Taking the first step toward recovery is a powerful and life-changing decision. For many people, that journey begins with detox—a necessary process to clear substances from the body and stabilize physically before diving into therapy and emotional healing. But one of the most common questions we hear is: How long does detox take?
At Ascend Recovery Center, a leading addiction treatment center in North Carolina, we believe in transparency and education. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the detox timeline for various substances, explain what influences the length and intensity of detox, and how we support every step through our medical detox program in North Carolina and continuum of care.
What Is Detox—and Why Is It the First Step?
Detoxification, or detox, is the process through which the body eliminates drugs, alcohol, and other toxins. It is a medically and psychologically intense period marked by withdrawal symptoms—which occur as the body adjusts to functioning without addictive substances.
Detox is not addiction treatment in itself, but it’s a crucial first step that sets the stage for deeper therapeutic work. After detox, clients transition into one of Ascend’s structured recovery programs, such as:
- Partial Hospitalization Program North Carolina (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program North Carolina (IOP)
- Outpatient Program North Carolina (OP)
These levels of care are essential for addressing the emotional, psychological, and behavioral aspects of addiction.
What Influences Detox Duration?
Detox is not one-size-fits-all. How long it lasts depends on multiple factors, including:
- Type of substance used
- Duration and frequency of use
- Dosage and potency
- Polysubstance use
- Age and metabolism
- Mental and physical health
- Co-occurring disorders
Let’s explore average timelines for detox by substance type—and why professional supervision is always the safest choice.
Detox Timelines by Substance
Alcohol Detox Timeline
Alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances to withdraw from without medical care, especially for long-term or heavy drinkers.
- 6–12 hours after last drink: Mild symptoms like nausea, irritability, anxiety, and tremors may begin.
- 24–48 hours: Symptoms peak and may include confusion, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and insomnia.
- 48–72 hours: Risk of seizures and delirium tremens (DTs)—a severe and potentially fatal condition.
- 4–7 days: Most symptoms subside, but psychological effects like depression or anxiety can persist for weeks.
At Ascend Recovery Center, our alcohol addiction treatment in North Carolina begins with medically monitored detox to manage symptoms and reduce risks through medications, IV fluids, and therapeutic support.
Opioid Detox Timeline (Heroin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone)
Opioids cause intense physical dependence. Withdrawal is highly uncomfortable, though typically not life-threatening.
- 8–24 hours after last use: Symptoms begin with cravings, muscle aches, restlessness, and sweating.
- 48–72 hours: Symptoms peak with vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, goosebumps, and abdominal cramps.
- 4–10 days: Symptoms taper off but insomnia and mood issues may remain.
- Weeks to months: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) may emerge—characterized by depression, fatigue, and memory issues.
Our medical detox program in North Carolina uses FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine, Suboxone, or methadone to reduce symptoms and prevent relapse. Following detox, clients often step into our PHP or IOP for continued recovery.
Benzodiazepine Detox Timeline (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin)
Detoxing from benzodiazepines can be extremely dangerous if not done gradually under medical supervision.
- 1–4 days after last dose: Early symptoms include anxiety, sleep issues, and irritability.
- 5–14 days: Risk of serious symptoms like panic attacks, hallucinations, heart palpitations, and seizures.
- 2–4 weeks or more: Tapering often continues for months to avoid rebound symptoms.
Benzodiazepine detox is not a cold-turkey process. At Ascend, we design custom tapering schedules, monitor clients closely, and provide psychological support to help individuals stabilize before entering therapy.
Stimulant Detox Timeline (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Adderall)
Stimulants like meth or cocaine don’t typically cause life-threatening withdrawal, but the psychological crash can be severe.
- 24–72 hours after last use: Symptoms begin with fatigue, depression, anxiety, and increased appetite.
- 3–7 days: Peak withdrawal includes irritability, nightmares, slowed cognition, and intense cravings.
- 1–3 weeks: Emotional symptoms may linger, including anhedonia (lack of pleasure), suicidal thoughts, and lethargy.
At Ascend Recovery Center, stimulant detox includes mental health support, psychiatric evaluation, and careful monitoring to prevent psychological crises.
Cannabis Detox Timeline
While often underestimated, cannabis withdrawal is real—especially in high-dosage or long-term users.
- 1–3 days after cessation: Symptoms include irritability, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, and loss of appetite.
- 4–14 days: Symptoms peak and gradually decrease.
- 2–4 weeks: Psychological cravings may linger, along with sleep disturbances.
Though not medically dangerous, cannabis detox is still challenging, and we recommend supervised care to support clients through early recovery, particularly when co-occurring conditions are present.
Why Professional Detox Matters
Trying to detox at home is not only risky—it’s often ineffective. Without professional help, individuals are far more likely to relapse due to intense discomfort, unaddressed cravings, or medical complications.
At Ascend Recovery Center, we provide:
- 24/7 medical supervision
- Safe withdrawal management
- Access to medications
- Mental health support
- Individualized detox plans
- Smooth transition into structured treatment
Detox should never be viewed as the end of treatment—but the beginning of a full, supported recovery journey.
What Comes After Detox?
After detox, the most important phase begins: rehabilitation and therapy. Detox addresses the body, but addiction is rooted in the mind—and that’s where real healing takes place.
At Ascend, we offer a full continuum of care to support every stage of recovery:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Highly structured full-day care that includes therapy, psychiatry, relapse prevention, family involvement, and life skills development.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Flexible but structured support for clients ready to return to work, school, or home while continuing therapy several days per week.
Outpatient Program (OP)
For individuals needing lower-intensity care, OP offers accountability, group therapy, and relapse prevention planning as part of long-term recovery.
Each client’s treatment plan is customized based on their detox experience, goals, and clinical needs.
When Should You Seek Detox?
You or a loved one may need professional detox if:
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
- You’ve developed a physical or psychological dependence
- You use substances daily or in high quantities
- You’ve relapsed after previous attempts to quit
- You have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis
- You’ve tried tapering without success
If you’re unsure, our admissions team can conduct a confidential assessment and guide you toward the safest and most effective plan for your recovery.
Conclusion
Detox is the first step to a healthier, substance-free life—and how you approach it matters. How long detox takes depends on you, your substance use history, and the level of care you receive. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Ascend Recovery Center in North Carolina, we provide a medically safe, supportive environment for detox, followed by evidence-based treatment programs that empower lifelong recovery. Call (866) 606-5732 today to speak with our admissions team and begin your path toward health and healing with a trusted leader in addiction treatment in North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does detox typically last?
The length of detox varies based on the substance used, but most detox periods last 3 to 10 days. Some substances, like benzodiazepines, require tapering over weeks or months under medical supervision.
Is detox the same for all substances?
No. Each substance has a different detox timeline. For example, alcohol detox may peak within 72 hours, while opioid detox symptoms can last up to 10 days. Benzodiazepine detox may last much longer and requires gradual dose reduction.
What withdrawal symptoms can I expect during detox?
Common symptoms include anxiety, sweating, nausea, insomnia, cravings, and fatigue. Severe withdrawal—such as seizures or delirium tremens (DTs)—can occur during alcohol or benzo detox, which is why medical supervision is critical.
Can I detox at home safely?
It’s strongly discouraged to detox at home, especially from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. Medical detox ensures 24/7 monitoring, symptom management, and immediate intervention if complications arise.
What happens after detox at Ascend Recovery Center?
After detox, clients transition into one of our structured treatment programs in North Carolina, such as our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), or Outpatient Program (OP), for continued therapy and relapse prevention.
