Entering detox is a major step on the road to recovery. It can be scary to take this first step, but as our clients can attest, it’s beyond worth it.
Often, our clients want to be fully informed before entering detox. They want to know: how long will withdrawal, and detox in general, take? Whether you’re concerned about alcohol withdrawal or drug withdrawal, knowing what to expect can help you or your loved one prepare for the detox process.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal can vary in duration and intensity depending on the severity of dependence, the length of time drinking, and individual health factors. It’s common for individuals to experience tiredness during alcohol withdrawal, as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol. Generally, alcohol withdrawal symptoms follow a predictable timeline:
Stage 1: 6-12 Hours After Last Drink
- Symptoms: Anxiety, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, sweating, headache, and mild tremors.
Stage 2: 12-48 Hours After Last Drink
- Symptoms: Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, fever, confusion, and more pronounced tremors. Hallucinations (visual, auditory, or tactile) may occur but are usually temporary.
Stage 3: 48-72 Hours After Last Drink
- Symptoms: Severe symptoms can develop, including delirium tremens (DTs), which are characterized by severe confusion, agitation, fever, seizures, and hallucinations.
Stage 4: 4-7 Days After Last Drink
- Symptoms: Gradual reduction in severity of symptoms. Most physical withdrawal symptoms diminish by the end of the first week, though psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and cravings can persist longer.
Drug Withdrawal
The duration and severity of drug withdrawal symptoms are less predictable. They depend on the type of drug, duration of use, quantity used, and individual health factors. Here’s an overview of withdrawal timelines for common substances:
Opioids (e.g., heroin, prescription painkillers)
- Stage 1: 6-12 Hours After Last Use (Short-acting opioids) / 30 Hours After Last Use (Long-acting opioids)
- Symptoms: Anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, insomnia, runny nose, and yawning.
- Stage 2: 72 Hours After Last Use
- Symptoms: Severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and rapid heartbeat.
- Stage 3: 5-10 Days After Last Use
- Symptoms: Gradual reduction in physical symptoms, but psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and cravings may persist.
Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax)
- Stage 1: 1-4 Days After Last Use
- Symptoms: Anxiety, insomnia, sweating, headaches, and nausea.
- Stage 2: 10-14 Days After Last Use
- Symptoms: Peak of withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, panic attacks, and muscle pain.
- Stage 3: 3-4 Weeks After Last Use
- Symptoms: Gradual improvement, though some symptoms like anxiety and insomnia may linger for months (protracted withdrawal).
Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)
- Stage 1: 1-3 Days After Last Use
- Symptoms: Fatigue, increased appetite, depression, and vivid, unpleasant dreams.
- Stage 2: 4-7 Days After Last Use
- Symptoms: Continued fatigue, mood swings, irritability, and drug cravings.
- Stage 3: 1-2 Weeks After Last Use
- Symptoms: Gradual improvement in physical symptoms, though psychological symptoms like depression and cravings can persist for weeks or months.
The Path to Recovery
While detox may seem intimidating, it’s infinitely less challenging when done under medical supervision. Here at The Ohana on the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ll have access to 24/7 medical care to ensure your detox experience is safe and as comfortable as possible.
Our luxury detox program offers an elevated level of care and comfort, including:
Medical Detoxification: Professional supervision and medication management to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety.
Therapeutic Support: Personalized therapy and counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Holistic Treatments: Incorporating yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and other holistic therapies to promote overall well-being and reduce stress.
Alcohol and drug withdrawal timelines vary, but professional help can significantly ease the process. At The Ohana, our luxury detox program offers the highest level of care, ensuring a safe and comfortable path to recovery.
Ready to take this important first step? Reach out to our admissions team today for a free, confidential assessment to determine how we can help you.
