Detoxing from drugs can be a challenging, yet essential, first step toward recovery from addiction. Whether you’re beginning this journey or supporting a loved one through it, you might ask yourself how long it takes to detox from drugs. Detox durations vary significantly depending on different factors, including the type of drug being used, your health, how long you’ve been using, and more. Our guide will shed light on the key factors that influence detox timelines, provide general detox durations for common drugs, and describe what you can expect during the process to help ease your fears and get you started on your path to recovery.
Factors Affecting Detox Time
Detox timelines are never the same for everyone. Here are some of the many factors that impact how long it takes to detox from drugs and alcohol.
Type of Drug
Different substances interact with the body in unique ways, impacting withdrawal timelines. For example, cocaine might not lead to long-term withdrawal symptoms, but cocaine can lead to a heavy and almost instant crash period after use.1
Other drugs, like alcohol, might not impact people for several hours after stopping use. But, it can have serious and even fatal withdrawal consequences lasting several days. Each drug is different, so it’s important to be honest and let your providers know if you’re using multiple drugs and alcohol or medications.
Length of Use
The longer an individual has been using a substance, the more time the body may need to adjust. Chronic, long-term use often leads to a deeper physical dependency, which can extend the withdrawal process.
Research has also shown that tolerance is linked with the duration of withdrawal.2 The more tolerant you are of a drug, the higher the chances you’ll experience more withdrawal symptoms. That’s why it’s important for individuals to seek medical help if they want to withdraw from a substance safely and successfully.
Individual Metabolism and Health
Every person’s biology is unique. Factors like age, metabolism, liver and kidney health, body weight, and past medical history all play into how drugs are processed and expelled from the body. For instance, people with faster metabolism have more withdrawal symptoms and consider themselves to be more “addicted” to substances.3 Still, metabolism is just one factor your care team will consider when you enroll in a detox program.
General Detox Timelines for Common Drugs
Of course, one of the biggest factors in determining how long detox will last is the specific drug or substance someone uses. Here’s an overview of the detox timelines for some of the most commonly abused drugs. It’s important to know that these durations are averages and may vary widely from person to person.
1. Alcohol
- Timeline: Symptoms can begin as quickly as 6–8 hours after the last drink and peak within 24–72 hours.4 Mild withdrawal symptoms may ease within a week, but severe cases can last several weeks.
- What’s unique? Alcohol detox can be life-threatening in severe cases due to complications like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). Medical supervision is usually needed, especially if you’ve experienced withdrawal before or are a heavy drinker.
2. Opioids (e.g., Heroin, Oxycodone, Fentanyl)
- Timeline: Studies show that opioids usually appear in the urine from 12 to 36 hours after use, which is usually how long opioid withdrawal and detox lasts.5
- What’s unique? While opioid withdrawal symptoms are rarely life-threatening, they can be intensely uncomfortable, characterized by nausea, chills, muscle aches, and severe cravings.
3. Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
- Timeline: Symptoms often emerge 1–4 days after the last dose, peak after about two weeks.6 Withdrawals can cause rebound anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms, which is why it’s never a good idea to suddenly stop using even if it’s prescribed.
- What’s unique? Like alcohol, benzodiazepine detox can be dangerous without medical supervision due to the risk of seizures. Your provider will talk to you about tapering off benzos, or you’ll need to enroll in a detox program.
4. Stimulants (e.g., Cocaine, Methamphetamine)
- Timeline: Initial withdrawal symptoms can start within hours of stopping, peaking within 24 hours. Most symptoms of meth withdrawal will remain at least 2 weeks after stopping use, which include increased sleeping and eating, depression, anxiety, and cravings.7
- What’s unique? Unlike alcohol or benzodiazepines, stimulant withdrawal doesn’t typically cause physical symptoms like seizures but can lead to psychological effects such as depression and anxiety.
Start Moving Toward Recovery
Detox is only the beginning of the recovery process. While it clears substances from the body, it does not address the psychological or behavioral components of addiction. To fully overcome addiction and maintain sobriety, detox is often followed by comprehensive treatment plans, including counseling, behavioral therapy, and support groups. At Encino Recovery and Detox Center, we provide a full continuum of care for addiction treatment in Encino, CA. Our goal is to walk you through the detox phase and then provide the necessary support and resources for long-term recovery. Our inpatient treatment includes therapies like CBT, DBT, family therapy, and more. Call us today to start the process of recovery now.
FAQs
What is a detox process?
Detox, short for detoxification, is the process of removing harmful substances, such as drugs or alcohol, from the body. This is often the first step in addiction treatment and aims to manage withdrawal symptoms while ensuring people’s physical and mental safety. Detox prepares individuals for ongoing therapy and rehabilitation to achieve long-term recovery.
How long does the detox process take?
The length of detox depends on several factors, including the substance used, the duration and frequency of use, and someone’s overall health. On average, detox can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. At Encino Recovery and Detox Center, we provide continuous monitoring and personalized care for the entire detox stage.
Is detox painful?
While detox can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, medically supervised detox significantly reduces the risk of severe discomfort or pain. Our medical team at Encino Recovery and Detox Center carefully monitors clients and provides medication and support to manage symptoms effectively.
What are common withdrawal symptoms during detox?
Withdrawal symptoms vary based on the substance and the individual, but they can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and muscle pain. For certain substances, withdrawal may also result in more severe symptoms, such as seizures or hallucinations, which is why professional supervision is crucial during detox.
Is detox enough for recovery?
Detox is a critical first step, but it is not a standalone treatment for addiction. Lasting recovery requires a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy, counseling, and support to address the underlying causes of addiction and build coping skills. At Encino Recover and Detox Center, we provide a full continuum of care including detox, inpatient treatment, and aftercare planning to support individuals through every stage of recovery.
Can I detox at home?
Detoxing at home without medical supervision is not recommended, as it can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, especially for substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids. Withdrawal symptoms can escalate unexpectedly, requiring professional intervention. Seeking help from a medical detox facility ensures a safe and supportive environment for the detox process.
What happens after detox?
After completing detox, individuals typically transition to inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. These programs include therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), family counseling, and support groups. Structured ongoing treatment helps address the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of addiction for sustainable recovery.
Will insurance cover my detox treatment?
Many insurance plans cover detox and addiction treatment, though coverage can vary depending on the policy and provider. At Encino Recover and Detox Center, we work with numerous insurance companies and assist patients in navigating their coverage options to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Contact us to verify your insurance and discuss financial options.
How do I know if I need detox?
If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using drugs or alcohol or if you feel unable to quit on your own, it may be time to consider detox. A professional assessment can help determine whether detox is necessary and what level of care is appropriate for you.
References
- Cocaine withdrawal: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000947.htm
- Kesten, J. M., Holder, E., Ayres, R., Ellis, P., Taylor, S., Hickman, M., & Henderson, G. (2022). Changes in the development of opioid tolerance on re-exposure among people who use heroin: A qualitative study. PLoS ONE, 17(6), e0269379. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269379
- Rubinstein, M. L., Benowitz, N. L., Auerback, G. M., & Moscicki, A. (2008). Rate of nicotine metabolism and withdrawal symptoms in adolescent light smokers. PEDIATRICS, 122(3), e643–e647. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2007-3679
- Alcohol withdrawal. (2025, April 24). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/alcohol-withdrawal
- Shah, M., & Huecker, M. R. (2023, July 21). Opioid withdrawal. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/
- Pétursson, H. (1994). The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Addiction, 89(11), 1455–1459. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03743.x
- McGregor, C., Srisurapanont, M., Jittiwutikarn, J., Laobhripatr, S., Wongtan, T., & White, J. M. (2005). The nature, time course and severity of methamphetamine withdrawal. Addiction, 100(9), 1320–1329. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01160.x
