Key Takeaways:
- Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, especially in people who stop drinking suddenly after long-term heavy alcohol use; these are most often tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures.
- Withdrawal seizures typically occur within 24–48 hours after the last drink but can appear up to a week later, making medical supervision critical during detox.
- Why does alcohol withdrawal cause seizures? Chronic alcohol use alters GABA-A receptors in the brain—when alcohol is removed, the nervous system becomes hyperactive, triggering convulsions and other severe symptoms.
- Alcohol affects multiple systems in the body, damaging the heart, liver, gastrointestinal tract, muscles, and bones, which can worsen withdrawal risks and overall health outcomes.
- Safely quitting alcohol requires medical support, as unsupervised withdrawal can be life-threatening; detox programs help manage symptoms and prevent complications like seizures.
Alcohol can absolutely cause seizures when someone who has been drinking heavily over a long period suddenly stops. These are typically tonic-clonic seizures (formerly called grand mal seizures) or convulsions, and they often occur within the first 24 to 48 hours after the last drink—but can happen anytime during the first week of withdrawal.
Tonic-clonic seizures are what most people imagine when they think of a seizure. The “tonic” phase involves muscle stiffening, while the “clonic” phase is marked by rhythmic jerking movements.
Seizures are among the most dangerous symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. If you or someone you care about is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, it’s critical to seek medical help immediately.
Understanding How Alcohol Affects the Brain
Alcohol affects the GABA-A receptors in the brain – they’re sort of like the “calm down” button. This is why alcohol can feel relaxing and sedating, even inducing sleep. If you’re consuming alcohol regularly, those GABA-A receptors come to depend on that substance to feel calm.
For someone with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) who has been drinking heavily over a long period, the brain’s GABA-A receptors stop working the way they used to. At that point, the brain starts relying on alcohol just to feel “normal.” It’s a frustrating and painful reality of how addiction works—and why quitting can be so incredibly hard.
Alcohol is especially tricky because it’s everywhere and so socially accepted. But it doesn’t just affect the brain—it impacts the entire body.
Understanding How Alcohol Affects the Body
Alcohol really does take a toll on almost every part of your body. That’s what makes it so risky—it’s not just your brain or liver that gets hit. Over time, it can mess with a lot of things you probably wouldn’t even think are connected. Including:
- Heart–weakens heart muscle, causes high blood pressure, heart rhythm issues, and increases the risk of a heart attack.
- Gastrointestinal–damages the lining of the GI tract, causes inflammation, “leaky gut,” risk of things like acid reflux, cancers in the esophagus/oral cavity.
- Muscle & Bones–muscle wasting, weaker bones, slower healing of fractures.
- Liver–fatty liver, liver inflammation, and more serious damage over time.
And that’s not even the full list—your mouth, skin, pancreas, and lungs are affected too. The more damage alcohol does to each part of your body, the more it wears down your overall system, making you more vulnerable to illness, disease, and a lower quality of life over time.
How to Protect Yourself When You’re Ready to Stop Drinking
Here’s the hard truth—quitting drinking on your own can be incredibly dangerous. Alcohol is one of the most physically addictive substances, and stopping suddenly after heavy use can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that, in some cases, can be life‑threatening.
New Leaf Detox and Treatment in Orange County is ready to help whenever you’re ready to take that first step. From your very first call to the day you walk out feeling free from addiction and pain, we’ll be right there with you, every step of the way. Here are some of the ways that we can help:
- Detox–Medical detox to keep you safe and comfortable while you safely rid yourself of alcohol. We provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT), as well as consistent monitoring of vitals and emotional support.
- Residential Treatment–24-hour a day live-in care, for 30-90 days depending on your needs. You’ll develop a foundation for remaining sober through therapy, skill-building, holistic therapies, and aftercare planning.
- Partial Hospitalization–Similar to residential treatment, but you can have the flexibility of going home. Some people can’t remain in treatment for 30-90 days, and this is a viable alternative.
- Intensive Outpatient–IOP focuses on the challenges you’re facing, mentally and with alcohol, and together we build you a toolkit for managing life’s difficulties without the use of substances. Another alternative for those with demanding schedules and responsibilities.
- Sober Living–Sober living can be a great way to ease back into “normal life” after rehab. You’ll be living alongside others who are also in recovery, building routines, and supporting each other with the shared goal of staying sober.
- Interventions–So many people are in trouble and either don’t realize it or aren’t ready to face the stark reality. If a family member or loved one needs intervention, we can help.
- Luxury Rehab–For professionals or those seeking a little more privacy, discretion, and a wellness-centered approach to recovering from AUD, we offer a spa-like experience, including chef-prepared meals and beautiful surroundings.
Rehab can feel scary, intimidating, and overwhelming—especially when you’re already feeling uncertain about the future. But the truth is, it might not just change your life… it could save it.
Take That First Step Today
Taking the first step toward recovery might feel impossible—but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you begin. You just need to be willing to reach out and ask for help. Countless people say that it is the hardest part.
Whether you’re struggling with alcohol, drugs, or both, some people truly understand what you’re going through and are ready to offer you non-judgmental guidance and support.
At New Leaf Detox and Treatment, you’ll find an experienced yet compassionate team, a beautiful setting, and a treatment plan catered to your unique situation. Around your unique situation. Whether you’re looking for medical detox, residential treatment, or help transitioning back into daily life, New Leaf is here to support you every step of the way.
You truly are not alone—and you don’t have to wait for things to get worse before you get better. Recovery starts with one small step, and it could be as simple as picking up the phone.
Contact New Leaf Detox and Treatment to talk to someone who can help. No pressure, no judgment—just support.
