Seizures
Alcohol-withdrawal seizures are brief, generalized convulsions occurring 6–48 hours after cessation in chronic drinkers. They signal central-nervous-system hyperexcitability and require immediate medical evaluation to prevent progression to delirium tremens.
TL;DR
Alcohol-withdrawal seizures are dangerous convulsions that strike 6–48 hours after stopping heavy drinking and demand immediate medical help.
Key Points
- ✓Seizures signal severe alcohol dependence and can appear before other withdrawal symptoms
- ✓Emergency medical care within 6 hours of first seizure prevents progression to deadly delirium tremens
- ✓Medically supervised detox using benzodiazepines reduces seizure risk by over 90%
- ✓Never attempt home detox if you have ever had withdrawal seizures or drink daily for months
Alcohol-withdrawal seizures feel like a lightning storm in the brain. One moment you feel shaky and anxious; the next you wake up on the floor with bruises, a bitten tongue, and no memory of what happened. These seizures are your nervous system’s panic response to the sudden absence of alcohol it has grown to depend on.
What a seizure looks and feels like
Most seizures last 60–90 seconds. Muscles stiffen, breathing may pause, the body jerks rhythmically, and consciousness is lost. Afterwards you may be confused, exhausted, and sore. Some people experience only one; others have clusters over a six-hour window. Because blood-alcohol levels often hit zero before other withdrawal signs appear, seizures can be the first red flag that something is dangerously wrong.
Immediate actions to take
If you or someone nearby has a seizure, call 911 immediately. While waiting, roll the person onto their side to keep the airway clear, cushion the head, and loosen tight clothing. Note the time the seizure starts and ends; this information helps emergency staff decide on medications. Do NOT put anything in the mouth or try to restrain movements.
Safe withdrawal planning
Anyone who drinks heavily every day and has ever had a withdrawal seizure, tremor, or hallucinations should never stop cold turkey. Instead, arrange a medically supervised detox. Doctors use a short course of benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam) to calm the brain and prevent seizures. The process usually takes 3–5 days and includes hydration, vitamin B1 (thiamine), and around-the-clock monitoring. After detox, continuing care—outpatient therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or residential rehab—reduces the risk of relapse and future seizures.
Long-term protection
Seizures leave the brain hypersensitive for weeks. During early recovery, avoid caffeine, energy drinks, and sleep deprivation, all of which can lower seizure threshold. Keep follow-up appointments; doctors may order an ECG to check heart rhythm and blood tests to correct electrolyte imbalances. If you have epilepsy or a prior brain injury, share this history with your treatment team so they can adjust medications accordingly.
Remember: a single seizure is a medical emergency and a clear sign that professional help is essential. Safe, supervised withdrawal saves lives and sets the stage for lasting recovery.