How Alcohol Withdrawal Causes Chest Pain and What You Can Do About It

Alcohol withdrawal can be a frightening and physically intense experience, especially when unexpected symptoms like chest pain appear. For many people detoxing from alcohol, heart palpitations, tightness in the chest, or sharp pains can spark anxiety and confusion — raising the question of whether these sensations are “normal” withdrawal symptoms or signs of something more serious. 

Understanding the connection between alcohol withdrawal and chest pain is crucial. It can help you recognize when your body is reacting to the absence of alcohol and when you may need immediate medical attention. 

In this article, we’ll explore why chest pain can occur during withdrawal, what it might mean for your heart and overall health, and how to safely navigate this early stage of recovery.

Table of Contents

• What Is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
• Can Alcohol Withdrawal Cause Chest Pains?
• How To Address Chest Pain Caused by Alcohol Withdrawal
• Dove Recovery: Helping Clients Stay the Course During Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a set of symptoms that occur when someone significantly lessens or ceases their alcohol intake. Symptoms can range from mild to moderate to severe. Symptom severity is unique to each individual, depending on their alcohol consumption, general health, and genetic predisposition. Most people experience the most severe symptoms within 24 to 48 hours after they stop drinking. 

Mild symptoms of withdrawal, usually occurring within six to eight hours after the last drink, include:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Mood swings

After 12 to 48 hours of cessation, moderate symptoms of withdrawal may include:

• Confusion
• High blood pressure
• Fever
• Irregular heartbeat

Severe symptoms of withdrawal may be experienced between 48 and 72 hours after having the last drink and include:

• Fever
• Seizures
• Hallucinations

The most severe symptom of alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens, which is characterized by:

• Fever
• Tachycardia 
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Hypertension
• Uncontrolled muscle spasms

In addition to these symptoms, people going through alcohol withdrawal may experience heart complications and symptoms, including:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Irregular heartbeat
• Spasms in the blood vessels of the heart
• Chest pain or tightness
• Dizziness
• Feeling a pounding heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

If you’ve tried to quit drinking alcohol and experience any of these symptoms, you should visit your healthcare provider to be properly evaluated. Some of the symptoms — especially delirium tremens — can be life-threatening.

If you’re ready to quit drinking but are nervous about withdrawal symptoms, Dove Recovery is here to help you begin your journey, walking with you through the challenging days of alcohol withdrawal. Contact our supportive and compassionate staff today to take your first steps toward freedom and healing.

Chest pains can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, but it isn’t always clear which organ or system is affected. Alcohol withdrawal may cause or exacerbate the following problems that manifest with chest pains. 

#1: Esophageal Spasms

Alcohol withdrawal can cause involuntary spasms in the esophagus, leading to chest pain or a tight, squeezing sensation. While small amounts of alcohol may relax muscles, heavy or prolonged use can trigger painful contractions in the esophageal muscles, resulting in discomfort that often mimics heart-related chest pain. 

#2: Anxiety and Panic Attacks

During alcohol withdrawal, heightened anxiety can trigger physical symptoms like chest pain or tightness, sometimes escalating into full-blown panic attacks. Since alcohol can worsen anxiety and stress — especially in those already prone to anxiety disorders — the chest discomfort experienced may be a psychosomatic response to intense fear or nervousness. For individuals with alcohol dependence, these sensations often become more pronounced when they try to stop drinking.

#3: Gastroesophageal Reflux

Alcohol withdrawal can worsen GERD symptoms, as the relaxation of the esophageal sphincter caused by alcohol allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This acid reflux can lead to irritation, inflammation, and chest pain that may feel similar to heart-related discomfort. Regular or heavy drinking often contributes to the development or worsening of GERD, making heartburn and related symptoms more frequent and severe over time.

#4: Respiratory Problems

Long-term or heavy alcohol use can weaken the respiratory system, increasing the risk of conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis. When a person goes through withdrawal, these respiratory problems may worsen, leading to chest pain and breathing discomfort.

#5: Cardiac Complications

Can alcohol withdrawal cause chest pains? Yes, during alcohol withdrawal, chest pain can occur. Understanding the nature and characteristics of this pain can help individuals determine when to seek medical attention and distinguish it from other possible causes.

Tachycardia

Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate above 100 beats per minute. A fast heartbeat can occur during alcohol withdrawal because of how brain chemicals — particularly GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate — are altered in the brain with alcohol use. 

When someone chronically drinks heavily, the alcohol revs up the calming influence of GABA and makes the brain increasingly sensitive to glutamate. This balance is disrupted when drinking suddenly stops, resulting in the brain being flooded with excess glutamate, which causes overstimulation. All of this may lead to a rapid heartbeat.

Other symptoms that may accompany an increased heart rate may include:

• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Chest pain, tightness, or pressure
• Shortness of breath

Arterial Spasms

Coronary artery spasms occur when the arteries that supply blood to the heart suddenly constrict, restricting blood flow. Alcohol use and withdrawal have been linked to these spasms, which can cause:

• Chest pain
• Tightness
• Pressure that may radiate to the arm, shoulder, jaw, or neck

Because these symptoms closely resemble those of a heart attack, immediate medical attention is crucial. Prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications and reduce the risk of lasting heart damage.

Arrhythmia

Alcohol’s sedative impact on the brain can interfere with the electrical signals that regulate heartbeat, sometimes resulting in arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation — a condition that increases the risk of stroke and other heart complications.

An abnormal heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can cause symptoms such as:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Skipped beats
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Shortness of breath

During alcohol withdrawal, some individuals may feel their heart racing or slowing irregularly as their body adjusts to the absence of alcohol’s effects. These irregular rhythms are often linked to heavy or long-term drinking and can signal underlying stress on the heart.

Chest pain is serious and shouldn’t be shrugged off or dismissed because you think it may be caused by non-cardiac conditions (like the symptoms mentioned above in #s 1-4).

If you are experiencing chest pain, you should visit your doctor right away. Your doctor can:

1. Rule out other causes, such as cardiac, GI, or respiratory issues.
2. Determine whether you need emergency assistance.

During an evaluation, your doctor may run a variety of tests along with asking questions about the severity and duration of your pain, your history of chest pain during alcohol withdrawal, and other symptoms.

If it is determined that your chest pain is due to alcohol withdrawal, your doctor may recommend treatment at an alcohol recovery center. 

At Dove Recovery, we understand the vulnerability and difficulty this period is for our clients who want to become sober. That’s why we offer the following treatment options in Columbus, Ohio:

• Detox and withdrawal management: In our detox program, care is fully personalized to meet each patient’s unique needs, ensuring a safe and supportive experience.
• Intensive outpatient rehab: This program offers structured, intensive therapy while allowing for a flexible schedule, making it ideal for individuals seeking more support than traditional outpatient care but less than full-time inpatient treatment. 
• Outpatient rehab: Providing flexible, part-time care that supports recovery while allowing patients to maintain work, school, and family responsibilities, this personalized program offers the structure needed for healing without requiring full-time residential care.
• Partial hospitalization: This program is for individuals with serious substance use disorders who don’t require full-time hospitalization. Offering the structure and care intensity of inpatient treatment while allowing patients to return home each night, our partial hospitalization program is an ideal bridge between inpatient and outpatient care, especially for those recently completing residential treatment.
• Counseling and therapy: Dove Recovery provides professional counseling and therapy services, including cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, and family therapy, to support clients in their recovery journey and equip them with the skills needed for long-term relapse prevention.

If you or a loved one is experiencing chest pain or other concerning symptoms during alcohol withdrawal, getting professional support is crucial. 

Dove Recovery offers personalized programs designed to guide you safely through detox and beyond, providing the care, therapy, and tools you need to begin your journey toward lasting recovery. 

You don’t have to face this challenge alone — reach out today and take the first step toward a healthier, safer future.

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