How long does it take to detox from alcohol? Here’s what to know
Alcohol detox usually takes about five to seven days, but the full withdrawal timeline can stretch longer depending on how much and how often you’ve been drinking.
Symptoms may begin as early as six hours after your last drink, peak around 72 hours, and gradually subside over the course of a week.
At The Raleigh House, we believe knowing what to expect during detox can help reduce anxiety and empower healing.
Below, we break down the alcohol detox timeline, what happens during each stage, and how medical support at our Colorado locations provides a safer, more comfortable recovery.
What is alcohol detox?
Alcohol detox is the process of allowing your body to naturally clear alcohol from your system after heavy or long-term drinking. It’s a necessary first step in recovery, and one that should never be attempted alone if you’re physically dependent on alcohol.
Factors that influence alcohol detox duration
Several factors impact how long detox takes, including:
- Length and intensity of alcohol use
- Age, weight, and overall health
- Presence of co-occurring mental health conditions
- Previous history of withdrawal symptom
- Whether detox is done at home or in a medical facility
What happens during alcohol detox?
As your blood alcohol level drops, your brain and body go into withdrawal. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening and may include:
- Shaking or tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and chills
- Anxiety or irritability
- Hallucinations or seizures (in severe cases)
Alcohol detox timeline guide
The timeline for detoxing from alcohol unfolds in stages. Here’s what you can expect, day by day:
Alcohol detox timeline: First 24 hours
- 6–12 Hours After Last Drink: Shaking, anxiety, headache, and nausea are the most commonly reported first symptoms.
- 12–24 Hours: Symptoms intensify. Some people may experience hallucinations or an increased heart rate.
Alcohol withdrawal timeline stages
- 48 Hours: Withdrawal peaks. Severe symptoms like delirium tremens (DTs), confusion, and seizures may occur in some individuals.
- 72 Hours: For many, symptoms start to decline after day three, although some may continue to experience physical discomfort and emotional instability.
Timeline of alcohol withdrawal symptoms
| Time After Last Drink | Common Symptoms |
| 6–12 hours | Headache, anxiety, tremors, nausea |
| 24–48 hours | Hallucinations, increased heart rate, sweating |
| 48–72 hours | Peak withdrawal symptoms, possible DTs |
| 4–7 days | Gradual symptom improvement, emotional stabilization |
Alcohol detox stages and symptoms
Detox doesn’t look the same for everyone, but here’s a general breakdown:
- Early Withdrawal: Within six to 24 hours, many clients experience mild anxiety, insomnia, and physical discomfort.
- Acute Withdrawal: 24–72 hours after beginning detox, clients often report more severe symptoms, including possible hallucinations or seizures.
- Post-Acute Withdrawal: Days to weeks after detox, clients have experienced low energy, sleep problems, and mood swings that may linger but gradually improve with support.
It’s important to know that most clients going through alcohol withdrawal experience symptoms that resolve within about a week. Severe reactions, such as hallucinations, are uncommon unless there’s a history of nutrient deficiency or chronic, heavy drinking.
However, if you’ve gone through withdrawal before, your risk for severe symptoms increases. The body remembers these stress cycles, and repeated episodes of alcohol dependence can make each detox more intense.
Because of these risks, we strongly recommend a medically assisted detox for everyone who wants to detox from alcohol. We proudly offer a full range of addiction treatment services in Colorado, from detox to continuing care services.
Medically assisted treatment at The Raleigh House
Where you choose to detox can make a major difference in your recovery. That’s why we offer personalized alcohol detox and residential treatment at two trusted Colorado locations:
- The Ranch at The Raleigh House: Nestled on a serene, private property in Watkins, Colorado, The Ranch offers 24/7 residential care surrounded by nature. It’s ideal for clients who need stabilization and peace during early recovery.
- The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Located in the Denver Tech Center, our outpatient facility offers expert care, physical accessibility support, and a compassionate environment for those continuing treatment after this phase.
Whether you’re looking for medically supervised detox or full-spectrum treatment for alcohol addiction, The Raleigh House can help you reclaim your health and future. Call us today at 720.799.0128 or contact us online to get started.
FAQs about alcohol detox timeline
We know that significant life changes can come with questions. Here are some common questions and answers about alcohol withdrawal and detox timelines.
How many days does it take to detox from alcohol?
Most people detox within five to seven days, but this can vary based on your drinking history, physical health, and support system.
Can alcohol detox be different for first-time drinkers vs. long-term drinkers?
Yes. First-time or occasional drinkers may only experience mild withdrawal, while long-term or heavy drinkers are at higher risk for severe symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens.
Does age or gender affect how long alcohol detox takes?
Yes. Older adults or those with chronic health issues may have a longer or more complicated detox process. Women may also process alcohol differently, potentially influencing withdrawal timelines.
Can the alcohol detox timeline be shorter with medications?
Yes. Medications like benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants can help manage symptoms and reduce the overall intensity of detox, but they don’t usually shorten the timeline entirely.
How soon after detox can someone return to work?
That depends. Some people feel ready after a week, while others may need longer for emotional and physical stabilization. A complete assessment by a treatment provider is the best way to know.