Quitting Alcohol Timeline

Last Updated:

May 5th, 2025

Quitting alcohol isn’t always as simple as deciding to stop. For many people, especially those who’ve been drinking regularly, it can feel like their body and mind are pulling in the opposite direction. The symptoms that follow can be uncomfortable, unpredictable and even frightening if you’re not prepared.

In this help guide, we’ll walk you through why alcohol withdrawal happens and how these symptoms unfold over time. Most importantly, we’ll show you how rehab can support you through every stage of this process.

What causes alcohol withdrawal?

If you’ve decided to stop drinking or are even just thinking about it, you might expect that the hardest part is making the decision. But for those who’ve become dependent on alcohol, the body often has a very different response. Rather than feeling immediate relief, it can respond with restlessness, discomfort and a general sense that something is off. This is what’s known as alcohol withdrawal.

When alcohol is used regularly over a long period, the brain begins to adapt. It works harder to stay balanced while alcohol is in the system, adjusting its natural rhythms around it. This is especially true when addiction or dependency has developed. Your body no longer functions the same way without alcohol and when it’s suddenly taken away, that balance is lost.

Withdrawal is the process of your body trying to find that balance again, and while that healing process is necessary, it’s rarely comfortable. You experience some of the following symptoms:

Shaking or tremors
Sweating, especially at night
Anxiety or feeling on edge
Trouble sleeping or insomnia
Nausea or vomiting
Headaches
Irritability or mood swings
Fast heart rate
Hallucinations (in more severe cases)
Seizures (in rare, high-risk cases)

These symptoms tend to appear gradually and change as your body adjusts, but the important thing to know is that in a rehab setting, you won’t be left to deal with this alone. You’ll be supported through every stage.

In the next section, we take a closer look at what that process looks like.

Alcohol withdrawal timeline: how you are supported in rehab

Withdrawing from alcohol can bring a wave of symptoms that change as the hours and days pass. But the important thing to remember is that if you go through detox in a rehab setting, you’re not expected to handle it alone. Every stage is supported by people who understand what you’re facing and are trained to help you feel safe, seen and cared for.

The first 24 hours

In the first few hours, your body starts to realise that alcohol is no longer entering your system. It can be unsettling. You may begin to feel tense, your hands might shake or you might find it difficult to sit still. Some people report a headache creeping in or feeling clammy and lightheaded. These changes can feel sudden and overwhelming, especially if you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time.

How you are supported during this stage

During this time, you’ll be in a calm space where staff are on hand 24/7.
You’re checked regularly so that symptoms don’t go unnoticed or unspoken.
If you start to feel physically unwell or emotionally unstable, there’s someone to talk to and someone to adjust your care plan.
Medications can be given where appropriate to reduce the risk of seizures or more severe withdrawal symptoms.
You’ll also be encouraged to rest, eat and take things slowly. There’s no pressure to engage beyond what feels manageable for you.

The first week

The following few days can be some of the most physically and emotionally demanding. Cravings often intensify, and it’s common to feel unsettled or on edge. If withdrawal is severe, confusion or disorientation may occur. You might also feel deeply tired but unable to sleep or hungry but unable to eat much. Even if symptoms are milder, the emotional toll of not drinking can feel heavy and disorienting.

How you are supported during this stage

Staff continue to check on you regularly, both for safety and reassurance.
You’ll have a named care team who you’ll start to recognise and feel more comfortable around.
If you’ve experienced more distressing symptoms like hallucinations or body tremors, your detox plan will be tailored to manage these carefully.
You might also be invited to take part in light therapy or wellness activities that help calm the nervous system.
Nobody forces you into anything too soon. The idea is to help you feel grounded and supported, not rushed.

The first month

Once the body has stabilised, you might notice fewer physical symptoms, but that doesn’t mean the process is over. Your sleep may still feel off, emotions can swing unexpectedly and even things like eating patterns can take time to normalise. Some people begin to grieve the loss of alcohol as a coping tool, while others feel a strange sense of emotional distance.

How you are supported during this stage

Now that your body has settled, more structured therapy is gently introduced.
One-to-one sessions, group work, and wellbeing activities become part of your weekly rhythm.
These are designed not just to explore your past but to help you feel more hopeful about the future.
You’ll learn to recognise early warning signs of relapse and begin to explore what life might look like without alcohol.
If anything feels too intense, your team is always available to adjust your timetable or offer extra support.

After the first month and beyond

Once you’ve completed the detox phase and moved into the longer-term recovery journey, the challenge becomes staying sober outside the safety net of rehab. It’s normal to feel nervous about what comes next, even if part of you is ready for it.

How you are supported during this stage

Before you leave, a full aftercare plan will be created with you.
This might include ongoing therapy, virtual check-ins or in-person meetings depending on your needs and where you live.
You’ll also be linked with peer support groups or an alumni network so that you’re not left feeling like recovery ends the day you step outside.

Rehab is not just about stopping alcohol, it’s about making sure you stay supported long after the last drink.

What are the next steps?

If you’re ready to take the next step, Sanctuary Lodge is here to support you. Our alcohol addiction treatment programme provides a safe and welcoming environment where you can begin your recovery with professional guidance at every stage. We start with a full assessment to understand your needs, followed by a supported detox to help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably.

Once your body has stabilised, you’ll take part in therapy sessions that help you explore the reasons behind your drinking and develop healthier ways to cope. Our team will also work with you to create an aftercare plan, so you feel supported once you leave.

Whether you’ve tried to quit before or this is your first time seeking help, you’ll be met with compassion, not judgement. If alcohol has become a problem, we’re here to help you reclaim control.