Drinking alcohol cause headaches, and people who stop drinking are often surprised to experience them during the first few days of sobriety. Although concerning, these headaches are common and usually temporary as part of withdrawal and adjustment.
In this article, KayaWell answers all your questions on what causes these headaches, how long they last and also what can help with relief. ( This will make getting some early relief a little easier to manage)
Why Headaches Can Occur After Quitting Alcohol
For anyone who drinks regularly there is a process by which their body gets used to being around alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down brain function and affects neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate. Over time the brain increases stimulation of stimulating systems to counteract the sedating effects of alcohol.
Because those systems get over active when alcohol use drops off abruptly those systems remain overactive for some time thus in an imbalanced state so these imbalances can cause withdrawal symptoms such as: anxiety, irritability and headaches HEADPHAS The reason why they get headaches is that the nervous system is recalibrating, blood vessels are dilating or constricting out of balance and that water and nutrients are out of balance.
Acute Withdrawal Phase of Alcohol Withdrawal
Headache for people with mild or moderate alcohol dependence usually starts 6 to 24 hours after the last drink. They may feel dull and throbbing, sometimes with light sensitivity and nausea. These usually start within 48 to 72 hours and decrease over several days.
Often it occurs with the more severe forms of alcohol use disorder, the withdrawal headaches can accompany other symptoms including. Tremors Sweating Increased heart rate Seizures The more serious type of withdrawal is known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and may require medical intervention to be considered safe.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance
Alcohol acts as a diuretic which forces people to produce more urine thus leaving them losing fluids. Drinking before quitting is one of the most common reasons for alcohol related headaches. After quitting the body continues to flush out the residual toxin / fluid and sometimes makes the dehydration worse.
Also low in electrolytes ( sodium, potassium, and magnesium ) may also cause headaches after alcohol consumption. Restoring sufficient hydration via water / electrolyte drinks / food is commonly one of the most successful ways to help reduce these symptoms.
Blood Sugar Changes and Headaches
Another reason for headaches after quitting alcohol is fluctuations in blood sugar. Alcohol changes how the liver releases glucose from fats in the bloodstream, and many people find that when they stop drinking their blood sugar drops dramatically ( and things like dizziness / fatigue / headaches can occur as the body adjusts to a normal blood sugar level ).
Healthy food choices [ such as complex carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats ] will help keep blood sugars in a normal range and prevent pain. Resuming regular eating patterns gradually after quitting drinking is a big help in improving both the frequency and severity of headaches.
Caffeine Withdrawal and Other Lifestyle Shifts
Also a lot of people in early sobriety make other lifestyle changes, like cutting back on caffeine or losing weight. These are all great long term things to do, but sudden change can make you have temporary headaches. For example if you’re cut back on coffee or energy drinks after years of drinking you could get headaches from caffeine withdrawal that are similar to headaches from alcohol withdrawal.
Similarly, erratic sleep patterns in early recovery can make headaches worse. Alcohol inhibits REM sleep so once it is taken away, the brain and body have to learn new rhythms of sleep. Good sleep hygiene (e. g. consistent bedtimes, no screens before bed, relaxing environment) can help make things go faster.
Emotional and Psychological Contributors
Emotions also play an important role in physical recovery. In the early stages of sobriety may come waves of anxiety / guilt or stress as the body / mind adjusts to living without alcohol. The impact of these emotional changes can increase muscle tension and contribute to headaches from stress.
In many cases, people who have used alcohol to self-medicate undermining mental health problems (such as depression or anxiety) may find their symptoms take on a much greater intensity after quitting. Working with a therapist or counselor can help treat these underlying issues and to help reduce the physical signs of emotional stress.
How Long Do Headaches Last After Quitting Drinking?
While most people do experience relief from their headaches within a few days or a week after quitting alcohol (especially if hydration, nutrition and stress management are prioritized ) some people may have lingering headaches for several weeks, especially if they were heavily drinkers or had underlying health problems prior to quitting.
If after the first week the headache persists or gets worse you should see a doctor. Sometimes what feels like a withdrawal headache may be caused by other medical issues such as high blood pressure, vitamin deficiencies or drug interactions.
When to Seek Medical Help
If headache in the period after drinking starts along with confusion, visual disturbances, fast heart rate, vomiting, or tremors then immediately seek medical attention as these could be symptoms of major withdrawal that require clinical management.
Because detox from alcohol at home without the help of a professional is dangerous for those who have been drinking for a long time, medically supervised detox programs like that available at an effective alcohol detox in California can help handle the symptoms safely and reduce the chances of complications like seizures or dehydration.
Ways to Ease Headaches During Early Sobriety
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also important. You can add electrolyte drinks or mineral rich broths to help get your body back in balance and reduce symptoms quicker.
2. Eating the right Whole grains, fruits, veggies and lean meats can help manage your blood sugar levels and improve your overall energy.
3. Rest and sleep The body needs rest to get rid of waste. Napping or keeping to a sleep schedule can help rest the brain and reduce the intensity of headache.
4. Manage stress: Gentle exercise, deep breathing and/or mindfulness techniques may help with tension headaches and emotional stability.
5. Avoid misuse : of otc pain relievers Some pain relievers (such as acetaminophen) can be harmful to the liver especially if a previous history of alcohol abuse is involved. Always use medications according to a doctor’s advice.
6. Supplement appropriately: Vitamins like B-complex, magnesium and thiamine (vitamin B1) can be depleted by alcohol use. A healthcare provider may recommend supplements to assist in returning these nutrients safely.
The Body’s Healing Process After Quitting Alcohol
Good to look at these headaches after alcohol as a sign of recovery. The liver starts detoxifying and repairing itself, the neurotransmitter systems in the brain begin stabilizing, and inflammation decreases. While these symptoms may not be ideal, it is evidence that the body is working towards a more healthier state.
Generally if you keep sobriety over the long haul you ‘ll be able to think more clearly, have better sleep, digest better ( and basically have fewer chronic headaches overall ). The discomfort and fear of withdrawal from alcohol or drug is less often that a hindrance to the long term benefits.
Are There Long-Term Headaches After Quitting Alcohol?
Generally, withdrawal headaches last very little, but there are some cases where chronic headaches develop due to preexisting conditions or permanent neurological changes caused by prolonged alcoholic use. For example, a heavy drinker may have persistent vascular sensitivity or migraines which are completely hid by alcohol’s numbing effect.
If the headaches persist for more than a few weeks, or become severe, then a medical evaluation can rule out other causes such as tension headaches, medication overuse, and high blood pressure. A clinician might recommend imaging or laboratory tests to rule out other causes.
The Importance of Professional Support
Having the support of people you trust in the process of detox can make it easier and safer to get back on track. Detox programs, primary care physicians or outpatient treatment centers can help monitor symptoms and develop an individual recovery plan.
Another resource that can be helpful is therapy, support groups and nutritional counseling. So treating both the physical withdrawal and emotional distress will help you gain a more complete path to wellness.
Handling Headaches During And After Alcohol Withdrawal
Does stop drinking alcohol result in headaches Yes it can but they are relatively short lived and just part of the body ‘s natural healing process. They are often caused by dehydration / chemical imbalance and the nervous system adapting to being sober.
Usually within a few days you will see some relief from symptoms by drinking adequate water, eating right and sleeping well. For those who have more severe or persistent symptoms, medical guidance can ensure safety and comfort during withdrawal.
In time the body gets back to full balance and the benefits of sobriety (clarity, energy, and mood) far outweigh the discomfort you’ll experience in the short term in beginning detox. Knowing what it is that you’re going through can make it much easier for people to be realistic and compassionate with themselves while beginning the journey to a better, alcohol-free life.
