How Long Does it Take to Detox from Alcohol?

If you’ve decided to stop drinking, one of your first questions is likely: how long does it take to detox from alcohol?

The length of alcohol detox varies for every person, depending on how long, how often, and how heavily they have been drinking. In most cases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin about six to eight hours after the last drink and continue for several days.

For many, the most intense symptoms occur within the first 24 to 72 hours, while others with severe alcohol dependence or delirium tremens (DTs) may experience withdrawal lasting a week or longer. In rare cases, protracted alcohol withdrawal can extend for several months as the brain and body gradually heal.

Because alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable and dangerous—sometimes leading to seizures or other medical complications—a medically supervised alcohol detox program is always the safest approach. At Alta Mira Recovery, clients detox under the care of licensed medical professionals who ensure comfort, safety, and support throughout every stage of withdrawal.

5 Key Takeaways About Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal

1. Withdrawal Begins Quickly
   Most people start to feel alcohol withdrawal symptoms within 6 to 8 hours after their last drink.

2. The Worst Symptoms Peak in 1 to 3 Days
   Detox is most intense between 24 and 72 hours, when the body adjusts to functioning without alcohol.

3. Severity Depends on Drinking Habits
   The longer and heavier someone drinks, the higher their risk for serious symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs).

4. Protracted Withdrawal Can Last for Months
   Some people experience ongoing symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, or sleep problems long after detox ends.

5. Medical Supervision Is Essential
   A medically supervised alcohol detox program ensures safety, comfort, and the best foundation for lasting recovery.

Because every person’s alcohol detox timeline is different, understanding what to expect – and when to seek medical supervision – is essential for safety and peace of mind. In this guide, you’ll learn the full alcohol withdrawal timeline, what symptoms appear at each stage, how long recovery usually takes, and why professional detox care matters.

Continue reading to discover how the process works, when symptoms peak, and how to navigate alcohol detox safely and successfully.

This content is medically reviewed and written by behavioral health professionals experienced in alcohol detoxification, withdrawal management, and addiction treatment. Alta Mira Recovery’s multidisciplinary team includes board-certified physicians, licensed therapists, and addiction specialists who provide evidence-based, medically supervised care for alcohol and substance use disorders.

Our Joint Commission-accredited treatment center in the San Francisco Bay Area follows national best practices for detox safety, clinical integrity, and holistic recovery. Every detail in this article reflects our commitment to accurate, compassionate, and research-informed education to help individuals and families understand what to expect during alcohol withdrawal.

When someone who has been drinking heavily stops suddenly, the body must adjust to functioning without alcohol. This process – known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) – can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms as the brain and central nervous system rebalance.

While any substance can trigger withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal is often more intense and potentially dangerous than other forms of detox. The severity and duration of AWS depend on many factors, including how long a person has been drinking, how much alcohol they consume, and their overall health.

People who drink more heavily or more frequently are at greater risk of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, confusion, or seizures. Because of these risks, medical supervision during alcohol detox is essential for safety and comfort.

The intensity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms varies for each person and depends on several factors – including how long someone has been drinking, how much alcohol they consume, and their overall physical and mental health.

For most people, alcohol detox symptoms begin about six to eight hours after the last drink and can range from mild anxiety and irritability to serious medical complications. Early symptoms may feel similar to a hangover, but as the body clears more alcohol, symptoms can become more severe without proper care.

Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Irritability or anxiety

• Fatigue or weakness

• Depression and mood swings

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Nightmares

• Sweating and clammy skin

• Headaches

• Nausea and vomiting

• Decreased appetite

• Rapid heartbeat

• Tremors or shaking

People who have been drinking heavily for many years may experience more severe symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion, seizures, or delirium tremens (DTs). These are medical emergencies and require immediate professional care.

The alcohol detox timeline is different for everyone, but most people experience withdrawal symptoms within a predictable range. Typically, alcohol withdrawal begins six to eight hours after the last drink and progresses through several stages over the following days.

For many, the most difficult symptoms occur during the first 24 to 48 hours. During this time, people may experience shaking, sweating, irritability, nausea, or insomnia. As the body stabilizes, symptoms usually begin to ease after two to three days.

However, individuals who have been drinking heavily or for an extended period may face a more severe detox process. Seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs) can begin around 24 to 48 hours after alcohol use stops. Because these symptoms can be life-threatening, medical supervision during detox is essential for safety and stabilization.

People who have been drinking heavily or for many years may face severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms that follow a more intense timeline. These symptoms develop in predictable stages but can vary based on the individual’s health, history, and level of dependence.

• 6 to 12 hours after the last drink – Mild withdrawal symptoms typically begin, including headaches, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and loss of appetite.
• 12 to 24 hours – Some individuals start to experience alcohol withdrawal hallucinations, which may be visual, auditory, or tactile.
• 24 to 48 hours – Seizures can occur during this period, especially among people with a long history of heavy drinking.
• 48 to 72 hours – The most severe stage of withdrawal can bring delirium tremens (DTs), characterized by confusion, disorientation, fever, agitation, delusions, and ongoing hallucinations.

Most people see significant improvement after about seven days, though some symptoms may persist longer. Because this stage of alcohol detox can be life-threatening, it’s crucial to complete withdrawal in a medically supervised detox program where trained clinicians can monitor and manage symptoms safely.

For some individuals, withdrawal symptoms do not completely end after the first few days of detox. Protracted Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) – sometimes called post-acute withdrawal – refers to lingering physical and emotional symptoms that can last for weeks or even months after alcohol use stops.

Common protracted alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety or irritability

• Sleep disturbances or insomnia

• Tremors or shaking

• Elevated heart rate or blood pressure

• Ongoing fatigue or low energy

• Mental fog, difficulty concentrating, or low motivation

In some cases, people experience the opposite of early withdrawal symptoms, such as slowed metabolism, persistent tiredness, or low mood. These symptoms can make recovery more challenging and may increase the risk of relapse if not addressed.

At Alta Mira Recovery, ongoing therapeutic support and evidence-based treatment help clients manage these lingering effects safely while rebuilding stability and wellbeing after detox.

PWS is uncomfortable but can also increase the risk of relapse, so ongoing treatment for alcoholism is important.

Detoxing from alcohol without medical support can be extremely dangerous. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to serious health complications – including seizures, heart arrhythmias, respiratory issues, and in severe cases, delirium tremens (DTs). Research shows that between five and 15 percent of people with DTs can die without proper treatment.

While medical supervision does not necessarily shorten the alcohol withdrawal timeline, it significantly reduces the risk of complications and makes the process much safer and more comfortable. In a medically supervised alcohol detox program, trained clinicians monitor vital signs, manage symptoms, and provide the medications and emotional support needed for stability.

At Alta Mira Recovery, clients receive 24-hour care in a supportive, private environment designed for safety and healing. Medical detox is the first step toward lasting recovery, providing the foundation for the comprehensive alcohol treatmentt and therapeutic work that follows.

1. Alcohol Detox Varies for Everyone
   The length of detox depends on how long, how often, and how heavily a person has been drinking, as well as overall health and genetics.

2. Withdrawal Usually Starts Within 6 to 8 Hours
   Early symptoms often appear just hours after the last drink, signaling the body’s first adjustment to sobriety.

3. Most Withdrawal Peaks Within 48 to 72 Hours
   The most intense period of detox typically occurs during the first two to three days, when the risk of seizures and severe symptoms is highest.

4. Mild Symptoms Can Feel Like Anxiety or a Hangover
   Early withdrawal may include irritability, sweating, insomnia, and nausea – signs that the nervous system is rebalancing.

5. Severe Withdrawal Requires Immediate Medical Attention
   Heavy, long-term drinkers may experience hallucinations, disorientation, or delirium tremens (DTs), a life-threatening emergency.

6. The Alcohol Detox Timeline Follows Predictable Stages
   Symptoms progress in phases – mild within the first 12 hours, moderate by 24 to 48 hours, and severe within 2 to 3 days.

7. Protracted Alcohol Withdrawal Can Last for Months
   Some individuals continue to experience anxiety, fatigue, or sleep problems for weeks or even a year after acute detox ends.

8. Medical Supervision Makes Detox Safer and More Comfortable
   In a medically supervised alcohol detox program, trained clinicians manage symptoms, monitor vital signs, and ensure stabilization.

9. Detox Alone Is Not Enough for Lasting Recovery
   While detox clears alcohol from the body, true healing requires ongoing therapy, medical support, and integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions.

10. Alta Mira Recovery Provides Comprehensive Care
    Located in the Bay Area, Alta Mira offers medically supervised detox, evidence-based treatment, and compassionate care in a private residential setting to support long-term wellness.

If you or someone you love is struggling to stop drinking, you do not have to face withdrawal alone. Medically supervised alcohol detox at Alta Mira Recovery in the San Francisco Bay Area offers a safe, supportive environment where healing begins under the care of licensed medical professionals.

Our team provides 24-hour monitoring, comfort-focused interventions, and comprehensive treatment to help you stabilize and begin building a foundation for lasting recovery. Many clients continue into our residential and therapeutic programs for alcohol use disorder, ensuring a seamless transition from detox to ongoing care.

Take the first step today. Call (866) 922-1350 or reach out through our confidential online form to learn more about our alcohol detox and treatment programs and how we can help you reclaim your health, peace, and purpose.