How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

Alcohol withdrawal signs and symptoms
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When do I start feeling better?

Question:

How long does alcohol withdrawal last? I ended my last binge 27 days ago and I am still shaky and cannot sleep. I started going to AA and have been going daily since that last drink. When do I start feeling better?

Answer:

Soon. Hang in there. It really does get better. Because you were a heavy drinker, you are still experiencing what is called protracted withdrawal syndrome.


"Sober Days" ran in the Palm Springs daily newspaper, the Desert Sun, for several years in the 1990s-2000s. The popular Q&A column was written by Dr. James West, the Betty Ford Center's first medical director. He remained with the Betty Ford Center until 2007, when he retired at age 93.

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