Alcohol
The first 24 hours without alcohol: what matters
If you drink heavily or regularly, the first day without alcohol should not be treated as a casual detox challenge.
Safety first: alcohol withdrawal and withdrawal from some drugs can be medically dangerous. If you are a heavy or regular user, have had withdrawal before, or feel unwell when stopping, seek medical advice.
Withdrawal can start within hours
HSE says withdrawal symptoms can begin around 8 hours after the last drink and may worsen over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Know the danger signs
Severe withdrawal can include confusion, hallucinations, fever or seizures. Delirium tremens is life-threatening.
What the timer can do
If stopping is medically safe for you, a short check-in can support intention. It is not detox treatment.
Use the tool: choose a realistic next interval, return and answer honestly. A NO does not erase previous choices. The timer is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Sources and further reading