How Long is the Withdrawal Period for Drugs and Alcohol?

What is Drug Withdrawal?

Withdrawal happens when a person who has developed a physical dependence on a substance stops using it. The body reacts to the absence of the drug. These reactions can cause side effects that are mild, moderate, or even life-threatening.

There are two types of withdrawal:

• Physical withdrawal: Includes symptoms like sweating, nausea, and high blood pressure.
• Psychological withdrawal: Includes anxiety, depression, and cravings.

When Does Withdrawal Start?

The start of withdrawal depends on the type of drug and how long it stays in the body. For many substances, symptoms begin within 24 hours. For others, it can take longer.

Here’s a general guide:

• Opioids: Symptoms can begin within 6 to 12 hours.
• Alcohol: Symptoms may start within 6 hours and become worse by 72 hours.
• Benzodiazepines: May take 1 to 4 days to begin.
• Stimulants (like cocaine): Symptoms often start within hours.
• Cannabis and nicotine: Symptoms can begin within 1 to 3 days.

These withdrawal timelines vary depending on usage patterns and individual biology.

Common Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal

People may experience withdrawal symptoms that are physical, emotional, or both. Symptoms vary in intensity based on the type of drug and other factors.

Common symptoms:

• Sweating
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Shaking
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Anxiety or depression
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Cravings

For some, these symptoms are mild. For others, they can be life-threatening, especially without medical supervision.

How Long is the Withdrawal Period for Drugs and Alcohol?

As mentioned earlier, withdrawal symptoms generally last from a few days to a few weeks. However, some symptoms, like cravings, can persist for months or even longer in some cases.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

• Initial symptoms may start within 6 hours after the last drink, including anxiety, sweating, nausea, and insomnia.
• More serious symptoms like hallucinations can begin 12-48 hours after stopping.
• Seizures may occur within the first 48 hours.
• Delirium tremens (DTs), a severe complication, usually develops 48-72 hours after cessation and can last 3-8 days.
• Mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms typically last about 1-2 weeks, but some symptoms may linger for weeks or months.

Drug Withdrawal Timelines by Substance

• Short-acting opioids (e.g., heroin): Withdrawal symptoms start 8-24 hours after last use and last about 4-10 days.
• Long-acting opioids (e.g., methadone): Symptoms may begin 2-4 days after last use and last up to 10 days.
• Benzodiazepines: Withdrawal can begin 1-4 days after last use, peaking in severity during the first 2 weeks, with some symptoms potentially lasting months or years without treatment.
• Stimulants: Withdrawal usually starts within 24 hours, with symptoms peaking within 2-4 days. It typically lasts between 1-2 weeks, however, long-term depression may occur.
• Cannabis: Marijuana withdrawal starts within 1-3 days after last use, with symptoms peaking for up to 6 days. It often lasts around 2 weeks.

Withdrawal from other drugs also varies, but generally follows a similar pattern of acute symptoms lasting days to weeks, followed by a protracted phase where symptoms gradually diminish.

Factors That Affect the Withdrawal Timeline

Several factors can impact the withdrawal period, including:

• Type of drug: Short-acting drugs cause quicker, more intense symptoms.
• Duration of use: Longer use often means more severe withdrawal.
• Dosage: Higher doses take longer to clear the body.
• Polydrug use: Mixing substances can complicate the withdrawal process.
• Overall health: People with poor health may face a longer recovery timeline.
• Mental health: Depression or anxiety can make withdrawal feel worse.

Strategies for a Safe Withdrawal From Drugs and Alcohol

Quitting drugs can be dangerous without the right support. While many try to stop cold turkey, this approach can lead to serious health risks, especially when withdrawing from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. To ensure a safe recovery, it’s essential to follow a structured plan with medical guidance.

Medical Detox

This approach offers professional oversight and medical supervision, often in a clinical or inpatient setting. During medical detox, patients receive medications to reduce discomfort, manage symptoms, and prevent life-threatening complications. This setting also provides 24-hour care to monitor vital signs and intervene if dangerous symptoms develop.

Tapering Off

This gradual reduction in dosage helps ease the body out of dependence. Tapering is especially important for drugs like benzodiazepines or opioids, where sudden cessation can lead to severe side effects. Doctors usually create tapering schedules based on the drug type, dosage, and length of use.

Structured Treatment Programs

Structured treatment programs also play a vital role. These may be inpatient or outpatient treatment options, depending on the individual’s needs and risk factors.

Inpatient programs offer round-the-clock care and a drug-free environment, while outpatient programs provide flexibility for those who need to maintain work or family responsibilities. Both types of programs typically include treatment options such as therapy, counseling, and relapse prevention planning.

Support Systems

Having strong emotional support from family and friends, peer groups, or recovery communities can make a big difference. Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer peer support and accountability throughout the recovery journey.

Other Strategies

In addition, managing withdrawal symptoms at home or in a care setting involves focusing on basic health needs. Staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, getting plenty of rest, and using doctor-approved over-the-counter medications can help ease discomfort.

Having a safe, calm, and supportive environment can also reduce stress and promote healing during this challenging phase.

When managed correctly, the withdrawal process doesn’t have to be overwhelming or dangerous. With the right combination of medical care, emotional support, and long-term treatment planning, individuals can safely move through withdrawal and begin the path toward recovery.

What Happens After Withdrawal?

Finishing detox is a major step. But it’s not the end of recovery. After the withdrawal period, many still face cravings, triggers, and emotional struggles.  Post-withdrawal recovery includes:

• Ongoing therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment (for some)
• Addressing mental health needs
• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Peer support

Long term recovery is possible, but it requires ongoing effort and support.

Substance Abuse Treatment in Arizona

Quitting cold turkey can be dangerous. A safer option is medical detox with medical supervision and treatment options. The withdrawal process is challenging, but with help, it can be managed. Detoxification programs provide medical support to ease symptoms and reduce risks associated with withdrawal.

Our medical professionals in our Scottsdale-based addiction treatment facilities extend their hands to individuals struggling with substance use disorder. Armed with quality care and treatment programs, we can help people overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.

If you or a loved one is facing addiction, know that you’re not alone. Recovery is possible. Help is available. Take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life today.