How Long Does Withdrawal Last? Understanding the Timeline

Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol is a very challenging time in a person’s life. Substance withdrawal is associated with several uncomfortable symptoms, which can become serious in certain situations. Understanding the detox timeline can help you better prepare for the experience ahead. 

How Long Does Withdrawal Last – Understanding the Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline

Withdrawal is the body’s process of detoxing from an addictive substance. With prolonged substance use, the body develops a tolerance and adapts to continuously having it. The symptoms associated with detox are the effects of the body and brain rebalancing and returning to normal. 

Because different types of drugs and alcohol affect the body in different ways, there is a range of withdrawal symptoms, depending on the drugs or multiple drugs taken. 

Opioid withdrawal is different from benzodiazepine withdrawal, for example. Alcohol detox is experienced and handled differently than withdrawal from other types of drugs. 

The type of drug, combined with factors such as duration and extent of use, mental health, and physical health, can also affect the detox timeline. This makes it difficult to predict with certainty the length of withdrawal symptoms that any single person will experience. 

In general, here are typical withdrawal timelines for some of the most common addictive substances. 

Opioids

Symptoms set in within 8 to 12 hours, and generally peak within 24-72 hours. Withdrawal symptoms begin to taper off significantly around day 5 to 7 but may last for up to 10 days, depending on the type of opioid. 

Benzodiazepines

There is a significant variance in the detox timeline between short-acting (Ativan, Xanax) and long-acting (Valium) benzodiazepines. 

Short-acting benzos follow a more standard timeline, with initial symptoms setting in within 8 to 12 hours and tapering off after about 4 to 5 days. With long-acting benzos, withdrawal symptoms may not occur for several days and not peak until the second week. Long-acting benzo detox symptoms may take several weeks before tapering off. 

Cocaine

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms set in relatively quickly, sometimes as soon as 4 hours after it was last used. The symptoms may persist for several days, typically peaking between days 4-7, before tapering off. 

Some people experience an extended period of withdrawal symptoms that last several weeks. 

Alcohol

The earliest symptoms of alcohol detox generally set in within 8 to 12 hours after the last drink. Over the next several hours, the symptoms will become more intense. Between 24 and 72 hours is the most severe stage of detox from alcohol, where symptoms such as seizure, delirium, and cardiac issues can occur. 

However, even with these variances, the acute withdrawal symptoms completely pass within one to two weeks. During withdrawal, symptoms are experienced in stages. Here is a look at what to expect during each. 

Drug Withdrawal Stages 

Drug withdrawal occurs in several stages, each varying in intensity and duration depending on the substance and the individual’s level of dependency. Understanding these stages can help individuals and their support systems prepare for detox and ensure appropriate measures are in place to manage symptoms effectively. 

The withdrawal process typically progresses through three primary stages, each presenting unique challenges and requiring different levels of care and intervention.

Stage One

This stage begins the last time drugs or alcohol were used. Depending on the substance, initial withdrawal stages may begin to appear within as little as a few hours. However, 8 to 12 hours is common. During this stage, symptoms may start as mild and then increase in intensity. 

Most people can manage stage one symptoms of detox with the help of relaxation strategies, hydration, nourishment, OTC medications, and having a support person nearby. 

Stage Two

Stage two of detox begins as symptoms peak. During this stage, symptoms reach their maximum intensity and severity, sometimes staying at that level for 1 to 3 days. Then, gradually, the symptoms begin to taper off over the next several days. 

Managing stage substance withdrawal can be more challenging. An inpatient addiction treatment center or medical facility equipped to handle withdrawal is the best place to be during this stage. 

Stage Three

Not every type of substance withdrawal continues onto stage three. It’s a stage that’s most common with alcohol withdrawal and defines a potentially very serious stage of detox. 

During stage three, someone who is detoxing from severe or long-term alcohol use disorder may experience symptoms such as delirium tremens that require medical management for the safety and well-being of the individual. 

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): What To Know 

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) are symptoms that persist or newly appear weeks or even months after the initial detox phase. 

Currently, there is limited research and information on how and why PAWS occurs, but what we do know is that these symptoms are more psychological than physical. For example, sudden intense cravings or irritability may be associated with PAWS, but physical symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and tremors are not. 

Professional addiction treatment is the most effective way of managing PAWS and is extremely helpful in reducing the risk of relapse. 

Seeking Help for Withdrawal in Massachusetts

At the Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we acknowledge that each road to recovery is different and that every person deserves individualized care and treatment that meets their needs. Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol is extremely challenging, but with the proper care and treatment, symptoms can be managed, and true healing can begin. 
Reach out to the Massachusetts Center for Addiction for a consultation and learn more about what to expect during detox and the next steps that come after. Contact us today at 844-486-0671.