Skip to content

Alcohol or drug withdrawal

Top of the page

Alcohol or drug withdrawal

Withdrawal is the uncomfortable physical or mental changes that happen when a person who regularly uses alcohol or drugs suddenly stops or cuts down on their use. These changes occur because the body is deprived of the alcohol or drugs that it is used to getting.

The symptoms of withdrawal can last a couple of days up to a couple of weeks. They may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. How bad withdrawal symptoms are depends on how long the person has used alcohol or drugs and how much they use each day.

Alcohol or drug withdrawal may require medical care. Severe withdrawal symptoms can be deadly.

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

NOTICE: This health information was not created by Columbia University Irving Medical Center and may not necessarily reflect specific CUIMC practices. For medical advice to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Medical advice disclaimer.