When patients decide to become sober, one of their first questions is, “How long does it take to detox from alcohol?” The exact length of detox varies because of the individual’s physical health, addiction history, and other factors. Because of withdrawal symptoms, it is imperative that clients go to a treatment center when they decide to quit using.

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Alcohol?

The short answer to, “How long does it take to detox from alcohol?” is about a week or so. When someone starts to detox from alcohol, they go through several stages. Sometimes, detox symptoms will start around a week after the individual quit using. Because of this, there can be a lot of variation between one person’s detox experience and another person’s experience. When someone starts to detox from alcohol, they enter the first stage about eight hours after their last drink. This stage tends to include symptoms like nausea, anxiety, stomach pain and insomnia. Then, the second stage begins about 24 to 72 hours after the person’s last drink. In this stage, the individual may experience increased body temperature, confusion, irregular heart rates, and high blood pressure. The final stage normally starts about two to four days after someone starts to detox from alcohol. In this stage, the individual may experience a fever or agitation. Severe symptoms may include seizures and hallucinations. Instead of finding out, “How long does it take to detox from alcohol?” patients should spend time finding a safe way to detox. An alcohol detox program provides a supervised, safe place where individuals can focus on recovery. During detox from alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even fatal. Because of this, individuals need a safe environment to go through detox.

The Danger of Delirium Tremens

Delirium tremens (DT) is a severe type of alcohol detox. This stage typically occurs in the first 48 to 96 hours after someone’s last drink. In unusual cases, DT symptoms may not begin for up to 10 days after that final drink. If someone experiences this group of symptoms, they may go through delirium or heavy shaking. They may suffer from an altered cognitive function, a sense of disorientation, hallucinations or seizures. The individual may go through a state of stupor or manic behavior while they experience DT. Because of how dangerous these symptoms are, individuals need to get professional care right away when they start detoxing. At a drug alcohol detox, individuals can get help managing their symptoms. Someone is more likely to experience DT if they suffer from chronic or heavy drinking. In these cases, it is especially dangerous to try an at-home detox.

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Alcohol in Professional Treatment?

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts in recovery. The only way to get detox over with faster is to start treatment sooner. Pennsylvania addiction recovery services are here to help patients learn about their addiction and begin recovering in a supervised environment. At the treatment center, patients can find programs such as:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Addiction interventions
  • Group therapy
  • Dual diagnosis care
  • Addiction counseling
  • Aftercare programs

You can take the first step in overcoming your addiction. Steps to Recovery can help you start a fulfilling, sober lifestyle. Learn more about our programs by calling us today at 267.719.8528.