If you want to break free from alcohol addiction, one of your first questions may be, “How long does it take to detox from alcohol?” However, the answer isn’t the same from one patient to the next. Most patients find that detox takes about one week, while true recovery takes much more time.
How Long Does it Take to Detox From Alcohol? Here’s the Timeline
It’s normal to wonder how long detox will take and what to expect. Understanding the recovery process can make it easier to comprehend. Understanding can also encourage prospective clients to get the help they need. A typical detox from alcohol will take just under seven days.
As few as six hours after the last sip of alcohol, individuals will begin to feel withdrawal. This is the true start of detox. Withdrawal symptoms will gradually begin to worsen. Virtually all clients will experience some form of discomfort by the 24-hour mark.
Withdrawal symptoms tend to peak around 72 hours into the detox. This is approximately three days since the last sip of alcohol. While this peak can be unpleasant, medical professionals will be on hand to mitigate any symptoms. After this peak, symptoms lessen until they disappear altogether.
Factors That Impact Detox Duration
Because all clients are different, their detox timelines will differ as well. To start, addiction intensity can vary. A person who normally drinks 20 alcoholic drinks in a 24-hour period may have a longer detox than a person who averages eight drinks in a 24-hour period.
Also, an important factor is the duration of the addiction. Clients who have been addicted for a longer period of time can also expect to have a slightly longer detox period. Health, stress levels, and age are also factors that can play a role in how long detox will be.
What Comes After Detox
Detox is a critical step toward sobriety, and it’s one that can’t be skipped. However, a week isn’t enough time to truly overcome an addiction. Detox is the very first step.
Once detox is complete, clients will need to learn how to best maintain their newfound sobriety. There are a wide range of rehab and substance abuse programs to choose from, at least one of which can absolutely fit into your lifestyle.
Recovery Options at Ashley Addiction Treatment
At Ashley Addiction Treatment, our Primary Program targets alcohol addiction with a comprehensive, integrated recovery strategy. During treatment, clients will have access to high-quality medical, clinical, and holistic care. Targeting addiction from every angle increases the chance of lifelong sobriety.
Some of the many treatments and therapies that can help build on the success of detox include the following:
- Small group counseling
- Individual therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Relapse and addiction education programs
- Meditation and mindfulness training
So, how long does it take to detox from alcohol? No matter how long detox takes, it is a key part of addiction recovery. At Ashley Addiction Treatment in Havre de Grace, Maryland, you can complete detox and rehab in the same location. Call 866-313-6307 today to start your path to recovery.