How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take? Timeline & Recovery Guide

Our expert team creates individualized treatment plans to make the detox process as comfortable as possible. Long-term abstinence often requires ongoing treatment and strategies to maintain sobriety. Medication-assisted treatment options like naltrexone and acamprosate can help manage cravings and reduce relapse risk.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

This help may take the form of rehab or working with medical professionals to reduce alcohol consumption gradually over a few weeks. Ultimately, professional addiction treatment programs tailor detox protocols to each client’s unique circumstances and medical needs for the safest, most comfortable experience possible. With comprehensive care, the challenges of detox can be successfully managed. Across the board, heavy alcohol users report withdrawal symptoms more than those who do not drink heavily. Heavy alcohol users double their risk for hallucinations during withdrawal, being 2.4 times more likely than moderate or light alcohol users to experience them. From a mental health perspective, a person enduring alcohol withdrawal will note a sharp increase in their anxiety.

Mental Health Programs

Our expert staff will guide you through every stage of detox and recovery with empathy, professionalism, and hope. In some cases, individuals may experience hallucinations (auditory, visual, or tactile). Outpatient programs may last three to six months or longer, depending on progress and personal needs. Continuing care is crucial in ensuring a smooth transition into everyday life. Inpatient treatment generally lasts 30, 60, or 90 days, based on individual needs.

Brain Recovery Post-Alcohol Use: A Long-Term Process

Our medical professionals continuously monitor vital signs and withdrawal symptoms, intervening quickly if complications arise. This is particularly important during the hour peak period when seizures or delirium tremens may occur. The first day or so of your detox will be filled with developing symptoms that range in intensity levels. By a few days in, you can begin to develop what is known as delirium tremens, or the DTs. The DTs are a set of symptoms that include confusion, high blood pressure, shaking, fever, and hallucinations. The greatest concern during this time is fever and high blood pressure, both of which can trigger strokes, seizures, and other life-threatening medical events.

As a result, this stage is crucial for those seeking to overcome alcoholism, as it helps manage withdrawal symptoms and prepares the individual for further treatment. These symptoms typically start within 48 hours of stopping drinking, although they could occur as early as 18 hours after the last drink. These serious symptoms may last for up to a few days in some cases and adversely impact your physical health.

• After detox, individuals often continue experiencing post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), which can last for months, particularly for those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
• The detox process for marijuana is unique because of how THC, the active compound in cannabis, is stored in fat cells.
• Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area.
• A person who has a long history of heavy drinking could have a seizure six hours after stopping drinking.
• Wesurveyed 2,136 American adultswho either wanted to stop drinking alcohol or had already tried to quit (successfully or not).
• Below are examples of mild, moderate, and severe symptoms during stage two of withdrawal.

When undergoing detoxification, one of the most common questions people ask is, “How long do detox symptoms last? ” The duration of detox symptoms can vary significantly depending on the substance being detoxed from, the severity of addiction, and the individual’s unique health factors. While the acute symptoms of detox typically subside within a few days, some individuals may experience symptoms that persist for weeks or even months. How long detox symptoms last depends largely on the type of substance used and the body’s response to withdrawal. For example, with alcohol detox, the initial physical symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and nausea may start within 6–12 hours of the last drink and typically peak within 24–48 hours.

Stage 3: Outpatient Treatment and Continued Care (3–6 Months)

There are various resources available to assist individuals dealing with alcohol dependence. In this section, we will explore national helplines for support, medications for alcohol dependence, and the importance of treatment and follow-up. When it comes to alcohol withdrawal, the severity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe. It’s important to understand the different levels of withdrawal symptoms to ensure appropriate care and support. In this section, we will explore mild withdrawal symptoms, severe withdrawal symptoms, and the potentially dangerous condition known as delirium tremens.

Section 3: Detox Timeline for Specific Substances

• If you do find that you require detox services, there are a number of things that you can expect.
• However, you should be determined to quit alcohol use no matter how hard it seems.
• Contact Healthy Life Recovery today to learn more about our medically assisted alcohol detox program and comprehensive addiction treatment services.
• But a full detox is needed for the most benefit, and how much time that takes depends on a variety of personal factors.
• It’s important to note that the referral service provided by SAMHSA’s National Helpline is free of charge.
• One of the most common questions we receive at Healthy Life Recovery is “how long does it take to detox from alcohol?

A standard drink is about 12 ounces (oz) of beer, 4 oz of wine, or 1 and 1/4 oz of 80-proof distilled spirits. The more a person drinks, the longer it will take for alcohol to leave the system. You also consent to Asana Recovery contacting you by phone, text message, and email regarding your insurance benefits and treatment services.

The shaking and high blood pressure symptoms can be fatal if not treated, so it’s important to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention during any phase of alcohol withdrawal. If you’re a heavy drinker, you may need to wean off alcohol to let your body adjust. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, be sure to talk to a healthcare provider.

The prognosis (outlook) for someone with alcohol withdrawal depends greatly on its severity. The main management for severe symptoms is long-acting benzodiazepines — typically IV diazepam or IV lorazepam. Learn strategies for maintaining sobriety after detox, including the benefits of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs.

Timeline for alcohol use disorder detox

Symptoms occur how long does it take to detox from alcohol timeline and more in three stages, with the first symptoms typically appearing within 8 to 10 hours after your last drink if you have severe AUD. I suggest starting the journey with an expectation to improve physical health, since that part is a given. From there, use this period as a chance to learn how you work as a person who is in closer touch with the truths and realities of your life. It’s better you address those harsh life realities sober than it is while you’re out of touch.