Headaches from Alcohol Withdrawal: What You Need to Know
If you or someone you love is trying to quit drinking, you might face some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, and headaches are one of the most common. These headaches can be frustrating, but they’re a normal part of your body getting used to life without alcohol.
In this blog, we’ll explain why headaches happen during alcohol withdrawal, how long they usually last, and what you can do to manage them.
Why Do You Get Headaches During Alcohol Withdrawal?
When you drink regularly, your body and brain get used to having alcohol. Over time, your brain changes how it works to balance out the alcohol’s effects. Once you stop drinking, your brain takes time to adjust, and this can cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches.
Alcohol also dehydrates your body, and dehydration can make headaches worse. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), withdrawal happens because your brain and body are trying to work without alcohol’s influence.
How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Headaches Last?
Headaches usually start within the first 6 to 24 hours after you stop drinking. They can last for a few days, depending on how much and how often you were drinking. This is part of the early withdrawal phase when your body is working hard to adjust.
In some cases, headaches might stick around longer, especially if you’re experiencing post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which can last for weeks or even months. The good news is that the headaches typically get less intense as time goes on.
How to Manage Alcohol Withdrawal Headaches
Withdrawal headaches can be painful, but there are things you can do to help ease the discomfort. Here are a few tips:
1. Drink Lots of Water
Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to help with headaches. Alcohol dehydrates your body, so drinking plenty of water will help. You can also try sports drinks or drinks with electrolytes to replace what your body lost from alcohol.
2. Get Plenty of Rest
Your body is working hard to detox, and rest is essential. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule, and make sure your environment is quiet and relaxing to avoid making the headaches worse.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief (Carefully)
You can use pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with headaches. But if you have any liver issues from drinking, be cautious with acetaminophen, which can cause more liver damage. If you’re not sure what’s safe for you, talk to a doctor first. The Mayo Clinic recommends being careful with medications during withdrawal.
4. Eat Healthy Foods
A balanced diet can help your body recover faster. Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and too much caffeine, as those can make withdrawal symptoms worse.
5. Try to Relax
Stress and anxiety can make headaches worse, so try simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. You can also try gentle activities like yoga to help calm your mind and body.
When to Get Medical Help
Headaches are common during alcohol withdrawal, but it’s important to watch out for more serious symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, or delirium tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening. If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical help right away. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that severe withdrawal symptoms require immediate attention.
It’s always best to go through alcohol detox under medical supervision. Liberty Health Services offers medically supervised detox programs to help you safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion: Managing Headaches During Alcohol Withdrawal
Headaches are a common part of alcohol withdrawal, but they don’t last forever. By staying hydrated, resting, and managing your stress, you can reduce their intensity. And remember, detoxing from alcohol is safest when you have medical support.
Call Liberty Health Services, Alcohol Withdrawal Headaches
If you or a loved one is going through alcohol withdrawal, Liberty Health Services is here to help. Our medically supervised detox programs provide the care and support you need to safely detox. Contact us today learn more about how we can support you.
