How Long Does Detox Take?

Detoxing from drugs or alcohol can be one of the most challenging parts of the recovery process. Not only does your body have to adjust to life without the substance, but you also have to push through a period of intense physical and emotional symptoms. This stage, known as detox, marks the beginning of your healing journey, but exactly how long does detox take?

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including:

• What detox means
• Why detox is necessary in addiction recovery
• How long detox lasts for different substances
• What symptoms you can expect during the process
• Where to find help if you or a loved one is preparing for detox

If you or someone you love is getting ready for detox, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. Mandala Healing Center offers medical detox in a safe, supportive environment, along with a range of other treatments. Reach out to learn more about your treatment options, verify your insurance coverage, or schedule an intake appointment.

What Is Detox?

Detox is your body’s way of getting rid of drugs or alcohol after you stop using them. If you’ve been using a substance for a while, your body gets used to having it. So, when you suddenly take it away, your body struggles to adjust, causing withdrawal symptoms.

It’s important to understand that detox only addresses physical dependence on substances. It does not treat the underlying emotional or mental concerns that led to the addiction, making it essential to combine detox with other treatments like therapy and support groups.

Why Do People Need Detox?

When you’re dependent on a substance, your body grows to rely on it to feel normal. Without it, you’ll face a range of withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous to go through alone. You might need detox if:

• You’ve been using substances regularly for a long time
• You’ve been diagnosed with a substance use disorder or addiction
• You start to experience withdrawal within 12 hours or less of your last drink or use
• You feel unable to stop drinking or using drugs on your own
• You’re experiencing alcohol withdrawal syndrome or other serious symptoms

Medical detox programs are often necessary if you’re detoxing from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. This is especially true when your symptoms worsen in a short amount of time.

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How Long Does Detox Take?

Several factors can affect how long detox takes, including:

• The type of substance being used
• How long and how often it was used
• Whether multiple substances were being taken
• Age, weight, and overall health
• Any underlying mental health conditions
• Whether the detox process is monitored by medical professionals

In general, detox can last anywhere from 24 hours to 10 days, but the symptoms can linger for weeks or even months.

Detox Timelines by Substance

The detox timeline looks different depending on the type of substance being consumed. Here’s a more specific breakdown.

Alcohol

• 6-12 hours after the last drink: Shakiness, nausea, anxiety, and increased heart rate
• 24-72 hours: Symptoms peak, including fever, confusion, seizures, and possibly hallucinations
• 4-7 days: Symptoms start to go away
• Weeks or months later: Ongoing emotional symptoms, such as insomnia and cravings

Withdrawing from alcohol can be life-threatening, so always seek professional help before beginning.

Opioids (Oxycodone, Heroin, Fentanyl, etc.)

• 8-24 hours: Sweating, chills, restlessness, and runny nose
• 2-4 days: Peak withdrawal symptoms like hot and cold flushes
• 5-10 days: Physical symptoms start to ease, but cravings may remain
• Long term: Depression or insomnia can be persistent without additional treatment

Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan)

• 1-4 days: Anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, and irritability
• 5-28 days: Symptoms are at their worst, including tremors, sweating, nausea, and possible hallucinations or seizures
• Weeks to months: Mild symptoms fade, but sleep issues, mood swings, and anxiety may linger
• Long term: Around 10-25% of people experience protracted withdrawal, which lasts a year or more and include symptoms like anxiety, loss of libido, depression, and more

It can be dangerous to withdraw from benzodiazepines, so make sure to detox under medical supervision.

Stimulants (Meth, Cocaine, etc.)

• Hours-1 day: Fatigue, depression, intense cravings
• 2-10 days: Mood swings, vivid dreams, poor concentration
• 2-3 weeks: Energy begins to return
• Months: Cravings and emotional symptoms may resurface without additional support

Marijuana

• 1-3 days: Irritability, sleep troubles, poor appetite
• 4-7 days: Emotional and physical discomfort may be the heaviest at this time
• 1-2 weeks: Symptoms often start to fade
• Ongoing: Cravings and low mood may linger for those who were heavy consumers of marijuana

Keep in mind that everyone’s withdrawal experience will look different, even if two people are consuming the same type of substance.

Common Symptoms Experienced During Detox

Symptoms can vary depending on the substance, but detox usually involves both physical and emotional changes.

Physical Symptoms:

• Muscle pain
• Sweating or chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Shakiness or tremors
• Diarrhea
• Increased appetite

Emotional and Mental Symptoms:

• Depression
• Confusion
• Irritability, aggression, or anger
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Mood swings
• Sleep issues, like insomnia or oversleeping
• Problems concentrating

Some rarer but more serious symptoms include delirium, seizures, hallucinations, and psychosis. Supervised detox ensures that you’re safe and comfortable through each step of the process.

What Does the Detox Timeline Look Like?

Here is a brief overview of what you can expect day by day during the detox process, regardless of the substance:

• Day 1-2: Withdrawal symptoms begin, often including anxiety, nausea, sweating, and cravings. Symptoms can escalate in intensity depending on the substance and level of dependence.
• Day 3-5: Symptoms typically peak, with more severe effects such as headaches, tremors, irritability, and in some cases, confusion or flu-like symptoms. Medical support may be needed for comfort and safety.
• Day 6-10: Physical symptoms start to improve, but psychological symptoms like depression, mood swings, and lingering cravings may persist. Sleep disturbances are also common.
• Week 2+: Most physical symptoms subside, but emotional and mental health challenges may continue. Ongoing treatment, such as therapy and support groups, is crucial for long-term recovery.

Find Safe Detox Support at Mandala Healing Center

No matter how long detox takes or what symptoms you experience, you don’t have to go through it by yourself. At Mandala Healing Center, our team provides evidence-based treatment programs to help you take back control of your life. Whether you need inpatient support or the flexibility of an outpatient program, we can help you find the program that’s right for you. Contact us today to explore our treatments and learn how we can care for you.

Resources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/#:~:text=Opioid%20withdrawal%20syndrome,%3B%20duration%2010%2D20%20days.
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10069411/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9110555/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/