Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal happens when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or sharply reduces what they drink. It can range from unpleasant to life-threatening.
Why withdrawal happens The body has adapted to alcohol being present and reacts when the level drops.
With regular heavy drinking, the brain and nervous system adjust to alcohol. When alcohol is suddenly removed, the nervous system can become overactive.
The risk is higher if someone drinks heavily every day, has needed alcohol to stop shakes or anxiety, or has had withdrawal symptoms, seizures or delirium tremens before.
Read about dependence →Common withdrawal symptoms Symptoms can start after alcohol levels begin to fall.
Shaking or tremor.
Sweating.
Nausea or vomiting.
Anxiety or agitation.
Headache.
Poor sleep.
Fast heartbeat.
Feeling generally unwell.
If these symptoms appear after cutting down or stopping, contact your GP practice. If your GP is closed and you need urgent advice, phone NHS 24 on 111.
NHS 24 — 111 CallDelirium tremens (DTs) DTs are the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal and are a medical emergency.
Delirium tremens can cause severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations, shaking, fever and a very fast heartbeat. Someone may not know where they are, may see or hear things that are not there, or become extremely restless or frightened.
Severe alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. Do not try to manage DTs at home.
Suspected DTs — phone 999 CallSeizures Alcohol withdrawal can trigger seizures.
A seizure during alcohol withdrawal is a medical emergency, especially if it is the first seizure, lasts more than five minutes, repeats without recovery, causes injury or breathing problems, or the person remains severely confused afterwards.
Move dangerous objects away.
Cushion the person's head if you can.
Do not restrain them.
Do not put anything in their mouth.
Stay with them until help arrives.
Who is at higher risk Some people should never try to stop without medical advice.
Heavy daily drinking.
Previous withdrawal seizures.
Previous delirium tremens.
Needing alcohol in the morning to stop symptoms.
Several previous withdrawals or detoxes.
Serious physical illness.
Using other drugs or medicines that affect the nervous system.
If any of these apply, speak to your GP or a local alcohol service before changing how much you drink.
Drinkline Scotland — 0800 7314 314 Call Find alcohol support and local services in Scotland ↗Do not suddenly stop if you may be dependent A planned withdrawal can be much safer than stopping without assessment.
If you drink heavily every day, get shakes or sweating when alcohol wears off, need alcohol to feel normal, or have had withdrawal before, get medical advice before stopping.
Some people can be supported through withdrawal at home with medical supervision. Others may need a specialist service, rehabilitation clinic or hospital so they can be monitored safely.
Read the full withdrawal advice under Your Drinking → Read about treatment and recovery →When to get emergency help Severe confusion, hallucinations, seizures, collapse or serious deterioration need urgent action.
Phone 999 or go to A&E if someone has a seizure, is severely confused, is hallucinating, collapses, has breathing problems or becomes seriously unwell during withdrawal.
Emergency — phone 999 CallIf the symptoms are urgent but not life-threatening and the GP is closed, phone NHS 24 on 111.
NHS 24 — 111 Call