How Long Does It Take to Detox From Alcohol?

When trying to assess the time it takes to detox from alcohol, the answer is different for every individual and can depend on several factors. Notably, the duration, frequency and heaviness of a person’s drinking prior to deciding to quit plays a large role in the detox process, as does the kind of medical assistance received—detoxing from alcohol can be both dangerous and painful, and professional medical supervision is strongly recommended.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the typical timeline of alcohol detox, the withdrawal symptoms a person can expect to experience, and the professional medical treatment available to those detoxing from alcohol.

Alcohol Detox Timeline

While the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be different for every individual, here’s the general timeline that most people experience while detoxing from alcohol:

•  Initial symptoms begin about 8 hours after the last drink
• Symptoms peak between 24 – 48 hours
• Symptoms begin to lessen in intensity after 72 hours
• Physical symptoms greatly reduced 5 – 7 days into detox, but psychological side effects may persist longer

Heavier drinkers who have been drinking over a long period of time can experience severe and dangerous symptoms, known as delirium tremens, which can include delusions, hallucinations, disorientation, and seizures.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

During alcohol detox, the body’s central nervous system is overactive and searching for stimulus, leading to a host of symptoms as that stimulus (alcohol) leaves the body. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms generally occur in two or three stages, depending on the level of dependence, over the course 5 to 7 days:

Stage 1: Nausea, anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and abdominal pain

Stage 2: High blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, confusion, mood swings, and depression

Stage 3 (delirium tremens): Fever, seizures, hallucinations, and agitation

Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal

A common question for those thinking about detoxing is, “can you detox from alcohol at home?” It’s an understandable question; everyone wants the most comfortable, fastest way to detox from alcohol. But the truth is, the symptoms of detox will be more severe, and the effects more dangerous, when attempted at home, without the assistance of medical professionals. By opting for a medical detox facility and the supervised care of experienced addiction specialists, a patient receives:

• 24-7 medical and psychiatric care
• Medication to manage withdrawal symptoms
• Nutritional support, including dietary changes and supplements to support the body during detox

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

If you or a loved one is experiencing the negative impact that alcohol dependency can have on a person’s life and relationships, it’s crucial that you seek help as soon as possible. The CAGE questionnaire can be a great help in determining the need for treatment. Some signs of alcohol addiction may include:

• Drinking in secret
• Memory loss
• Blackouts
• Irritability
• Neglecting responsibilities

Alcohol Recovery: When to Seek Help

Loved ones are able to provide support and encouragement if you decide to seek help for your drinking and detox from alcohol, but they should not be relied on for medical care. There are any number of complications that may arise during alcohol detox, and in fact, between five and 15 percent of people with delirium tremens die when they receive no medical intervention. That’s why it’s so important to seek professional recovery help when thinking about detoxing from alcohol.

At South Beach Detox, we’re a dual diagnosis treatment center and medical detox facility providing comprehensive and individualized addiction and mental health treatment. Our team of trained medical professionals utilizes data-supported treatment to deliver expert care in a person’s time of need. Reach out today for more information on medically detoxing from alcohol at our state-of-the-art South Florida facility.