Drug addiction is a serious issue and one that can affect people from all walks of life. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 50% of people aged 12 or over in the United States have used illicit drugs at least once in their lives. Not everyone who uses drugs will develop an addiction, but those who do become regular drug users may face severe withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using drugs.
So, just how long does drug detox take? When someone stops using drugs, they’ll go through a detox period as the addictive substance leaves their body. How long a drug detox takes varies, and they may experience physical symptoms of withdrawal, which can be quite unpleasant. The duration of drug detox symptoms will depend on the drug in question and the person’s overall health and well-being.
Camelback Recovery, a leading mental health clinic and addiction treatment center in Phoenix, AZ, offers personalized care for people struggling with addiction to help make withdrawal a less difficult process.
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What Is Drug Detox?
The detox process involves the body eliminating toxic substances and returning to normal. For example, some drugs interfere with the way the body responds to serotonin or cortisol. People develop a physical dependence on these substances, and when they stop taking them, they can feel anxious, depressed or paranoid. Some drugs can cause serious physical withdrawal symptoms, such as digestive issues, seizures or even heart issues.
While there are some drugs that are safe to stop “cold turkey,” there are others that can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and following a medically assisted detox process helps reduce the risk of serious complications.
The rehab experts at Camelback Recovery offer professional supervision to help people get through the acute withdrawal period and on the road to lasting recovery.
How Long Does Drug Detox Take? Factors That Affect Length of Detox
How long does detoxification take depends on several factors.
Substance Type and Use History
The length of the detox process depends on the substance in question. For example, alcohol withdrawal symptoms peak within 72 hours and will usually start to subside within the first week. Withdrawal from stimulant drugs follows a similar drug detox process timeline.
People who are addicted to benzodiazepines may experience severe withdrawal symptoms for up to 2 weeks, depending on the size of the dose they were on and how long they were taking it. In contrast, opioid withdrawal symptoms can persist for 6 months or more.
Individual Health Factors
Another important factor to consider is the individual’s well-being. The time frame for detoxing from drugs may differ depending on a person’s age and health. Someone who has preexisting health conditions may require closer supervision during the withdrawal process, and this is something the professionals at Camelback Recovery will take into account.
Severity of Addiction
Drug dependencies develop because of the changes drug use causes in the brain. Long-term, heavy drug use can make it very difficult for a person to stop because the body now depends on the drug to keep them calm or alert or to feel pleasure. It can take a long time for withdrawal symptoms to subside in the most severe cases of addiction.
Presence of Co-Occurring Disorders
Anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions can contribute to drug addiction and amplify psychological symptoms. Camelback Recovery has experts trained in dual-diagnosis treatment who can address these issues alongside the underlying addiction.
Typical Detox and Drug Withdrawal Timelines
- Alcohol detox: Physical symptoms typically taper off after the first week.
- Opioid detox: Symptoms peak in the first few days but may persist for up to 6 months.
- Benzodiazepine detox: Severe symptoms may last for up to 14 days.
- Stimulant detox: Cravings subside after 1 week, but some people experience rebound symptoms during the first month.
This typical detox time for drug withdrawal varies by substance and individual factors.
Types of Detox Programs
There are several types of professional detox programs to choose from, catering to people who are trying to get clean from different drugs and have different home circumstances or responsibilities.
Inpatient Detox
Inpatient detox programs are useful for people who need 24-hour medical supervision or who’d benefit from being in a supervised environment where they can engage in therapy or learn coping skills for when they return home.
The inpatient programs offered at Camelback Recovery provide a safe, inclusive environment for individuals struggling with substance abuse and can be helpful for people with a dual diagnosis as well.
Outpatient Detox
Outpatient detox programs are useful for those who don’t require medical supervision but do need some assistance to get clean. They may be suitable for someone who wasn’t a heavy drug user, but only if a doctor believes they can taper off or stop the drug safely at home.
Our outpatient programs are aimed at people with a good support network at home who are likely to experience milder withdrawal symptoms. They offer a chance for people to continue to work or take care of their children and spend time at home while still having professional support during their recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medically supervised detox programs are designed for people who are likely to experience the most severe symptoms during their withdrawal. They’re often recommended for people who’ve been engaging in heavy alcohol abuse and are at risk of delirium tremens when they stop drinking. They may also be recommended to assist with opioid withdrawal symptoms.
As part of a medically assisted drug detox program, a person will be assessed by doctors at the start and monitored throughout the detox process. They may be given medication to reduce painful withdrawal symptoms and prevent dangerous side effects.
Withdrawal Symptoms and How They’re Managed During Detox
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the drug in question. Most people will experience drug cravings, and other common symptoms include nausea, headaches, sweats, tremors, insomnia and anxiety.
During a heroin detox, a person might experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, an elevated heart rate and blurry vision. In contrast, alcohol withdrawal is more likely to cause sweating, shakes, anxiety and insomnia.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms at Camelback Recovery
Camelback Recovery offers a variety of detox options, and our addiction specialists tailor the techniques they use to the client in question. We offer medication to ease symptoms, holistic therapies and ongoing support to help people beat addiction.
What Happens After Detox?
Transitioning to Rehab
Supervised detox is the first step in beating severe addiction. Camelback Recovery’s comprehensive rehabilitation services include ongoing support. Once a person completes their detox, they’ll be guided through the transition to inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation to help them stay clean in the long term. Recovery time after drug detox varies, but Camelback Recovery is here to assist through every stage of the process.
Long-Term Recovery Support
Beating the initial symptoms of withdrawal can be a big boost for someone at the start of their recovery journey. Working with support groups and checking in with therapists regularly helps you stay clean and enjoy a new, healthier lifestyle.
Your First Step to Recovery: Start Your Detox Journey Today
The length of drug detox treatment can vary depending on the drug in question and a person’s overall health. Following a supervised detox program is essential for safety and to increase the chances of a lasting recovery. For help with drug addiction, contact Camelback Recovery today. Our personalized detox plans set people up for success.
