How to stop drinking safely
For most people who drink moderately, stopping is safe: you might sleep badly or feel a bit irritable for a few days. But for people who drink heavily every day, stopping suddenly can be dangerous, and should be done with medical help.
Why withdrawal happens
Alcohol slows down the brain. With regular heavy drinking, the brain adapts by turning up its own activity to compensate. When alcohol is suddenly taken away, that extra activity is still there, which causes withdrawal symptoms.
The usual timeline
- 6 to 24 hours: shaking, sweating, anxiety, nausea, trouble sleeping.
- 24 to 72 hours: symptoms usually peak. In severe cases, seizures can happen, most often between 24 and 48 hours.
- 48 to 72 hours: rarely, delirium tremens (severe confusion, hallucinations, fever). This is a medical emergency.
- After 3 days: for most people, symptoms ease. Sleep and mood can take longer to settle.
Who to call
- 999 for a seizure, severe confusion or hallucinations
- NHS 111 for urgent medical advice, any time
- Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, free and confidential (England)
- Samaritans on 116 123, day or night
Hi Sobriety shows this safety information when you set up the app and again during the first three days of the course. It isn’t a medical service and doesn’t replace advice from a doctor.
Questions people ask
How long does alcohol withdrawal last?
Symptoms usually start 6 to 24 hours after the last drink, peak between 24 and 72 hours, and then ease over a few days. Some people have poor sleep and low mood for longer.
Who should not stop drinking suddenly?
People who drink heavily every day, or who have had withdrawal symptoms, seizures or hallucinations when stopping before. They should speak to a GP first.
Get the app
One day at a time, with company.
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