Alcohol Detox Seizures: Why They Happen and How to Prevent Them
Watching someone go through a seizure during alcohol detox can be frightening. For those at risk of severe withdrawal, understanding what’s happening—and why—is the first step toward safety. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we help patients and families navigate this difficult time with knowledge, compassion, and medical support. At our alcohol detox clinic in MI, we provide supervised care that protects both the body and the brain during withdrawal.
Why does alcohol withdrawal cause seizures?
Seizures during detox occur because alcohol has a powerful effect on the brain. Over time, regular drinking slows down the brain’s natural activity. When someone suddenly stops drinking, the brain becomes overstimulated—sometimes dangerously so.
This sudden change can lead to alcohol detox seizures, especially within the first six to 48 hours after the last drink. These seizures are most often caused by a condition known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), which includes a wide range of symptoms.
The neurological effects of alcohol withdrawal can be profound and include:
- Heightened brain activity caused by the loss of alcohol’s sedative influence
- Disruptions in essential brain chemicals, such as GABA and glutamate
- A heightened risk of seizures, confusion, or hallucinations in more severe cases
These symptoms can come on quickly, and without medical help, they can be life-threatening.
Signs of alcohol withdrawal seizures
Seizures can be one of the earliest—and most serious—symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Knowing the signs can help individuals seek help before symptoms worsen.
Common signs of alcohol withdrawal seizures include:
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Muscle stiffness or jerking movements
- Confusion or disorientation before or after the seizure
- Unusual breathing or blue-tinged skin during the event
- No memory of the event afterward
Seizures typically happen within the first two days after quitting alcohol, but other symptoms like tremors, nausea, and anxiety may begin sooner. If any of these signs appear, it’s important to seek medical care right away.
Who is at high risk for alcohol detox seizures?
Not everyone who stops drinking will have seizures, but some people are at much higher risk than others. Medical professionals look at a person’s history, health, and drinking habits to assess their risk.
High-risk individuals include those who:
- Have previously experienced alcohol withdrawal
- Drink large amounts of alcohol regularly
- Have a history of seizures or epilepsy
- Are older adults with long-term alcohol use
- Use other substances like benzodiazepines or stimulants
- Have poor nutrition or low levels of electrolytes
Anyone with one or more of these risk factors should never attempt detox alone. Supervised care is the safest and most effective option.
How to prevent alcohol detox seizures
The most effective way to prevent alcohol detox seizures is through a medically supervised detox program. At Sanford Behavioral Health’s detox center, patients receive comprehensive care with 24/7 observation and support throughout every stage of recovery.
Preventive steps may include:
- Medical evaluation to assess risk and create a treatment plan
- Prescription medications, such as benzodiazepines, are used to reduce seizure risk
- IV fluids and nutrition to correct imbalances
- Continuous monitoring for early signs of complications
- Mental health support to manage anxiety, cravings, and fear
Patients in our care also benefit from the presence of a full-time psychiatrist and a highly trained clinical team. We use evidence-based practices to make detox more comfortable and manageable.
Call Sanford Behavioral Health for detox support
A supervised detox treatment program for alcohol plays a critical role in preventing serious complications like seizures, hallucinations, and heart issues. At Sanford Behavioral Health, patients receive 24/7 monitoring, psychiatric support, and medication-assisted treatment to manage symptoms safely. With a full-time psychiatrist, expert clinical team, and personalized care plans, our detox center supports recovery from day one. Call us at 616.202.3326 or reach out through our online form to learn more about starting a detox program and ongoing recovery support.
