Alcohol Detox
Symptoms & Timeline

How long is Contact us? The length of alcohol detox varies depending on several factors, but in the majority of cases alcohol detox lasts a minimum of three days and a maximum of two weeks. The length of the detox process depends on the severity of the alcohol use disorder, the frequency of use, the presence of any underlying disorders and whether or not alcohol was being used in combination with any other substances. At Guardian Recovery we provide our clients with a highly individualized medical detox program, taking all unique clinical needs into careful account. Upon admission to our Contact us program we conduct a Contact us which helps our medical and clinical teams determine which detox methods are going to be the most beneficial for each unique case and which length of stay is the most appropriate. To learn more about the alcohol detox process or to get started with our simple and straightforward admissions process, contact us today.

Alcohol Detox Timeline

When a person uses alcohol consistently for a prolonged period of time, they develop a physical tolerance meaning a larger amount of alcohol needs to be consumed in order for the desired effects to be produced. Once tolerance develops, withdrawal symptoms begin to develop when alcohol use is abruptly stopped. This is an unavoidable, physiological process. The symptoms associated with Contact us can be extremely uncomfortable and can pose serious health-related threats when left untreated. At Guardian Recovery we combine a variety of proven, evidence-based detox methods to help clients undergo a safe and comfortable alcohol withdrawal. How long does the process last? A typical alcohol detox timeline looks like this:

  • Stage 1 – Mild/Early Alcohol Withdrawal – These symptoms typically begin within the first 6 or 8 hours after the final drink, and include sleep-related issues, restlessness and irritability, hand tremors, increased heart rate and mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea.
  • Stage 2 – Moderate Alcohol Withdrawal – More severe withdrawal symptoms often begin after roughly 24 hours of mild symptoms, and might include increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, abnormal breathing, mild hyperthermia, confusion and disorientation, anxiety and more severe gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and severe stomach cramping.
  • Stage 3 – Severe/Late Stage Alcohol Withdrawal – The final and most severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically begin within 48 to 72 hours after the final drink. Not everyone experiences these symptoms — in most cases, severe alcohol withdrawal is only common among those who have been drinking heavily and on a daily basis for years. The symptoms of late stage alcohol withdrawal might include extreme disorientation, severe anxiety and panic attacks, depressed mood, auditory and visual hallucinations and seizures. This stage of the withdrawal process is also known as delirium tremens.

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How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

The length of alcohol withdrawal depends on several factors, including:

  • How severe the alcohol use disorder has become.
  • The frequency of alcohol use and the amount of alcohol being consumed.
  • The presence of any underlying Contact us conditions.
  • The presence of any pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Whether or not alcohol was being combined with any other chemical substances.
  • Whether or not the client has previously attempted to get sober.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal begin to develop around 6 or 8 hours after the final drink. The symptoms begin peaking in severity at around 3 or 4 days, and continue for roughly one week. However, if a person is not treated in a medical detox center like Guardian Recovery – Tampa Addiction Center, these symptoms can last for several weeks. This is just one of the reasons why seeking professional medical care from an Contact us is so important — not only does doing so ensure a safe withdrawal, but the duration of the process is minimized significantly.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The signs and symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal vary depending on the severity of the alcohol use disorder. However, the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

  • Hand and body tremors.
  • Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Profuse sweating/night sweats.
  • Mood swings characterized by agitation and irritability.
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks.
  • Depressed mood/suicidal ideation.
  • Delirium tremens (in the case of severe alcohol withdrawal); symptoms include auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and seizures.

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At Guardian Recovery we treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal as soon as they develop with a combination of evidence-based modalities. Each individual client has a personalized treatment plan, one that is adjusted over time as necessary.

How long is the detox process for alcohol use and alcohol addiction?

Alcohol Detox Treatment

The most effective treatment options depend on the client, which is why Guardian Recovery conducts a personalized assessment upon program admission. We combine Contact us options with behavioral therapy, holistic treatment options and a beautifully appointed facility designed for client comfort. In the case of alcohol withdrawal we utilize:

  • MAT – Benzodiazepines are commonly used to prevent the more severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are safe and effective when it comes to treating physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, and they have been shown to prevent both seizures and the development of delirium tremens. Other Contact us are frequently used to further stabilize clients, including anticonvulsants (for those at risk of seizures), beta blockers and alpha-adrenergic agonists. Clients who are malnourished or dehydrated (which is common among those who have been misusing alcohol) might be given fluids and/or multivitamins.
  • Individual and Group Therapy – At Guardian Recovery we believe mental and emotional healing should begin during the initial stage of the recovery process. We offer Contact us sessions and Contact us/group workshops which can be taken advantage of if clients are feeling well enough to participate. All therapy sessions are facilitated by an on staff therapeutic professional.
  • Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options – At Guardian Recovery we offer Contact us options for those who have been struggling with alcohol use and mental health. Because anxiety and depression are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, clients have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a psychiatric professional.
  • Case Management and Aftercare Planning – Each client is paired with a case manager who walks them through the detox process. Contact us also work directly with the clinical and medical team to develop a personalized Contact us, which generally includes an immediate transition into a higher level of care.

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Is At-Home Alcohol Detox Safe?

Some people who have been using alcohol for an extended period of time might be tempted to attempt detoxing at home. At-home alcohol detox is extremely unsafe. In order to prevent serious health-related complications from occurring, alcohol withdrawal should be closely overseen by a team of experienced medical professionals in an Contact us program such as Guardian Recovery – Tampa Addiction Center.

How to Find An Alcohol Detox Program

If you are looking for an alcohol detox program for yourself or for a loved one, we are available to help. It is important to look for a program that tackles the mental and emotional implications of alcohol use disorders as well as the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. At Guardian Recovery we do more than help our clients work towards physical stabilization in a medically monitored setting; we help lay a solid foundation for lasting sobriety. We have developed an Contact us that is simple and straightforward and can be completed in roughly 15 minutes. We begin by conducting a brief pre-assessment which helps our medical team determine which detox methods are going to be the most effective for each unique case. We then offer a free, no obligation insurance benefit check for those who are insured through a regional provider or a major national provider. Finally, we arrange local transportation to our Tampa, Florida detox center. Contact us today to begin.

Travis Atchison

Reviewed for accuracy by:

Travis Atchison
LCSW, MCAP


Travis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addiction Professional. He has worked in various community-based settings, where he served families and couples, addressed issues related to homelessness and crisis and worked in a substance abuse setting.