“How long does it take to detox from drugs” is one of the first questions asked by many people considering addiction recovery. Detox for drugs is a process that takes from 7 to 10 days and involves eliminating substances from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification is not a substitute for addiction treatment, but rather the first critical step in ongoing recovery.
There are two types of drug withdrawal: acute withdrawal, which needs medical attention for physical symptoms, and post-acute withdrawal, which involves psychological symptoms that require continuous treatment for safe management. Symptoms of PAWS (post-acute withdrawal synrdrome) may linger for months or years.
Today, you will discover:
- How long does a drug detox take?
- How long do detox symptoms last?
- How long does detox fatigue last?
- How to detox from drugs as safely and comfortably as possible.
Drug Detox Timeline
Generally, drug detox programs range from 3 to 10 days, although detoxification may take longer for certain substances or cases requiring extended medical monitoring.
Factors influencing the length of detox include age, gender, duration, frequency, and severity of substance use, substances abused, other medications used, method of consumption, physical dependence, co-occurring mental health disorders, and medical history.
Here is a general timeline for drug detox:
- First 24 to 72 hours: During this initial phase, withdrawal symptoms begin to present. Common symptoms typically include anxiety, irritability, sweating, insomnia, and drug cravings.
- Days 3 to 7: Withdrawal symptoms usually peak towards the end of the first week of detox. Symptoms can intensify and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, tremors, increased heart rate, and changes in blood pressure.
- Days 8 to 14: Withdrawal symptoms gradually start to subside during this phase of detox. Physical symptoms may lessen, but psychological symptoms like depression, mood swings, and problems with focus can persist.
- Days 15 and onward: By this stage, most acute withdrawal symptoms have subsided. However, some people may continue to experience lingering psychological symptoms and cravings. Engaging with ongoing treatment and support is the most effective way to address these psychological challenges.
Individual experiences of drug detox can differ, and some substances have different timelines and substance-specific withdrawal symptoms. Seeking professional medical guidance and support during detox will streamline the process.
Drug Detox Symptoms
Sustained drug abuse causes significant changes in brain chemistry, leading to physiological dependence on the substance. When a person with drug dependence stops using the substance, their body reacts with withdrawal symptoms as it strives to establish a new state of balance- homeostasis – without the presence of drugs or alcohol. These temporary disruptions in brain chemistry contribute to the mental and physical symptoms experienced during withdrawal.
During drug detox, the following withdrawal symptoms may manifest in varying orders and intensities:
- Trembling and tremors
- Muscle aches or pains
- Excessive sweating
- Changes in blood pressure
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shaking
- Headaches
- Restlessness
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Loss of appetite
- Vividly unpleasant dreams
- Irregular breathing
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Flu-like symptoms
- Heart palpitations
The most severe addiction withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Extreme confusion
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Uncontrollable shivering
- High fever
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizures or convulsions
How Long Do Detox Symptoms Last?
Detox symptoms generally last for a few days to a couple of weeks. However, in some cases, certain withdrawal symptoms – especially psychological symptoms – can linger for longer periods. Everyone will have a unique experience with detox and seeking professional guidance and support during the process is almost always recommended.
Detox Time by Drug Type
How long does detox take varies depending on the substance, with most people being able to detox within a week. Psychological cravings may persist for months, though. While withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea may not be fatal, they can lead to rapid dehydration, which is potentially life-threatening. A medically-supervised detox will mitigate these complications.
Here is the detox timeline for different drug types:
- Marijuana
- Benzodiazepines (Benzos)
- Opioids/Heroin
- Stimulants (Meth/Cocaine)
- Prescriptions Drugs
- Barbiturates
Marijuana
- Week 1: Initial symptoms may include mood swings, irritability, reduced appetite, insomnia, headaches, and stomach complaints.
- Week 2 and beyond: Mental symptoms like depression, loss of focus, and intense drug cravings may persist. Symptoms start subsiding once the system resumes natural production of THC.
Benzodiazepines (Benzos)
- Week 1: Early symptoms may include headaches, nausea, muscle pain, and irritability. Depending on the strength and dose of the benzo, peak symptoms may include anxiety, restlessness, shaking, nausea, and palpitations.
- Week 2 and beyond: Rebound insomnia often emerge. Severe withdrawal symptoms may last 10 to 14 days. Symptoms may include weight loss and problems with focus.
Opioids/Heroin
- Week 1: Withdrawal symptoms present a few hours after the last use of opioids and include anxiety, muscle pain, runny nose, teary eyes, insomnia, and sweating. The peak of symptoms typically occurs during this week and includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, abdominal cramps, and blurry vision.
- Week 2 and beyond: Symptoms taper off, but appetite loss, digestive issues, dehydration, and seizures may still occur. For severe opioid addictions, symptoms like irritability, cravings, insomnia, depression, and anxiety may endure for six months or more.
Stimulants (Meth/Cocaine)
- Week 1: Initial withdrawal symptoms during a stimulant crash may include body aches, extreme fatigue, irritability, and mood changes.
- Week 2 and beyond: Brain damage caused by stimulant abuse may trigger depressive or psychotic symptoms. Lethargy, disrupted sleep, powerful drug cravings, depression, and impaired focus may continue. The most persistent symptom of stimulant withdrawal is drug cravings, which may linger for months.
Prescription Drugs
The detox timeline for prescription drugs can vary depending on the specific medication being used. It is best to consult with a medical professional for guidance on detox duration and withdrawal symptoms specific to the prescribed drug.
Barbiturates
The detox timeline for barbiturates can also vary depending on the individual’s usage and the specific barbiturate. Beyond this, barbiturates are now seldom prescribed. Barbiturate withdrawal symptoms may include insomnia, anxiety, shaking, and circulation issues. Depending on the strength of the dose and severity of abuse, symptoms may peak after the first few days. Some people may experience delayed withdrawal symptoms beginning a week or more after the last dose.
FAQs
How long does it take to detox your body?
It takes from a few days to a few weeks to detox your body. The duration of detoxification varies depending on factors such as overall health, the specific detox method, and the substances involved.
What is the detoxification process?
The detoxification process involves eliminating or neutralizing harmful substances from the body, typically through the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, and intestines, to promote overall health and well-being and address the issue of physical drug dependence.
Get Treatment for Drug Addiction at Ohio Recovery Centers
Ohio Recovery Centers provides personalized addiction treatment programs for individuals struggling with all types of drug and alcohol addictions. Research shows that mild and moderate addictions respond equally well to intensive outpatient treatment as they do to residential rehab, offering flexibility and affordability without compromising the level of care.
We offer IOPs (intensive outpatient programs) and outpatient programs at our Cincinnati rehab center, combining pharmacological, behavioral, and holistic therapies to ensure a comprehensive recovery approach. After completing a treatment program at our rehab center, you will leave equipped with relapse prevention strategies, coping techniques, and the option for ongoing therapy if needed. For immediate assistance, please contact admissions at 877-679-2132.
