If you or someone you love is ready to break free from alcohol addiction, then your biggest question might be, “How long does it take to detox from alcohol?” In short, the answer could be a single week. However, ongoing rehab is critical to maintaining that newfound sobriety.
How Long Does it Take to Detox from Alcohol?
When considering how long a detox from alcohol might take, it can be helpful to think of the process in four distinct stages. The first stage begins about eight hours after the last drink of alcohol. During this time period, the first, and usually very mild, symptoms of withdrawal occur.
The next stage of detox begins about 24 hours into the process. This is when almost all patients begin experiencing some form of withdrawal symptoms. Often, people say that this stage feels like having the flu. It may be slightly uncomfortable, but medical professionals can help relieve any symptoms.
Around 72 hours into the detox, the third stage begins. Severe symptoms are possible at this point, and the risk of delirium tremens is highest. However, this is also a major turning point. Symptoms typically start to lessen at 72 hours.
The final stage of detox is continuing care. It’s not enough just to get sober: patients also need to learn how to stay sober. This makes the fourth stage the longest of all. The fourth stage requires a lifelong commitment to recovery and sobriety.
Factors Impacting Detox Duration
The exact length of a detox from alcohol will depend heavily on a number of different factors. No two routes to sobriety are exactly the same, and patients can vary in many different ways. Some of the things that can impact detox duration include the following:
- Age or health of the patient
- Longevity of alcohol addiction
- Severity of addiction
- Mental health stability
After Detox: What Comes Next
It’s vital that patients and their loved ones understand that detox isn’t the only step on the road to recovery. In fact, it’s just the beginning. After detox, rehab and addiction treatment programs are necessary to prevent relapse and commit to lifelong sobriety. Many different types of rehab are available, giving patients the option to choose from inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs.
In rehab, some of the programs available to help achieve these goals may include:
- 12 step recovery curriculum
- Behavioral therapy programs
- Group therapy sessions
- Mindfulness training
- Art therapy
While alcohol addiction is a significant problem in this country, it is not the only addiction that is wreaking havoc on peoples’ lives. There are many substances that people may be addicted to, and we have treatment options for several of those substance addictions. Our treatment options may include:
How long does it take to detox from alcohol? The short answer is about a week, but from there, patients will have more work to help prevent relapse. Addiction doesn’t need to control your life, and the right tools can help you embrace sobriety today and for all your days to come.
Call Crestview Recovery at 866.262.0531 to find out which programs are best suited for you.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
