Can Alcohol Withdrawal Cause High Blood Pressure? When to Get Help

Quitting alcohol can transform your life, but the first days after stopping drinking may present health challenges. In this article, you will learn why high blood pressure often occurs when withdrawing from alcohol.

We will share symptoms to pay attention to, teach you how to check your blood pressure at home, when to go to the hospital and safe detox options to start a new sober life.

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Can Alcohol Withdrawal Cause High Blood Pressure?

Yes, alcohol withdrawal can cause temporary or sustained high blood pressure as a result of a physiological state of hyperactivity that individuals addicted to alcohol may experience when they stop drinking.

But why does alcohol withdrawal raise blood pressure? Continuous alcohol consumption can change how the brain works. So, when an alcoholic abruptly stops drinking, this can trigger a rebound effect, called alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), in the autonomic nervous system. 

AWS may result in elevated levels of stimulating neurotransmitters and stress hormones, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine and corticosteroids, that can raise blood pressure and heart rate.

Contributing Factors for Alcohol Withdrawal Hypertension 

High blood pressure during alcohol withdrawal can also be precipitated by underlying factors such as:

• Increased adrenaline (fight-or-flight response): Individuals with alcohol use disorders may have a more elevated baseline of stress chemicals, such as cortisol, potentially making them more susceptible to experiencing more intense AWS.
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Alcoholism is characterized by chronic dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that are also hypertension risk factors.
• Withdrawal anxiety: The same brain chemicals that can cause anxiety during AWS may also raise blood pressure.
• Pre-existing hypertension: About half of American adults have high blood pressure, which can be aggravated by the excitatory state caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Download the free Alcohol Detox & Blood Pressure Monitoring Guide.

In this expert resource, you can:

• Track your blood pressure.
• Spot warning signs early.
• Know when to get medical help for a safe recovery. 

What Is a Healthy Blood Pressure, and What’s Considered Dangerous?

Knowing your blood pressure numbers can save your life. Hypertension increases the risk of life-threatening conditions such as stroke, kidney damage and heart attacks. 44% of adults don’t know they have hypertension. But that doesn’t have to be your case. 

Here, you will learn what’s normal, what’s not, and how to measure your blood pressure.

Normal vs. High Blood Pressure 

A blood pressure reading includes two numbers. The top one, called systolic blood pressure, captures the pressure in your arteries as your heart beats and sends blood to them. The bottom one, known as diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries as your heart rests between beats.

The table below explains the different ranges of blood pressure levels.

Seek professional help if you experience a hypertensive crisis. Elevated blood pressure levels can lead to organ damage. 

How to Take Your Blood Pressure at Home

An optimal way to keep your health in check is to monitor your blood pressure after quitting alcohol. 

Here are step-by-step instructions for doing it at home with a device that is readily available for purchase.

• Sit upright in a chair that supports your back. 
• Keep your feet flat (don’t cross them), and your arm supported on a flat surface in front of you so it’s at heart level.
• Wrap the cuff around your upper arm, just above your elbow.
• Rest for 5 minutes before measuring, even refraining from talking.
• Avoid caffeine, smoking or exercise 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.
• Take 2 readings, 1 minute apart, record both, and the average of the two results indicates your blood pressure level.

Another option worth considering is using digital cuffs or pharmacy kiosks. They both offer accurate measurements for self-checks.

Recovering from alcohol withdrawal alone can be dangerous. Call today.

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Why Blood Pressure Rises During Alcohol Withdrawal

The intensity of the AWS is generally associated with the severity of an individual’s alcohol addiction. AWS symptoms vary. While some individuals experience mild agitation, others can experience alcohol withdrawal tachycardia or even seizures that put their lives at risk.

Despite its wide range of symptoms, AWS features are all characteristics of a central nervous system in overdrive. 

The Role of the Nervous System

The nervous system adapts to a person’s lifestyle and experiences. Following chronic alcohol use, the brain of an individual readjusts how certain processes work to compensate for alcohol’s suppressing effects on the nervous system.

The nervous system of an individual with alcohol dependence shifts to a more elevated baseline of activity as addiction progresses. When a person suddenly stops drinking after prolonged use, their nervous system overreacts, which can lead to autonomic hyperactivity, a scenario where there’s an excess of excitatory neurochemicals.

These can overflow a person’s nervous system and may lead to symptoms such as:

• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Spikes in blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Heightened sensitivity to sounds
• Nausea
• Agitation
• Insomnia

Connection Between Hypertension and Withdrawal Complications

Uncontrolled hypertension and rapid heart rate are generally present in individuals who progress to more intense withdrawal syndromes.

Alcohol withdrawal complications include life-threatening seizures or progressing to delirium tremens (DT), a potentially fatal condition characterized by fever, delusions, tachycardia and hypertension. 

One goal of managing AWS is detecting signs that may indicate a worsening of a person’s condition, so alcohol withdrawal and blood pressure management go hand in hand.

Early Signs of Dangerous Withdrawal

These symptoms require clinical evaluation to prevent AWS complications:

• Severe headache
• Chest pain 
• Shortness of breath
• Elevated body temperature
• Confusion 
• Hallucinations
• Blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg

Alcohol and the Heart

Beyond its association with the AWS, hypertension appears to be a risk for individuals who abuse alcohol long-term. People with alcohol use disorders have nearly double the rate of hypertension than among the general population.

Chronic alcohol use may:

• Damage the heart muscle and blood vessels. 
• Increase stress hormone levels.
• Disrupt feedback loops that regulate blood pressure. 

All these effects can lead to the development of hypertension.

When to Go to the Hospital for Alcohol Withdrawal

Pay attention to the following alcohol withdrawal emergency symptoms, as they require medical care.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Care

Call 911 or go to the hospital if you experience any of the symptoms listed here:

• Blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg
• Irregular or racing heartbeat
• Severe tremors
• Seizures 
• Disorientation
• Restlessness
• Delusions
• Vomiting 
• Dehydration
• Difficulties eating or drinking

Don’t ignore AWS or try to ‘’tough it out.’’ Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can put your life in danger. About 10% of all hospitalizations in the US of men in their 30s and 40s are due to AWS.

Why Supervised Detox Is Safer

Up to 50% of individuals addicted to alcohol experience AWS after reducing their drinking.

Beforehand, it’s impossible to predict who will develop mild withdrawal symptoms and whose condition will progress to a life-threatening emergency. Also, AWS complications can escalate quickly. That’s why medical detox centers are the recommended choice for safely quitting alcohol. 

Detox centers can:

• Monitor vitals 
• Prevent progression to seizures and DT.
• Manage blood pressure levels with medication.

If you need help finding a qualified center near you, please check the Detox.com national directory of treatment providers to help you start a new, sober life safely.

Call now to speak with someone who can help you with alcohol withdrawal.

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Alcohol Detox & Blood Pressure Treatment Options

Safely detoxing from alcohol and managing withdrawal symptoms is possible. Here are some options.

Inpatient Detox (Best for High-Risk Cases)

If you are considering inpatient alcohol detox for hypertension, you are on the right track.

Specialized residential facilities for alcohol detox provide a safe environment that can shield patients from outside distractions while offering medical support to prevent AWS complications.

Inpatient alcohol rehab is recommended for people with: 

• Profound addictions 
• Severe alcohol withdrawal episodes
• Co-occurring mental health challenges 
• A history of seizures
• Hypertension 
• Heart conditions
• Insufficient social support

Here you can access: 

• 24-hour clinical monitoring to prevent symptom escalation. 
• IV fluids and nutritional support to recover your strength. 
• Prescription medication to manage blood pressure and anxiety levels.

Outpatient Detox (For Mild Symptoms)

Outpatient detox with hypertension is a valid alternative for individuals: 

• With a less intense alcohol use disorder. 
• Who are healthy and have stable vitals. 
• With robust home support for monitoring symptom aggravation.

If you enroll in an outpatient alcohol rehab, it’s critical to check your blood pressure daily. It is important to remain in contact with medical professionals who can track your progress while keeping you safe.

Medications Commonly Used

If necessary, clinicians will prescribe medications for managing AWS symptoms, including:

• Benzodiazepines: Are first line medications for minimizing seizure and DT risk, and can attenuate the withdrawal stress response
• Beta blockers or clonidine: Mainly used as adjuncts to lower heart rate and blood pressure during the AWS.
• IV fluids and electrolytes: Critical components of alcohol detoxification programs as they prevent neurological, metabolic and other complications.
• Anticonvulsants: Sometimes used if a person has an elevated seizure risk.

How to Find Help & Prevent Complications

If you have a history of chronic alcohol intake and want to quit, we commend you. However, you now know that quitting cold turkey can elevate your risk of complications such as alcohol withdrawal hypertension. The good news is that you can access professional help to get evaluated before trying to detox alone.

Specialized facilities not only help you get alcohol out of your system safely, but also equip you with skills to overcome addictive behaviors. This is fundamental, as without treatment,the majority of persons with alcohol use disorder will relapse within a year.

Below are questions you can ask providers to assess their level of service and find the best facility for your situation:

• Do you monitor blood pressure during detox?
• Do you treat co-occurring heart conditions?
• What aftercare or relapse prevention do you offer?

Alcohol & Blood Pressure FAQs

Conclusion

Quitting alcohol safely is possible with professional assistance and a desire for lasting change.

Even if you experience hypertension during the withdrawal phase, most people’s blood pressure stabilizes within days under medical care. But accessing early help is key to preventing the AWS from progressing to complications that can harm you.

If you’re experiencing withdrawal and high blood pressure, you can explore medical detox centers near you or call the confidential 24/7 helpline for immediate support.

Don’t wait. Call 800-996-6135(Sponsored) today for help.

It’s OK to ask for help. Call now to speak with someone.

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