One of the most common questions people ask when beginning their recovery journey is, How long does detox take? It’s a fair question. When you’re facing the idea of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, uncertainty can be one of the hardest parts. While there’s no single answer that fits everyone, having a general understanding of what to expect can help ease fears and encourage informed, confident decisions.
Detox during the acute withdrawal phase is a process of clearing harmful substances, like drugs or alcohol, from your body. It’s the initial, and often most physically demanding, step in the treatment process.
The timeline for detox can vary widely depending on several personal and medical factors, but it typically lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
At Alamo Behavioral Health, we understand how overwhelming the detox process can feel.
That’s why we provide a safe, medically supervised environment designed to keep you as comfortable and supported as possible.
What Is Detox and Why Is It Necessary?
Detox is short for detoxification–the process your body goes through to eliminate drugs, alcohol, and their toxic byproducts. It’s the first crucial step in overcoming addiction, because before healing can begin, the body needs to be cleared of the substances that have been causing harm.
Many people wonder how long it takes to detox, and the answer depends on several factors, including the substance involved, how long it was used, and your individual health. No matter the timeline, detox is a necessary foundation for recovery.
Without it, it’s incredibly difficult, and sometimes dangerous, to move forward with therapy or long-term treatment.
It’s also important to understand that detox isn’t just about letting time pass.
Withdrawal symptoms range from uncomfortable to life-threatening, especially with substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. That’s why medically supervised detox is the safest option.
Factors That Affect How Long Detox Takes
When people ask how long does detox take, the honest answer is that it depends. Detox timelines vary widely from person to person because several key factors influence how quickly the body can eliminate substances and begin to stabilize.
1. Type of substance used
Different drugs leave the body at different rates. For example, alcohol typically clears faster than long-acting opioids or benzodiazepines, which can linger and cause extended withdrawal periods.
2. Duration and frequency of use
The longer and more consistently a substance has been used, the more deeply it’s embedded in the system. Chronic use often leads to a buildup in the body, requiring a longer detox process.
3. Physical and mental health
Underlying medical conditions, like liver disease, heart problems, or malnutrition, can slow down detox. Mental issues such as anxiety or depression can also complicate withdrawal and extend the need for support.
4. Co-occurring disorders
If a person is struggling with both addiction and a mental health disorder, it may take longer to manage withdrawal safely and stabilize emotionally.
5. Age, metabolism, and weight
Younger people with faster metabolisms may detox more quickly, while age-related health concerns or a slower metabolism can lengthen the process.
These variables all play a role in determining how long detox takes, which is why a personalized, medically supervised plan, like those offered at Alamo Behavioral Health, is essential for safety and success.
General Detox Timelines by Substance
If you’re wondering how long does it take to detox, one of the biggest factors is the specific substance involved.
Different drugs affect the brain and body in unique ways, which means withdrawal symptoms and the time it takes to fully detox can vary significantly. Below are general timelines for some of the most commonly abused substances.
Alcohol
Detox Timeline: 3–7 days
Alcohol withdrawal can begin as soon as six hours after the last drink, especially in heavy or long-term drinkers. Symptoms may include mental symptoms like anxiety and initial physical symptoms, including shaking, sweating, nausea, insomnia, and elevated heart rate.
In more severe cases, withdrawal can lead to seizures or a potentially life-threatening condition called delirium tremens (DTs). Because of these risks, alcohol detox and the initial treatment for alcohol addiction should always be done under medical supervision.
Opioids (Heroin, Oxycodone, Fentanyl)
Detox Timeline: 4–10 days
Opioid withdrawal is highly uncomfortable but typically not life-threatening. Symptoms include muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, anxiety, and intense cravings.
Short-acting opioids like heroin may cause symptoms to start within 6–12 hours of last use, while long-acting ones like methadone or extended-release oxycodone can take longer to kick in and last longer.
Benzodiazepines
Detox Timeline: 1–2 weeks or longer
Because of the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and psychosis, benzodiazepine detox is typically done with a slow taper under strict medical supervision.
Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine)
Detox Timeline: 5–7 days
Stimulant withdrawal tends to be more psychological than physical. People often experience severe fatigue, depression, agitation, and sleep disturbances.
Cravings can also be intense. While physical withdrawal symptoms usually subside within a week, emotional symptoms can persist longer.
Marijuana
Detox Timeline: 3–14 days
Though many people assume marijuana isn’t addictive, regular users can develop a dependence.
Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, mood swings, sleep problems, and anxiety.
Detox is usually mild compared to other substances, but can still be challenging. The length of detox may be longer for chronic, daily users.
No matter the substance, the answer to how long does it take to detox depends on multiple factors, including your body, your history, and the kind of support you receive.
The Detox Process at Alamo Behavioral Health
At Alamo Behavioral Health, we understand that detox can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. That’s why we’ve designed a supportive, medically supervised detox program to help you feel safe and cared for from day one.
Upon admission, each client receives a comprehensive medical and psychological assessment to guide the development of a personalized detox plan. We take into account the substance used, the length and frequency of use, your health history, and your emotional well-being to determine the best approach.
Throughout detox, clients are monitored 24/7 by medical supervision to ensure safety and stability. For many, withdrawal symptoms can be intense, but our experienced team is here to ease discomfort with medications when appropriate, helping manage symptoms like anxiety, nausea, insomnia, or pain.
Detox isn’t just a physical process. Emotional support is woven into every stage. Whether you need someone to talk to, reassurance, or help managing mood swings, our compassionate staff is here for you.
As detox progresses, we begin planning your transition into the next phase of treatment, so you can continue building a foundation for long-term recovery.
While many clients ask how long does detox take, the better question is: how can I detox safely and successfully?
With Alamo Behavioral Health, the answer begins with personalized care every step of the way.
What Happens After Detox?
Many people believe that once detox is over, the hard part is done, but in reality, detox is only the first step. While it’s crucial for removing substances from the body, it doesn’t address the emotional, psychological, or behavioral roots of addiction.
After completing detox at Alamo Behavioral Health, clients have access to a full continuum of care designed to support long-term recovery.
This includes inpatient rehab, where clients participate in structured daily therapy; individual counseling with a mental health professional to explore trauma and triggers; and outpatient programs for those who are ready to transition back into daily life with continued support.
True recovery takes time, commitment, and ongoing care. Our team works closely with each client to build a personalized treatment plan for their specific withdrawal symptoms.
FAQs About Detox and Addiction Recovery Timelines
How long does detox take for alcohol or drugs?
On average, alcohol detox takes about 3–7 days, while drug detox can range from 5 to 14 days or more, depending on the substance. Each person’s timeline varies based on factors like the type of drug, length of use, and overall health.
Physical symptoms may last for a shorter period of time than mental and emotional drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Long-lasting symptoms are known as protracted withdrawal symptoms following alcohol abuse and drug abuse.
Does it take longer to detox following years of alcohol abuse or drug abuse?
In many cases, yes. Long-term or heavy substance use or severe addictions can lead to more severe symptoms and a longer detox process. That’s why personalized care is essential, especially when life-threatening withdrawal symptoms are possible.
How long does it take to detox before I feel normal again?
Physical withdrawal may pass within a week or two, but emotional and psychological symptoms can take longer to stabilize. Recovery is a process, and it’s normal to need ongoing support after detox.
How long does detox take before I can start rehab?
Most clients transition into rehab right after detox, often within a day or two. At Alamo Behavioral Health, we make the process seamless so you can continue making progress.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
- NIH: Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey
- Science Direct: Opioid withdrawal symptoms, frequency, and pain characteristics as correlates of health risk among people who inject drugs
- Springer Nature Link: Amphetamine Withdrawal
- JAMA Network: Prevalence of Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Among People With Regular or Dependent Use of Cannabinoids
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment
