When someone decides to stop drinking alcohol, the body undergoes a natural detoxification process to eliminate alcohol from the system. If you’ve decided to stop drinking, you have made an important decision that is somewhat rare for Americans with alcohol use problems. In fact, in 2023, about 2.2 million adult Americans experienced some form of problem drinking. However, less 9% of them sought help, according to the NIH.
Time it takes to detox from alcohol can vary based on several factors, including the amount and duration of alcohol use, individual metabolism, and overall health. It’s not an easy road, but those of us (like you) who have made the journey will tell you “it’s worth it.”
What Happens During Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detox refers to the period in which the body clears alcohol from the bloodstream and begins to adjust to its absence. This process can cause withdrawal symptoms as the body rebalances itself after becoming accustomed to regular alcohol intake.
Alcohol Detox Timeline
Alcohol use disorder doesn’t happen overnight and cannot be corrected in the same way. At the same time, an alcohol detoxification is a longer period than most substances due to dangerous withdrawal indications that can trigger seizures. For this reason, an inpatient, medical detox is recommended for those with chronic drinking problems.
Phase I: 6 to 12 Hours After Last Drink
- Initial withdrawal symptoms may begin, especially for heavy drinkers.
- Symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, headaches, nausea, and insomnia.
- Blood alcohol levels begin to drop as the liver metabolizes alcohol.
Phase II: 12 to 24 Hours
- Symptoms can intensify and may include tremors, sweating, and confusion.
- In some cases, hallucinations (known as alcoholic hallucinosis) may occur.
Phase III: 24 to 72 Hours
- This is often the peak period for withdrawal symptoms.
- Severe symptoms may appear, including seizures or delirium tremens (DTs) in extreme cases.
- DTs are a life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, rapid heartbeat, and fever.
Phase IV: 3 to 7 Days
- Symptoms typically begin to subside.
- Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and cravings may persist.
Phase V: After 1 Week and Beyond
Most physical symptoms are gone, but psychological symptoms and cravings can continue for weeks or months and may require ongoing support or treatment. At this point, most alcohol patients continue to inpatient treatment.
Factors That Affect Alcohol Detox Length
While there are general guidelines for detox duration, every patient has unique circumstances that will determine a safe, comfortable, and effective detox.
- Severity of alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- Duration and frequency of drinking
- Age, gender, and body weight
- Overall physical and mental health
- Presence of co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions
Is Medical Supervision Necessary?
Yes, in all cases, medical detoxification is highly recommended. It’s also vital to note that most chronic drinkers minimize or conceal their consumption. For this reason, it’s safest to have physician supervision. Medical detox provides:
- Supervision by healthcare professionals
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Supportive care to address complications
Alcohol Recovery After Detox
Detox is only the first step in overcoming alcohol dependence. Long-term recovery often includes:
- Residential treatment
- Partial inpatient
- Outpatient counseling
- 12-Step support groups (Alcoholics Anonymous)
- Medication-assisted treatment, if appropriate
- Lifestyle changes and healthy coping mechanisms
Final Thought
Alcohol detox can take anywhere from a few days to over a week, depending on individual circumstances. For those with heavy or long-term alcohol use, professional help is crucial to ensure safety during withdrawal and to support the journey toward recovery.
About Celadon Recovery
Celadon is a comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment center located along the shores of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida. With a full-continuum of care including detox, residential, and outpatient programs, we are committed to quality substance use and co-occurring disorder care. Call us today at 239-266-2141.
