaches, and nausea.
• Though rare, it is possible to die from alcohol withdrawal if you experience delirium tremens, a condition that occurs in 5% of withdrawal cases.
• To safely detox from alcohol, you should do it under medical supervision and go to the doctor immediately if you experience hallucinations, confusion, or seizures.

Physical dependence on alcohol occurs over time as a result of excessive drinking. If you are dependent on alcohol, suddenly stopping alcohol use can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Here's what you need to know about why alcohol withdrawal occurs and how medical supervision during detox can help someone recover safely.

Understanding alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone who becomes physically dependent on alcohol after excessive drinking stops or reduces their use. Physical dependence occurs over time as the body learns to compensate for the sedative effects of alcohol, says Joseph Volpicelli, MD, owner of the Volpicelli addiction treatment center in Pennsylvania.

Alcohol is a nervous system depressant. It decreases nerve cell activity, which leads to feelings of sedation and can make you feel sleepy. Heavy drinkers do not become as sedated when they drink alcohol because the body compensates for this reduction in nerve cell activity over time.

But when a heavy drinker reduces or stops drinking alcohol, there is a rebound increase in nerve cell activity, Volpicelli says. This is what causes alcohol withdrawal symptoms. An estimated 50% of people with an alcohol addiction will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking. The most common symptoms are mild to moderate, such as:

• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Increased anxiety and panic
• Difficulty sleeping
• Shaky hands
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Irritability

Yes, you can die from alcohol withdrawal, but it's rare

For most people, withdrawal from alcohol causes mild to moderate symptoms, like headaches, rapid heart rate, and increased anxiety. Though they can feel horrible, these symptoms are not life-threatening and typically resolve in about two to seven days, Volpicelli says.

However, for 5% of people, alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium tremens, a severe side effect that can result in seizures, hallucinations, and confusion.

Seizures experienced in delirium tremens can lead to death. The death rate for those with delirium tremens is about 5% to 25%, says Divyansu Patel, MD, a psychiatrist with TeleMed2U, a telemedicine practice.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal generally begin within one to three days after someone's last drink. Hallucinations can set in around 24 hours, with the next 24 to 48 hours being the highest risk for seizures and delirium tremens.

How to detox from alcohol safely

Alcohol withdrawal should be medically supervised to mitigate the risk of complications, Patel says. Several medications can safely and effectively treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and lower the risk of death. These include:

• Benzodiazepines, such as oxazepam, can relieve anxiety
• Anti-seizure medications, such as carbamazepine and gabapentin, can decrease abnormal brain activity and reduce the risk of seizures

Treatment for detox typically lasts about three to seven days, Patel says, and during that time a doctor can also monitor your vital signs and intervene if you develop a fever or high blood pressure.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can worsen in the days after your last drink, so even if you initially feel okay, it's best to seek medical attention right away.

"It is best to seek medical treatment during the early signs of withdrawal to prevent its progression," Volpicelli says.

And even before that, it's important to identify if you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol as early as possible to avoid the harmful consequences of addiction, Volpielli says.

Signs you may have a drinking problem or a dependence on alcohol include:

• Having to drink more than you once did to experience the same effects
• Continuing to drink even if it makes you feel depressed or anxious
• You've tried to cut down or stop drinking and haven't been able to

IMPORTANT: If you or a loved one may have alcohol dependence, you can find resources through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, or you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This is a 24-hour toll-free information service that provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Identifying alcohol addiction early on can help you get the medical treatment necessary to detox safely and avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Following detoxification, medications and psychosocial support can effectively reduce the craving for alcohol and the chance of addiction relapse.

Insider's takeaway

"Whether mild or severe, alcohol withdrawal symptoms signal that your body has become physically dependent on alcohol and is a cause of concern," Volpicelli says.

At its most severe, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. But medical supervision and treatment can help you manage withdrawal symptoms and decrease your risk of complications.

If you think you may be physically dependent on alcohol, call the SAMHSA national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for a referral to a local treatment facility.

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