Fatigue is a frequent and often overwhelming side effect of alcohol withdrawal. As your body adjusts to the absence of alcohol, energy levels can drop significantly, leaving you feeling persistently tired or weak.
This exhaustion stems from disrupted sleep, changes in brain chemistry, and the physical stress of detoxification. For many, fatigue lingers even after other symptoms improve, making it important to recognize, monitor, and manage as part of the recovery process.
Key Facts
- Alcohol withdrawal fatigue is caused by neuroadaptation, sleep disturbances and nutritional deficiencies.
- Factors that can make this fatigue worse include heavy alcohol use, prior withdrawal, polysubstance abuse, certain medical conditions and stress.
- Most alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, commonly resolve within the first week.
- There is medical support and strategies that can ease fatigue.
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Understanding Fatigue During Alcohol Withdrawal
Fatigue during alcohol withdrawal is a natural response to the body’s effort to rebalance after prolonged exposure to alcohol’s sedative effects. Understanding why this happens is the first step in managing symptoms and supporting recovery.
Why It Is & Why It Happens
Fatigue resulting from alcohol withdrawal is a common symptom that depends on your history of alcohol abuse and overall physical health.
It is commonly time limited and can happen for several reasons, including:
- Neuroadaptation. Alcohol abuse changes the way the brain works by disrupting certain neurotransmitters such as GABA and glutamate. When an individual stops drinking, the brain is left in a hyperactive state with too little GABA (the calming chemical) and too much glutamate (the excitatory chemical).
- Sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances include circadian misalignment and REM sleep suppression. Once you are in withdrawal you experience REM rebound, during which the brain compensates, leading to vivid dreams, nightmares, and restless sleep.
- Nutritional deficiencies. Chronic alcohol abuse often leads to deficiencies in certain vitamins such as magnesium, vitamins A and C and B vitamins including thiamine and folate.
Who’s More Affected & What Worsens It
Fatigue is a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal.
Several factors can make it worse, including:
- Heavy or prolonged alcohol use
- Prior withdrawal
- Certain health conditions, like liver disease, anxiety, depression, malnutrition, dehydration, anemia, and thyroid disorders
- Polysubstance abuse
- Irregular schedules triggered by stress, caffeine or energy drink misuse, late night scrolling and computer use
What to Expect
Alcohol withdrawal side effects can range from mild discomfort to serious medical complications, depending on how long and how heavily you have been drinking. Recognizing what to expect can help you prepare and seek proper medical support for a safer recovery.
Acute vs. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome: How Long Fatigue Lasts

During acute alcohol withdrawal, fatigue normally peaks from 24 and 72 hours and improves along with other symptoms by the end of the first week.
By weeks 2-4, an individual may still see fluctuating energy levels as their sleep patterns begin to normalize. During this time, brain fog also gradually improves.
Some individuals may experience prolonged symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, lasting weeks or months. This is called post acute withdrawal syndrome or PAWS. These symptoms often occur in flare-ups triggered by stress or sleep loss and improve as routines become more stable and regular.
When It’s Not “Just Fatigue”
Fatigue can present as more than just being overly tired. During alcohol withdrawal, feeling fatigued can be more than just a symptom of withdrawal. It can indicate a more serious problem.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Symptoms that indicate you require immediate medical attention and treatment include:
- Neurological: Confusion, hallucinations, seizures, severe agitation or signs of delirium tremens
- Cardiac: Racing pulse, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
- Autonomic Hyperactivity: High fever, sweating, tremors, anxiety
- Gastrointestinal: Black tarry or bloody stools, signs of severe dehydration, uncontrolled vomiting, severe abdominal pain or jaundice
- Mental Health: Suicidal thoughts
A Differential Diagnosis Must Rule Out Other Conditions
Individuals who complain of symptoms of fatigue should be evaluated for conditions that can make their alcohol withdrawal related fatigue worse.
Some conditions may include:
- Physical Health: Anemia, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, liver disease or an acute infection
- Mental Health: Major depression or generalized anxiety disorder
- Medication: Sedatives, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, or blood pressure medication
Evidenced Based Ways to Rebuild Energy
Most people experiencing alcohol withdrawal will have symptoms of fatigue. The good news is that there are several ways to make fatigue better.
Sleep Strategies That Work in Early Sobriety
During alcohol withdrawal, normal sleep patterns are disrupted.
Here are some ways to get you back on track:
- Melatonin: Used in low doses and for the short term it can make falling asleep easier. Avoid sedative/hypnotic medications unless directed by a medical professional.
- Morning light exposure: This triggers the body’s normal sleep/wake cycle.
- Limit naps: Limit naps to 20-30 minutes to avoid worsening insomnia.
- Limit evening screen time: The blue light emitted by devices like computers, television, smartphones and tablets disrupts normal melatonin production.
- Develop a wind down routine: Routines to help you relax help trigger your brain to know it’s time for sleep.
Nutrition & Hydration
People who have abused alcohol often develop nutritional deficiencies and have some degree of dehydration.
This can be treated by:
- Supplemental thiamine or vitamin B1, folate and magnesium. Avoid mega dose supplements
- Limiting sugary or energy drinks
- Hydration, either through increased oral intake or intravenous fluid replacement
- Eating a balanced diet that consists of protein, complex carbs and healthy fats
- Seeking medical care with uncontrolled vomiting or poor oral intake
Increasing Activity: Graded & Pacing
The withdrawal process can be exhausting. It is important to increase activity gradually.
This could mean:
- Starting with short walks, increase duration and steps by 10-20% each week as tolerated
- Adding light resistance exercises 2-3 times per week, making sure to prioritize form and safety
- Alternating activity and rest with a focus on consistency over intensity.
Getting Help Detox & Ongoing Treatment
The most important step for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder is seeking help.
This should begin with detox and continue through a comprehensive treatment plan that includes individual and group therapy, aftercare and relapse prevention.
Do You Need Supervised Detox?
Factors that indicate a person should undergo a supervised detox include:
- A history of seizures or delirium tremens (DTs)
- A pattern of very high alcohol use
- Unstable vital signs
- Any significant medical or psychiatric illness
- A limited support system
- A history of polysubstance use
- Pregnancy
- High CIWA scores and risk history
Supervised detox ensures the safest way to manage withdrawal symptoms using medication management, close professional monitoring, hydration, nutritional support and linkage to ongoing care.
What Medical Care Looks Like

During supervised detox, medical and addiction professionals use the CIWA-Ar monitoring tool to determine the most appropriate treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, some individuals benefit from benzodiazepine administration following evidence based protocols or adjunct treatment with gabapentin or clonidine.
Nutritional supplementation, electrolyte correction and increased fluids, either orally or intravenously, may be used to treat deficiencies and dehydration.
Once an individual’s condition is stabilized, care shifts to long term treatment and goals. This may include the use of naltrexone or acamprosate, sleep therapy, peer support and relapse prevention planning.
Alcohol Withdrawal and Fatigue FAQs
Yes, fatigue is a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal, but it is usually temporary.
The severity and duration vary and can be impacted by alcohol use history, overall health, sleep and stress. Fatigue that is severe or worsens should be addressed by a medical professional.
Fatigue usually improves after the first week and gets better over time. For individuals with PAWS, they may experience intermittent brain fog or fatigue for months.
A schedule with consistent sleep, good nutrition, movement and stress management can shorten recovery time.
You should seek immediate care if you experience:
-Seizures, hallucinations or confusion
-High fever, severe vomiting or symptoms of dehydration
-Chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting
-Bloody or tarry black stools
-Jaundice or severe abdominal pain
-Suicidal thoughts
Chronic alcohol abuse can deplete many crucial vitamins that must be supplemented for stabilization, including:
-Thiamine or vitamin B1 which helps to prevent neurological complications
-Folate and magnesium, which are needed to support the liver, nervous system and proper muscle function
Any individual with liver disease or who is taking other medications should consult a medical provider before starting any supplements.
Find Treatment Near You
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Not sure where to start? Call today to talk to someone about your treatment options and see if your insurance will cover rehab.
Top Rated Centers for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
| Name / Address / Rating | Description | Treatments / Payments / Programs | Review / Contact | Images | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boca Recovery Center – Bloomington Alcohol & Drug RehabAd This is an ad and Boca Recovery Center – Bloomington Alcohol & Drug Rehab is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Bloomington, IN | The Boca Recovery Center is a luxury alcohol and drug rehab center for adults in Bloomington, Indiana. They specialize in cutting edge addiction treatment provided in a residential setting. One unique part of this alcohol and drug rehab in Indiana is the peaceful, secluded setting. If recovering in a clinical hospital setting doesn’t sound very a | Treatments Programs Payment Options | View Website (930) 203-1400 | This facility was great to my process of developing into a responsible adult and also putting my future in my hands other than others. Many Thanks to all staff for their efforts. The BOCA thorn in their side has left the building!!!
Josh Fannin
1 week ago
good support when you’re in need of it.
bcrescent
2 weeks ago
Its a great place
Andrea Youngblood
1 month ago
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Top 10 Rehab in AZ
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Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.90 / 10 | Soberman’s Estate, located in Cave Creek, Arizona, is an alcohol and drug rehab center that provides addiction treatment services to adult men, professionals, and public figures. They are a discrete, luxury rehab for individuals aged 30 to 80 years old. This location caps their treatment center at ten men at a time. Soberman’s Estate focuses on | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Soberman’s Estate was everything I needed for my recovery. The staff, the program, physical activity and culinary experience were top notch and essential. The program is well designed and worked better than I expected. The staff is remarkable – professional, considerate and genuinely caring. My time there and being removed from alcohol for five weeks was everything I needed to remove my craving for alcohol. Soberman has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. I feel confident, secure and grateful for my new life. I have reconnected with my family and friends. Thank you Soberman.
George B.
2 months ago
Yes, very professional staff, treatment, therapist, chefs were good! even the home cook did the best she could, and loved the horses of Course! Saturday morning hiking was fun to explore the trails of the nearby mountain area!
John E Williams
2 months ago
I had a great experience overall and would recommend it to anyone wanted to jump start their sobriety!!
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2 months ago
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Top 10 Rehab in CA
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Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.81 / 10 | All In Solutions Detox in Simi Valley is one of the best ranked inpatient detox facilities in California providing safe, medically supervised care for individuals beginning their recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. As part of the All In Solutions Behavioral Health network, this facility serves as the first step in a full continuum of care. Cli | Treatments Programs Payment Options | The staff here is amazing and so helpful
Misty Rahe
5 days ago
Excellent staff and service. Very comfortable experience. Highly recommend. The support here is amazing.
Cody Knight
3 weeks ago
Great staff every one is nice and treats everyone with respect great environment and energy
Ramon Ruiz
3 weeks ago
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Top 10 Rehab in TX
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Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 | Symetria – Hurst Outpatient Rehab and Suboxone Clinic in Hurst, Texas, is a private drug rehabilitation clinic for adults. One of the best outpatient rehab centers in Texas, Symetria offers various withdrawal medications to help clients get started with their recovery journey. You’ll also have access to treatments such as the intensive outp | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Symetria is unbelievably amazing!!! The Hurst staff is phenomenal!!! I can’t imagine that another location has a better staff. A special shout out to Deborah, Benjamin, and Samantha of course. You all are doing amazing, amazing, selfless work. You all are very special to so many!!!
Vernon Godsey III
2 months ago
Huge shout out to the team at symetria who make me feel like family I appreciate everything they do and huge shout out to Osagie for helping me! He is AWESOME!!! I love you symetria❤️❤️❤️
Chloe Roseman
2 months ago
BEST PLACE EVER. I have tried various other doctors/clinics and none of them even begin to compare to this one. The staff here is absolutely amazing. I can’t even make a single complaint. Dr Son is the best as well. He explains everything and you truly feel like he understands you. I can proudly say this, this place saved my life. If you or someone you know needs help getting off opiates do it right the first time and come here. You won’t be disappointed. If you are specifically struggling with fentanyl please don’t waste your time with other ways. I have tried 6 other methods from lazer therapy to having the earpiece to suboxone. Methadone is the key to our current fentanyl crisis. This clinic makes recovery possible again!
Mason
3 months ago
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Avenues Recovery Center at ClarksvilleAd This is an ad and Avenues Recovery Center at Clarksville is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Clarksville, IN | Avenues Recovery Center in Clarksville, Indiana, is an inpatient drug and alcohol detox and rehab center. They strive to provide individuals receiving treatment with a loving environment and attentive medical care. You’ll be away from toxic environments and triggers and have the opportunity to focus on developing life skills that will support you | Treatments Programs Payment Options | View Website (930) 203-1947 | Absolutely outstanding place for detoxing and wanting to restructure your life..If your haveing mixed emotions on where you might want to get help this is forsure the best place to do so.
Matt Harris
1 week ago
I love all the BHTs they walked me through some things, let me vent and helped me process and all the facilitators as well especially Chris and gonzo
Brittany Hon
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Avenues is a very good program
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Top 10 Rehab in FL
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Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 | All In Solutions Counseling Center is a mental health center and addiction treatment program in Boynton Beach, Florida. They provide a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an outpatient program, medication-assisted treatment, and mental health care for adults with substance use disorder. All In Solutions Counseli | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Ms Karen from the Cherry Hill, NJ locations was just awesome. She called me every week to give me updates concerning my husband. She has been so helpful to keep me grounded and encouraged that I’m sure she did the same for her clients. I have to say she was the best, thank you Miss Karen for all you do and may God continue blessing you always..
Sandra Cornish
1 week ago
All in was a great program! The staff was amazing. Very helpful in my recovery! They were very attentive.
Mike Garcia
2 weeks ago
This place helped me when I felt like no one could, 5 stars to the techs, 5 to the therapists, and 5 to case management will love you guys for ever.
kyle Buchmaier
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Top 10 Rehab in NJ
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 | Boca Recovery Center – Galloway is a drug and alcohol rehab in Galloway, NJ. They provide inpatient addiction treatment and medical detox. Boca Recovery’s New Jersey Drug & Alcohol Rehab, located in Galloway, New Jersey offers residential addiction treatment, medical detox, and medication-assisted treatment in an immersive treatment s | Treatments Programs Payment Options | I am pleased and proud to say I passed through here recently on my own journey to recovery. After a stressfull cycle of loss and relapsed I landed in this program and had to do a a period of inpatient detox here. After my time here , some medication corrections on their end while I was , as well as a few extra pounds, I have returned to my journey at the program I nearly got kicked out of, wiser, healthier, and happier. And with a new purpose and outlook. The staff, Kevin, ashley, Hannah, Christine, honestly everyone in that building made the stay bearable, comfortable, and understandable. The place was kept clean by diligent crew. Techs were timely, helpful, friendly, just great all around. The doctors and nurses as well. Both chefs made excellent meals and were more than accommodating to anyone’s requests or needs. They even still stay in contact and check in from time to time. I’ve been a few places and haven’t been that comfortable in such an uncomfortable situation, and that is due entirely to the staff and directors. Great place.
Christopher Donahue
1 week ago
I would highly recommend Boca Recovery Center to anyone struggling with an illness. They do an amazing job and will change your life for the better. The staff makes you feel comfortable while stretching your boundaries and understanding. One of the strongest parts of the program is their follow up after treatment, specifically the Alumni Coordinator.
Greg D
1 week ago
Amazing staff great program was life changing so glad I made that call I like to commend Jon Ashley Kevin and Mike I wish I remember the night shift names that’s an amazing staff and the cooks that was good food
Monica Garcia
2 weeks ago
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Top 10 Rehab in TN
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Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.77 / 10 | If you’re looking for a Christian-based men’s drug rehab center, S2L Recovery in Woodbury, Tennessee, might be the place for you or your loved one. Located at the top of Short Mountain, and overlooking the green hills of Middle Tennessee, this residential and detox clinic boasts a one-to-one staff/patient ratio so there’ll always be someone t | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Coming from Canada, I was hesitant. But God knew that S2L was exactly where I needed to be. At 64 years of age, I was able to discover my true identity, purpose, and mission in Christ. They help you in trying to get clean and sober for sure. But what S2L and the staff are all about is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s why it is so successful.
TIM TANNER
2 months ago
I’ve had the privilege of seeing the life-changing impact this ministry has on countless men & I can’t recommend it highly enough! God has His Hand on this ministry & I’m honored to see the Lord work in these men!
Hunter Stanfield
2 months ago
Come here with a open mind and heart. It can and WILL change your life in all ways. Trust the process and trust God! Could go on and on about how amazing this place, I’ll forever be grateful!
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Top 10 Rehab in PA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.76 / 10 | The Steps To Recovery addiction treatment center is situated in Levittown, Pennsylvania. At this drug rehab center, patients can expect to engage in a unique treatment approach that focuses on helping individuals recover through authenticity, intimacy, community connection, and transparency. Steps to Recovery offers a serene and private environ | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Good place, great housing
Nicole Rivera
1 month ago
Amazing support network and great staff lovely time with my stay at STR buck
William Perry
2 months ago
My experience at Steps to Recovery has been great for the most part, the people and the environment are very welcoming and comforting. I have had some issues that have come up, but they usually get resolved. My only main gripe is with some of the other clients at the community living house fail to clean up after themselves, and some do not know self control. But, the staff here is very professional and easy to talk to. I find that the opportunities here for my recovery journey are pretty good, although I’d like access to more holistic therapy resources. I’ve actually personally facilitated a Dharma meeting and will facilitate more in the future. I appreciate my time here at STR and am excited for the future with them.
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2 months ago
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Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.76 / 10 | Located in Watsonville, California, Elevate Addiction Services provides alcohol and drug rehab services to men and women suffering from addiction. Their levels of care include detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment. One of the best ranked Outpatient treatment centers in California, Elevate Addiction Services provides a wide continuum | Treatments Programs Payment Options | I have been through other treatment facilities in the past; but Elevate has by far been the best experience I could’ve hoped for. Recovery isn’t just the ability to abstain from substances, but the capability of transforming from within. Not only has Elevate help me appreciate the things within me but everything around me as well. Thank you, Elevate for changing the trajectory of my life and my marriage!!
Michael Amodeo
5 days ago
Great place. The staff super nice amd very knowedgable about addictions. Its a very special place. Better than all others ive gone to. Definate thumbs up
Tyler Kerney
2 weeks ago
Our experience with Elevate Addiction Services has been truly life-changing. From the very beginning, the director, family liaisons, counselors, therapists, continuing care coordinators, house dad’s – we felt genuine compassion and care from everyone we had the pleasure of interacting with. We were kept informed of how our son was doing every step of the way. It never felt like we were alone in this. Everyone at Elevate was fighting for our son right alongside of us.
The love and compassion shown to our son meant everything. Today, he is living clean & sober, feeling confident in the tools and foundation Elevate equipped him with. Elevate welcomed him with open arms. Watching him complete the program and graduate has been one of the proudest moments of our lives.
We are so deeply grateful for Elevate and the loving and compassionate professionals who work there.
Without hesitation, we would highly recommend Elevate Addiction Services to anyone seeking help for themselves or a loved one. They helped our son find his way back.❤️
Kenny & Shelly Wright
2 weeks ago
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