If you are contemplating recovery, you may wonder ‘How long does it take to detox from alcohol?’ This information sets expectations during rehab and lets you know how long withdrawal symptoms may last.
While detox typically takes about a week, it can last longer for some, depending on the extent of the addiction, past relapses, and contributing mental and physical health conditions. This article will outline the process.
What Happens to the Body During Detox From Alcohol?
Alcohol is a nervous system depressant that hijacks GABA and glutamate systems, pushing them toward sedation. When someone abruptly stops drinking, the brain reacts, swinging hard toward excitatory states. The body struggles to achieve homeostasis, producing alcohol withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and anxiety.
According to Science Direct, withdrawal symptoms typically last about a week (5-7 days), but this could vary depending on various environmental and biological factors. After the individual is stable, they typically move on to therapy, addressing the underlying cause of addiction.
The Alcohol Detox Timeline
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary in intensity and type throughout the detox process, as follows:
- 6-12 hours after your last drink: Early withdrawal symptoms typically begin, including anxiety, sweating, and nausea
- 12-24 hours after your last drink: Early symptoms peak, and the seizure risk window opens
- 24-72 hours after your last drink: This is the most intense phase with a risk of delirium tremens (DTs)
- Days 4-7: Acute symptoms begin to subside
- Weeks 2-4: Post-acute withdrawal symptoms may appear
| Time Since Last Drink | Common Symptoms | Severity Level | Medical Risk |
| 6-12 hours | Anxiety, sweating, nausea | Mild | Low |
| 12-24 hours | Tremors, headache, vomiting | Moderate | Moderate |
| 24-72 hours | Hallucinations, seizures, DTs | Severe | High |
| 4-7 days | Fatigue, mood instability | Mild | Low |
| 2-4 weeks | PAWs, sleep issues, cravings | Variable | Low |
Factors That Affect How Long Detox from Alcohol Takes
While this timeline is standard, it can vary based on the following factors:
- Drinking History: Withdrawal symptoms may be longer lasting for heavy drinkers
- Age and Overall Physical Health: People in poor physical health may have a tougher time recovering from withdrawal symptoms. Age can also play a role, slowing down metabolism
- Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: Detox from alcohol addiction can impact mental health, causing depression and anxiety. These conditions can worsen in people who have existing emotional disorders, prolonging the recovery process.
- Prior Withdrawal Episodes: People who have gone through recovery from alcohol use disorder several times often develop the Kindling Effect. Their body becomes used to being in its sedated state, making it harder to recover.
- Genetics and Metabolism: Certain genetic and metabolic factors can impact your ability to recover during alcohol detox.
Medical vs. At-Home Detox
While it is possible to recover from certain drugs without medical intervention, the severe withdrawal symptoms connected to alcohol recovery require a medicated approach. The most common medications used during withdrawal include:
- Benzodiazepines: Like alcohol, these bind to GABA receptors to reduce neurological imbalances and seizure risk.
- Naltrexone: Blocks opioid receptors to reduce alcohol cravings
- Disulfiram: Causes an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed, breaking the cycle of addiction
Oversight during alcohol withdrawal also ensures optimal comfort and aids with relapse prevention.
While medical detox is often conducted in a facility, it can also be applied with an outpatient management approach. Clients will come to the clinic for regular check-ins and medical adjustments to keep severe symptoms under control.
What is PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?
PAWS typically refers to the final stage of withdrawal, wherein symptoms of alcohol withdrawal begin to dissipate. This stage typically lasts 2-4 weeks, but in some instances, it develops into a syndrome and can last for 4-6 months or longer. Common symptoms include sleep disruption, brain fog, and emotional dysregulation.
The condition can increase the risk of relapse as people know that returning to alcohol can provide relief. However, it can be treated with the same approaches used to address traditional alcohol detox symptoms. It will go away in time, helping clients achieve optimal health and wellness, making the struggle worthwhile.
Detox vs. Treatment
Many people use the term ‘detox’ to apply to the entire recovery process, but in reality, it is just one stage of treatment.
During the early stages of recovery, people experience withdrawal symptoms as their body adjusts to functioning without the effects of alcohol. This true detox stage addresses the physical aspects of addiction, setting clients up for ongoing treatment.
Once clients are stabilized and dangerous withdrawal symptoms are no longer a threat, they move on to therapy. An evidence-based approach is used to target the underlying cause of addiction, typically a mental health disorder. In sessions, they learn healthy ways to deal with their emotions.
After therapy is complete, clinics continue to provide support, ensuring people lead healthy lives and maintain sobriety.
BlueCrest Supports the Detox Process
BlueCrest is a top choice for alcohol recovery. We use a medication-assisted approach, helping clients as they experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms and ensuring the best outcomes. Our comprehensive approach considers clients’ emotional, physical, and spiritual needs and supports them from detox to therapy and beyond.
Contact us to learn more about our continuum of care.
FAQs
What are delirium tremens?
Delirium tremens is the most dangerous withdrawal symptom and a medical emergency. Risks are highest 48 to 96 hours after the last drink. Symptoms include severe confusion and disorientation, hallucinations, extreme agitation, autonomic instability, tremors, and seizure risk. According to a MedScape study, just 5% to 10% of people with alcoholism escalate to DT symptoms in recovery, with reduced numbers largely due to medical oversight.
How do I know if I need medical detox?
Detox with the oversight of medical professionals is recommended for anyone recovering from a drug with a risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. These typically include alcohol and opioids.
Can you detox from alcohol at home safely?
If you drank heavily and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it is best to detox with medical supervision. This care can be applied on an outpatient basis with regular clinical check-ins.
