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Patient handout · Substance Use / WithdrawalQuitting Alcohol Safely: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Quitting alcohol is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you drink a lot every day, stopping suddenly causes dangerous withdrawal, so quit with medical help.
Do not quit alone
- If you drink heavily every day, do not stop suddenly on your own.
- Talk to your provider first. Say how much you drink and if you ever had shakes or seizures when you stopped.
- Have a support person stay with you for the first days.
Know what to expect
- 6 to 24 hours after your last drink: shaking, sweating, worry, upset stomach, and poor sleep.
- 12 to 48 hours: the time when seizures (fits) happen.
- 48 to 72 hours: severe confusion and seeing things that are not there (the DTs). This is an emergency.
Take your medicines
- Take withdrawal medicine exactly as prescribed.
- Never mix it with alcohol. Do not drive.
- Take your thiamine (vitamin B1). It protects your brain.
- Ask about medicines that cut cravings.
Eat, drink, and rest
- Eat regular meals. Drink water and other drinks without alcohol.
- Rest in a calm, quiet place.
Get support
- Join a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.
- Free, private helpline, any time: 1-800-662-4357.
- Remove alcohol from your home.
- My support person: ____________.
Call your provider today if you have
- Shaking, sweating, or worry that gets worse
- Vomiting that keeps you from keeping down fluids or medicines
- Strong cravings, or you started drinking again
- Thoughts of suicide without a plan: call or text 988 now
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have
- A seizure
- Confusion, or seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- Fever with severe shaking or a racing heart
- Very slow breathing or trouble waking up
This handout supports, not replaces, advice from your own nurse or doctor.
For nurses and nursing students: the teaching guide behind this handout →