The decision to stop misusing alcohol or other substances is a brave one. The next step is detoxing. But how long does it take to detox from the substance in your system? The answer to this question is important because it helps you set aside the time you need to recover fully.
Want to know more about drug and alcohol detox? Zelus Recovery provides compassionate treatment to teens and adults. To learn how we can help you or your teen, call us today at 208.518.0797.
How Long Does It Take to Detox While in Rehab?
Typically, how long does it take to detox from drugs or alcohol? The answer to this question may be more complicated than you would think. Why?
Not everyone with substance problems can expect to follow the same timeline during detox. Instead, multiple factors help determine the amount of time you need to reach initial sobriety. Such factors include:
- The specific substances in your bloodstream
- Your accustomed level of substance use
- The amount of time you’ve taken any given substance
- How severely you’re impacted by substance addiction
Your detox team will take all of these things into consideration. They can then give you a good idea of how long it will take to detox. But even then, the stated time is an estimate, not a firm prediction. Why is that the case? Factors unique to you may change your expected recovery timeline.
The Estimated Timeline to Detox Your Body From Drugs
How long does it take to detox from drugs in each common category? Rough estimates for a general timeline are as follows:
- Stimulants – somewhere between three and five days
- Opioids – anywhere from four days to three weeks
- Sedatives and tranquilizers – anywhere from two weeks to two months or more
All forms of stimulant detox take essentially the same amount of time. That’s true whether you use cocaine, amphetamine, or methamphetamine. However, detox timelines vary for different kinds of opioids. That’s also the case for different kinds of sedatives and tranquilizers.
Some opioids, including heroin, are classified as short-acting. These substances pass through your system relatively quickly. As a result, it takes less time to detox from them. Other opioids are classified as long-acting and take longer to pass through your system. You’ll need more time to detox from these substances.
There’s a similar pattern among sedatives and tranquilizers. For example, it takes a relatively brief amount of time to detox from the popular sedative Xanax (alprazolam). In contrast, it can take much longer to detox from another popular sedative, Valium (diazepam).
How Long Does Detox Take During Alcohol Treatment?
Technically, alcohol is also classified as a kind of drug. How long does detox take during alcohol recovery? If you’re mildly impacted by alcoholism, you may only need a couple of days to clear your system. However, the process usually takes longer for those with more serious problems. A good upper-range estimate for this form of detox is about ten days. Please remember that this is an estimate. You or someone you know may need more time to detox from alcohol.
The Role of Medical Assistance in Detox
Some people who are new to the detox process wonder if medical help is necessary. In most cases, it’s a good idea to undergo professional medical supervision during detox. This applies whether you’re going through home-based treatment or getting care in a specialized facility.
Why? One answer is safety. Depending on your circumstances, there’s some risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms during the detox process. These symptoms may include life-threatening seizures and cardiac events. When you receive ongoing monitoring, trained professionals can quickly intervene if these problems occur.
Call Zelus Recovery to Start Drug and Alcohol Detox Today
How long does it take to detox from drugs? That depends on the types of drugs in your system. It also depends on a variety of additional factors. The same facts apply to alcohol detox, as well. When you enroll in your program, you’ll get an estimated timeline that’s appropriate for your particular situation.
Have any more questions about the detox process? Call the professionals at Zelus Recovery today at 208.518.0797. You can also reach us online. When you need effective support for any form of substance detox, we’re standing by to help.
