How Long Does it Take to Detox from Alcohol?

Alcohol is the most popular substance of abuse in the U.S., and even people without an addiction to alcohol have experienced a hangover after a night of drinking, with symptoms like headaches, nausea, or vomiting. Studies such as one published in the journal Alcohol Health and Research World suggest that this represents a mild form of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), a set of symptoms that occur in people who have become dependent on alcohol after drinking for a long time.

Although most people get over a hangover after a day of rest, people with alcohol use disorders (AUDs), including alcohol addiction, experience more intense withdrawal symptoms over the span of several days.

Many Americans with or without AUD may be wondering about the alcohol detox timeline, which can last anywhere from one day to a little over a week. This timeline can vary based on the amount of alcohol ingested, the person’s history of substance use, if other substances were taken, and other factors.

Without proper treatment, AWS can be deadly in rare cases due to severe symptoms or health complications. Medical detox is always recommended for people with alcohol addiction, to help them make it through withdrawal safely and more comfortably and prepare them for further treatment.

Read on to learn more about the alcohol detox timeline, including the factors that affect its length, and the approaches used by medical professionals to ensure a safe, successful detox.

Alcohol Detox Timeline

People who have become dependent on alcohol in order for the body’s systems to function normally will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking for a period. These people benefit from alcohol detox services, offering care and support until withdrawal symptoms subside and the person has stabilized. This generally takes several days.

Note that the following timeline provides a general estimate. How long alcohol detox will last depends on personal factors such as how long the person has been drinking, how much they usually drink, the person’s general health status and other biological factors, and more.

6-12 Hours After The Last Drink

The first hours after the last drink consist of mostly mild withdrawal symptoms, consistent with what many refer to as a hangover. These symptoms can still carry the possibility of serious harm if not treated properly.

During the first six to 12 hours of alcohol detox, people may experience:

• stomach pain
• headaches
• vomiting
• mild anxiety
• palpitations
• tremulousness

12-24 Hours After The Last Drink

The next 12 to 24 hours of the alcohol detox timeline tend to consist of the same level or more intense versions of the previously mentioned symptoms. However, this next phase in the withdrawal process often introduces a more severe psychological symptom: hallucinations. Hallucinations, whether auditory, tactile, or visual, can come from heavy drinking or binge drinking, and can cause some to act abnormally, harm themselves or others, or experience other intensified mental health symptoms. These symptoms tend to resolve in 48 hours.

24-48 Hours After The Last Drink

Along with hallucinations and continued or intensified mild symptoms, people who’ve engaged in long-term heavy or binge drinking may experience withdrawal seizures a day or two after their last drink. These seizures are classified as generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

A generalized tonic-clonic seizure may include symptoms such as:

• loss of consciousness and muscle control
• muscles that initially stiffen (tonic phase)
• rhythmic jerking of limbs (clonic phase)
• biting the tongue or cheek, causing injury
• possible loss of bladder or bowel control
• confusion or drowsiness following the seizure

Again, although these symptoms tend to occur 24 to 48 hours after the last drink, they have been reported as early as two hours following the last drink, according to American Family Physician.

48-72 Hours After The Last Drink

People with severe cases of AUD or who’ve engaged in heavy binge drinking may continue to experience worsening withdrawal symptoms 48 to 72 hours after their last drink, with symptoms generally peaking at five days. At this point of the timeline, people may be experiencing delirium tremens (DT), involving extreme physical, mental, and psychological symptoms.

DT symptoms include:

• sudden onset of severe confusion and agitation
• visual and auditory hallucinations
• rapid heart rate and high blood pressure
• excessive sweating and fever
• tremors and uncontrollable shaking
• nausea and vomiting
• severe anxiety and panic
• possible seizures

Factors Affecting The Severity Of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

The alcohol detox timeline is affected by several factors, including those that involve the person’s alcohol use and others that don’t.

The timeline for alcohol detox can be affected by:

• age and overall physical health
• presence of mental health conditions
• duration of alcohol use
• amount of alcohol use
• genetic factors and family history of addiction
• presence of other substance use or addiction
• nutritional status and hydration levels
• support system and environment during detox
• access to medical supervision and treatment

Medical Detox For Alcohol Withdrawal

Attempting to stop drinking alcohol “cold turkey” and without medical support comes with many risks for people with AUD, including ongoing alcohol use to cope with the symptoms. The best way to stop drinking and take steps toward lasting sobriety is through professional treatment. The following treatment options are provided at medical detox centers and residential or inpatient facilities that provide medical detox services.

Medications

Different types of medications may be used to ease physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, anxiety, and sleeplessness. They may also help prevent seizures and hallucinations, and otherwise aid the body to function properly during detox. Clinicians monitor medication administration along with the detox process so clients aren’t left alone.

Medications used during medical detox may include:

• benzodiazepines
• anticonvulsants
• naltrexone

Proper Nutrition

Treatment professionals will also ensure that detox clients are receiving proper nutrition and hydration throughout the withdrawal process. This may include bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, toast, and crackers that are gentle on the stomach and help raise blood sugar levels. Water and electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water or sports drinks help restore hydration and provide essential minerals. Ginger or peppermint tea soothes nausea, and fresh fruit juices provide vitamin C and natural sugars for an energy boost.

Therapy

Detox programs may introduce clients to therapy services to help them manage withdrawal symptoms and emotional stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in addressing negative thought patterns and building healthy coping strategies. A detox center may also have clients engage in group therapy to create a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Therapy sessions are also where tips for relapse prevention can be explored.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Bedrock Recovery Center provides comprehensive medical detox to help people stabilize physically and psychologically before beginning treatment that gets at the roots of their alcohol addiction. Please call us today to learn more.