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How Long Does It Take to Detox From Alcohol​?

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 8 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 8 minutes

Learn about the alcohol detox timeline, including withdrawal symptom duration and how to seek help.

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Detox from alcohol might occur within hours after someone consumes the last drink. Severe withdrawal symptoms from alcohol use are more common among heavy drinkers.

When an alcoholic stops drinking alcohol, withdrawal symptoms might appear quickly. Some individuals may suffer milder withdrawal symptoms than others, but this is not the case for everyone.

If you have any of the following conditions, you increase your risk of experiencing severe withdrawal:

  • Drink to excess.

  • Have a history of excessive drinking and drug abuse.

  • Been through withdrawals before.

  • Have a history of medical issues.

Many factors affect how long it takes for alcohol to leave the body. These include a person’s age, gender, fitness level, genetic background, and history of addiction. National Library of Medicine reports that the first signs of alcohol withdrawal syndrome often appear about 8 hours shortly after the last drink. However, they may appear as late as several days following abstinence.

The worst symptoms should be over within 2 or 3 days, but some may linger for weeks. Even if all alcohol is gone from your body, tests can still find it in your urine, saliva, and hair.

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Early Onset of Withdrawal Symptoms

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal and Why Does It Occur?

When a person’s alcohol level drops below normal, withdrawal symptoms will begin to show. Some individuals get the first signs of mild hangover symptoms as soon as 6 hours after their last drink.

Signs of withdrawal might also appear if one drastically cuts down on alcohol use rather than quitting altogether. In such cases, the onset of withdrawal symptoms after alcohol use may be more gradual and less noticeable.

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Duration and Phases of Withdrawal

How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?

The severity and frequency of alcohol consumption will determine how long the detox process from alcohol will last. Most people feel the worst physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal between 48 and 72 hours after their last drink. These symptoms can last for seven to ten days, but they may continue for up to 14 days. Post-two-week symptoms tend to be more behavioral and might last for many months.

Alcohol withdrawal effects can vary from person to person. However, the process usually has four phases:

  1. People will feel unwell during the first 6 to 12 hours. They may have symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

  2. In the next 12 to 48 hours, withdrawal symptoms may start to show. You might experience hallucinations and convulsions.

  3. In the next 48 to 72 hours, a person going through withdrawal may have a fever and sweat a lot. They might feel confused and have a fast heartbeat. Their blood pressure could be high, and they may show serious symptoms. All these conditions can be dangerous.

  4. After 72 hours, you should start to feel better from withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms should completely disappear in the next week.

The third stage has the most intense withdrawal symptoms. Poor management or treatment of alcohol withdrawal can lead to serious problems. Therefore, it is important to know what helps during this process.

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Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal Mechanisms

Why Do People Experience Alcohol Withdrawal?

Chemical dependency on alcohol is a real risk for heavy or chronic drinkers.

Sometimes, the body and brain can react badly. This can happen if someone suddenly stops using a substance they are addicted to. Neurotransmitters may also be affected.

Drinking alcohol has a profound depressant effect on the central nervous system and the brain’s neurotransmitters. However, after abstaining from alcohol, the chemicals regain their usual sensitivity.

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Common Symptoms of Substance Withdrawal

Common Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Some of the most typical after-effects of alcohol detox are:

  • Nausea.

  • Sweating or hot flashes.

  • Mood swings.

  • Alcoholic tremors.

  • Delirium tremens.

  • Seizures.

  • Vomiting.

  • Irritability.

  • Rapid heart rate.

  • Depression.

  • Anxiety.

  • Dangerous dehydration.

  • Extreme fatigue.

  • High blood pressure.
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Factors Influencing Your Detox Duration

Factors That Affect the Alcohol Detox Timeline

The time it takes to detox from alcohol depends on many factors, such as:

  • Whatever chemicals may be used with alcohol.

  • The presence of mental health issues.

  • Average daily alcohol and drug intake.

  • Weight & Age.

  • Complications to your current physical health.

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Seeking Professional Help

How to Manage Alcohol Withdrawal: Professional Help and Treatment Options

Detox programs, rehabilitation centers, and other inpatient settings are ideal for treating drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms under the supervision of medical professionals. If you think you might have strong withdrawal symptoms, getting medical help is important. Detoxing alone can be dangerous.

What Are The Treatment Options For Alcohol Detox?

The goal of therapy is to reduce withdrawal symptoms. It also offers emotional and physical support during detox. A few of the standard methods used to treat alcohol and drug withdrawal are:

  • Preliminary evaluation of the patient’s withdrawal symptoms.
  • Medication to alleviate anxiety, such as benzodiazepines, might be helpful for those experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
  • Medication like Depakote, inhibits convulsions.
  • Beta-blockers lower heart rate. They can reduce convulsions and relieve stress. In some cases, they may also lessen alcohol cravings.

Quitting drinking is a challenging ordeal on many levels. Patients need access to specialized rehab facilities. These places have experienced and caring staff. They can help with detoxification and treat withdrawal symptoms.

The early stages toward recovery, through withdrawal and detox, are challenging yet essential. Self-tapering is a choice for people who feel they are not ready for medical detox from alcohol. Tapering is not usually an effective way to treat alcoholism and substance abuse. It is important to keep this in mind.

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In Conclusion

Life After Alcohol Detox: The Road to Recovery

In the long run, treating drug abuse and alcoholism depends on how severe the disease is. This includes how much the organs are affected. It also relies on the patient’s choice to keep drinking after rehab. In addition, patients may struggle with sleep disruptions, mood fluctuations, and fatigue months after therapy.

There is hope for a full recovery. But on the other hand, patients who relapse into heavy drinking increase their chance of developing life-threatening illnesses.

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Written By:

Dr. Saman Aftab, Ph.D.

Dr. Saman Aftab, Mental Health write at Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Dr. Saman is a mental health writer with over six years of experience in freelance writing, editing, and proofreading. She is a practicing healthcare professional holding a doctorate in physical therapy at DOW University of Health Sciences. Dr. Saman started content writing to blend her passion for writing and medicine with her extensive clinical experience.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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