How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?

Alcohol drug detox is a process best attempted under the supervision of a seasoned alcohol specialist. Alcoholics who have made the decision to undergo detoxification should be commended before being escorted directly to a specialized treatment center for continued care. A proper detox should include medical monitoring and personalized care to help ensure a comfortable, safe, and healthy transition into sobriety. In this entry, we will outline the basics of an alcohol detox to help our readers know what to expect from the process.

“Peace begins with a smile..” 
― Mother Teresa

This is the Beginning

Detoxification begins by removing all alcohol toxins from the subject’s system. While the body works to remove the alcohol, addicts will begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms will typically begin roughly 6 – 48 hours after an alcoholic’s last drink, and fluctuate during the days that follow.

Emotional Support

Once the withdrawal symptoms have calmed, alcoholics will require emotional support and counseling to help address their body’s alcohol cravings. Medical doctors and psychologists work side-by-side in an effort to monitor the psychological and physical well-being of the patient. Alcoholics typically succeed more during this stage when enrolled in our California alcohol rehab center due to the constant support they provided by our addiction specialists. This stage typically lasts between 2 days to a week.

The Final Countdown

The third and final stage of the detoxification process involves release of the subject by the acting physician. The amount of time between admission and release typically depends on the progress made by the patient alongside the severity of the addiction. When it comes to recovery, there is no black and white; patients are treated individually according to their individual needs and situation. In most instances the detoxification process does not take more than two weeks… though there are always exceptions.