How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?

Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on September 28, 2022.

Detoxing from alcohol can be challenging, but it is possible! Quitting heavy drinking may result in intense withdrawal symptoms that can start hours after the last drinking session, sometimes lasting a few days. The time it takes for these symptoms to dissipate can depend on several factors, including how long you have been drinking heavily, how much you consume daily and whether you have experienced withdrawal.

At Diamond House Detox, we care about you and wish to help you reach your goals. Continue reading for more information on what it can look like to detox from alcohol fully.

What Is an Alcohol Detox?

Upon entering the body, alcohol suppresses the central nervous system, resulting in feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Over time, your alcohol tolerance builds up, requiring more of the substance in the bloodstream to activate these feelings. The body will try to naturally cycle out the toxins — also known as a detox — by producing more neurotransmitters to stimulate the central nervous system back to its usual function.

Deciding to detox from alcohol overcomes a significant obstacle in the recovery process. Once heavy alcohol consumption is stopped, the excess neurotransmitters used to regulate your body on alcohol will cause an overactive nervous system. The following withdrawal symptoms are likely:

  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Irritability
  • Tremors or shakiness

Alcohol Detox Timeline

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to severe from person to person. The following stages are an average timeline for recovery.

  • Intake period: You will begin treatments upon arriving in a detox program. Medical professionals will ask a series of questions, including information on your medical, drug and psychiatric histories to better understand your situation. 
  • Prescriptions: Detox programs are usually assisted with medications that mimic alcohol's effects and help ease destructive withdrawal symptoms. Reducing general discomfort can help you think clearly.
  • Stabilization: Counseling services help you through several situations that may have influenced your drinking in the first place. Therapy can get to the root of the problem to help you avoid relapse. It also heavily influences your peace of mind.

Partner With Diamond House Detox

Why go through this alone? Accountability is crucial in the success of alcohol detoxing because the withdrawal symptoms can cause someone to turn back to their old ways. Let us be your cheerleaders instead! For more information on our treatment programs, contact Diamond House Detox today.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Diamond House Detox
Vicky is a board certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She began her nursing career in healthcare by working in the intensive care unit, and then an inpatient psychiatric hospital. After realizing the mental health needs of both the patients and the families she served, she became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Throughout her experience working with clients, she has developed a passion for those with dual diagnoses and specializes in helping individuals recognize the issues driving their substance use. This recognition has been crucial to the individual’s success in treatment. Vicky opened Diamond House Detox so that she can address these issues early on in a therapeutic environment to allow clients to transition to the next level in their recovery.
Vicky Magobet
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