Quitting Alcohol Timeline

Quitting alcohol might seem like it should bring relief, and for many, it eventually does. But if you’ve been drinking regularly or heavily, stopping can come with a wave of symptoms you didn’t expect. The body doesn’t always respond with gratitude; in fact, it can feel like it’s pushing back, making the early stages of recovery uncomfortable, confusing or even alarming.

In this guide, we’ll explore what causes these symptoms and why they appear. We’ll walk you through the stages of alcohol withdrawal and explain what kind of support is available during each phase. If you’re considering rehab or you’re simply trying to understand what this process might involve, this is here to help you feel a little more prepared.

What causes alcohol withdrawal?

If you’ve developed a dependency on alcohol, your body has likely made some behind-the-scenes adjustments to cope with its presence. Over time, alcohol becomes part of your system’s ‘new normal,’ and your brain works harder to keep things balanced while it’s there. But when you suddenly take alcohol away, that balance is disrupted. The body has to readjust and that process is what we call withdrawal.

This realignment isn’t always smooth. As your system fights to find stability again, it can trigger symptoms like:

• Shaking or tremors
• Trouble sleeping
• Sweating or night sweats
• Nausea or vomiting
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Headaches
• Fast heartbeat
• Mood changes
• Hallucinations or confusion (in some cases)
• Seizures (rare but possible in severe cases)

These symptoms usually come on in waves and shift over time, which is why having proper support is so important. At Banbury Lodge, detox isn’t something you go through alone. From the moment you arrive, we’re by your side, helping you move through each stage safely and steadily.

Getting through the storm of alcohol detox

Alcohol withdrawals are difficult to describe. If you’ve been through them, you’ll understand exactly what we mean. After some brainstorming, the closest we’ve come to a fitting metaphor is that alcohol detox can feel like being caught in an unexpected, severe storm. One moment, things are calm. The next, your body is shifting, your thoughts are spinning, and it’s hard to tell what’s coming next.

But just like any storm, it passes and each phase brings you closer to clearer skies.

Here’s what that journey might look like.

The pressure drop… the first 6 to 12 hours

The sky looks the same but something’s changed in the air. Your body picks up on it before your mind does. You may experience tremors in your hands, a racing heartbeat, a slight edge to everything. This is the first signal that alcohol is leaving your system. The weather is turning.

At Banbury Lodge, this early phase is taken seriously. You’re welcomed calmly, assessed with care and supported closely as your body begins to react. The storm may be building but you’re not facing it alone.

The first strike… 12 to 24 hours in

This is when the storm rolls in. You might feel flushed, restless or nauseous. Sleep can be difficult. Your emotions are more reactive and your mind might struggle to stay anchored. It’s not a full-blown crisis but the atmosphere has definitely shifted.

Banbury Lodge helps you stay steady through the change. If medication is needed to manage symptoms, it’s available. If not, we stay by your side, keeping track of your symptoms and making sure you feel safe, understood and supported.

The eye of the storm… 24 to 72 hours in

This is often the most intense period. For some, it brings hallucinations, vivid dreams or even moments of confusion. For others, it’s a flood of cravings, physical discomfort and emotional extremes. Time feels slower here and nights can feel especially long.

At Banbury Lodge, this stage is carefully monitored. Our team is trained to manage both the physical and psychological risks that may arise. You’ll be watched over without feeling crowded. This is the hardest part but we know how to guide you through it.

The slow drizzle… days 4 to 7

The storm starts to lose strength. You’re no longer in acute withdrawal but the aftermath lingers. You might feel tired, low in mood or emotionally flat. Your appetite may return slowly and your sleep might still be patchy. The danger has passed but you’re still recovering.

This is when Banbury Lodge introduces gentle therapeutic work. You might join a group session, speak one-to-one with a counsellor or simply rest. There’s no pressure, just the start of a shift from surviving to rebuilding.

The sun breaks through… week two and beyond

There are clearer days now. Sleep improves, your thoughts settle and you begin to feel more like yourself. That doesn’t mean every day is easy, some mornings bring hope, others bring doubt but the weather is no longer in control of you. You’re starting to reclaim your footing.

At Banbury Lodge, this is when structured therapy begins. You’ll explore what role alcohol played in your life and how to move forward without it. With support from a full rehabilitation team, this is where change becomes more than just a possibility.

The forecast ahead… aftercare and beyond

Eventually, you leave the storm behind. That doesn’t mean the skies stay clear forever but you’ve learned how to read the weather now. You’ve faced the worst of it and you’ve come out stronger for it.

With Banbury Lodge’s aftercare programme, you stay connected through therapy, support groups or just someone to call when clouds gather again. Because long-term recovery isn’t about pretending the storm never happened. It’s about knowing you can handle whatever comes next.

Where should alcohol detox take place?

Technically, alcohol detox can happen anywhere, as long as alcohol is no longer in your system. But just because it’s possible to detox at home doesn’t mean it’s the safest option. In fact, trying to go it alone can bring a whole new set of challenges, both physically and emotionally.

Withdrawal symptoms like tremors, nausea, insomnia or anxiety can be difficult to manage without support. But in more serious cases, symptoms can escalate into something far more dangerous.

Delirium tremens, for example, is a severe form of withdrawal that can cause hallucinations, seizures, confusion and rapid changes in heart rate or blood pressure. For people with a long history of heavy drinking, there’s even a risk of death during detox if it’s not handled correctly.

That’s why the safest and most effective place to go through alcohol detox is a specialist rehab centre like Banbury Lodge.

How can Banbury Lodge help with alcohol addiction?

At Banbury Lodge, our alcohol addiction programme is built around care, structure and long-term support. Your journey begins with a supervised detox, where our team helps ease withdrawal symptoms safely and steadily.

Once you’re through the early stages, you’ll take part in a personalised therapy plan designed to help you understand your relationship with alcohol and build new coping skills. We offer a mix of one-to-one counselling, group therapy, CBT, DBT and holistic therapies such as yoga and meditation to support both body and mind.

Recovery doesn’t stop when you leave. That’s why we provide ongoing aftercare, including continued therapy sessions and support groups to help you stay grounded in the months ahead. Our aim is to help you not only stop drinking but feel confident living a life without alcohol.

If you’re ready to take that step, contact Banbury Lodge today. We’re here when you’re ready.