After a particularly damaging or embarrassing alcohol binge, the hung-over person might make an oath to "never drink again" and really mean it this time. However, when the alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin and the "craving" sets in, the body is telling the drinker that it needs more alcohol. When the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal begin to intensify, taking another drink simply becomes less painful than not taking one, or so it seems to the drinker at the time. For some, who are less alcohol dependent, withdrawal symptoms might be as "mild" as the shakes, or the sweats - or perhaps nausea, headache, anxiety, a rapid heart beat and increased blood pressure.
Although these alcohol withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable and irritating, they are not necessarily dangerous. But they are often accompanied by the "craving" for more alcohol, making a commitment to sobriety much more difficult to make.
Within six to 48 hours after the drinking has stopped, hallucinations may develop. These usually are visual hallucinations but they can also involve sounds and smells. They can last for a few hours up to weeks at a time.
Also within this time frame after quitting, convulsions or seizures can occur, which is the point at which alcohol withdrawal can become dangerous, if not medically treated. The symptoms may progress to delirium tremens (DT's) after three to five days without alcohol. The symptoms of DT's include profound confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, hyperactivity, and extreme cardiovascular disturbances.
Once DT's begin, there is no known medical treatment to stop them. Grand mal seizures, heart attacks and stroke can occur during the DT's, all of which can be fatal.
