How Long Does It Take to Detox? A Complete Guide to Detoxification Timelines

Detox Timelines by Substance

Different substances have different detox timelines because they affect your body in unique ways.

Alcohol Detox Timeline: 5–7 Days

Alcohol addiction detox typically takes 5 to 7 days.³ For most people, symptoms start within 6 hours of their last drink and can include anxiety, nausea, sweating, and tremors. It should be noted, however, that for long-term or heavy users, the process can take up to 14 days.

The most dangerous period is usually within the first 72 hours. Seizure risk⁴ peaks between 24 to 48 hours after the last drink, while DTs typically occur between 48 and 72 hours. This is when life-threatening complications like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs)⁵ can occur. 

Delirium tremens is a severe stage of withdrawal marked by confusion, hallucinations, fever, and cardiovascular instability—affecting 5–20% of detox patients and carrying significant mortality risk if untreated.

Medical supervision is important for alcohol withdrawal because of these potentially fatal risks. 

Even after the acute phase ends, some people experience lingering effects like sleep problems or mood changes. These typically improve over the following weeks with proper support and treatment.

Opioid Detox Timeline: Short-Acting vs. Long-Acting

Opioid detox can take up to 7 days⁶ for the acute phase. The timeline varies depending on whether you’ve been using short-acting opioids like heroin or long-acting ones like methadone.

With short-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms typically begin 8–24 hours after your last use. For long-acting opioids, symptoms may not start until 12–48 hours later.

Some people develop post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) that can last weeks, months, or even longer. These might include memory issues, mood changes, or sleep problems. Ongoing treatment and support can help manage these extended symptoms.

Benzodiazepine Detox Timeline: Why It Takes Longer

Benzodiazepine detox often takes much longer than other substances, sometimes extending from days to several months. This extended timeline is necessary because stopping benzos suddenly can be dangerous.

Peak withdrawal symptoms typically occur 10–14 days after stopping use. However, the tapering process used to safely reduce your dose may take much longer.

Some people experience protracted withdrawal symptoms that can last for months. This is why benzodiazepine detox requires careful medical management⁷ and a gradual approach to ensure your safety.

Cocaine, Stimulants, Marijuana, and Other Substances

Cocaine detox typically takes up to 7 days,⁸ though psychological symptoms like depression and intense cravings may last longer. Withdrawal from methamphetamine and other stimulants is generally more psychological than physical.

Other substances like marijuana or synthetic drugs have their own timelines. The key is working with healthcare providers who understand the specific challenges of each substance.

Using multiple substances at once, called polysubstance use, often extends detox time. Each substance may have its own withdrawal timeline, and they can interact in complex ways.

What Affects How Long Detox Takes?

A lot of factors can affect how long your drug detox takes. Understanding these can help set realistic expectations.

The length and intensity of substance abuse⁹ significantly impact the detox period. Drug abuse over longer periods or in larger amounts typically requires more time to detox safely.

Your baseline health plays a major role. Younger people often process substances faster, while underlying health conditions can slow the process. Your body’s metabolism, age, and health can all affect how long detox takes.

Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that co-occur with addiction (also called dual diagnosis) can affect your detox experience. These conditions don’t prevent successful detox, but they may require additional support and potentially longer timelines.

Previous detox experiences¹⁰ can also influence duration. Some people find subsequent detoxes easier, while others may experience more severe symptoms of withdrawal. This variation is normal, and it’s manageable with the right medical care.

Detox Symptoms: What to Expect During Withdrawal

Detox affects both your body and mind as it adjusts to functioning without substances. Common physical symptoms¹¹ include:

• Fatigue and low energy
• Changes in appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in heart rate
• Various aches and pains

Emotional and psychological changes are equally common. You might experience:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating

These feelings are temporary and part of the healing process.

Symptoms typically peak within the first few days¹² and then gradually improve, but the exact pattern varies by the type of drug addiction and from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms throughout, while others experience more intense periods followed by faster improvement.

It is possible for dangerous complications to happen during detox, especially with physical dependence on alcohol and benzodiazepines. Get professional help right away if you experience:

• Severe confusion
• High fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures

These symptoms require immediate medical attention; they’re why supervised detox is so important.

Why Medical Detox Is the Safest Option

Detox can be dangerous without the right medical support. Withdrawal from certain substances can be life-threatening.

Never attempt to detox from alcohol, opioids, or benzos at home without medical supervision. Even if you’ve successfully stopped using before, each detox experience can be different and potentially more severe. For substances that aren’t dangerous to withdraw from, your chances of success can still be higher if you undergo withdrawal in a supervised environment where you’re more comfortable and have less access to substances. 

Medical supervision has important benefits. Healthcare providers can monitor your vital signs, use medication-assisted treatment to ease symptoms, and respond immediately to any complications that arise. This support dramatically improves both safety and comfort during detox.

Several types of treatment programs are available. These include inpatient hospital detox, residential detox centers, and outpatient programs with medical monitoring. Your treatment center can help you make a treatment plan based on which options are best for your individual needs.

Start Your Journey to Feeling Better Today

Overcoming substance use disorder is absolutely possible, and you don’t have to go through your recovery journey alone. Medical professionals, counselors, and addiction recovery specialists are available to guide you through each step of the process.

If you’re or your loved one are ready to take the next step, consider reaching out to find a detox center near you. These facilities provide the medical supervision and support you need to detox safely and start building a foundation for long-term recovery.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to detox your body? 

A: Most detox programs last 3–7 days for the acute phase, but this varies by substance and individual factors.

Q: What are signs your body is detoxing? 

A: Common signs include fatigue, mood changes, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and various physical symptoms as your body adjusts.

Q: What is the quickest way to detox? 

A: There’s no safe way to speed up detox. Your body needs time to process and eliminate substances safely. Medically assisted detox usually makes the process more comfortable, but not necessarily faster.

Q: What is rapid detox? 

A: Rapid detox¹³ is a controversial procedure done under anesthesia. It’s not widely recommended due to safety concerns and limited evidence of improved outcomes.

Q: How long does it take for your liver to detox? 

A: Your liver begins processing substances immediately,¹⁴ but full recovery depends on the extent of damage and can take weeks to months with proper medical care.