Detoxification — often called detox — is the process of eliminating drugs and alcohol from your body after a period of heavy use. It can be approached in one of two ways: 

• Tapering – Gradually reducing the amount of the addictive substance to minimize withdrawal symptoms. 
• Cold turkey – Stopping all use abruptly, which carries a higher risk of severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Both methods can be dangerous without medical supervision. For individuals with severe or long-term substance use disorder, detoxing in a specialized facility is often the safest option.

Medical detox provides 24/7 monitoring, withdrawal management, and medication to reduce discomfort, control cravings, and support mental well-being. This approach also ensures proper nutrition, hydration, and overall health stabilization.

A medical detox facility offers a safe, controlled environment free from everyday triggers, allowing individuals to focus entirely on recovery.

The length of detox varies based on several factors, such as the duration and severity of substance use, the specific substance(s) involved, overall health, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.

Average detox timelines for common substances:

• Alcohol – Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6 hours after reducing or stopping alcohol intake. Symptoms peak within 72 hours of starting detox and generally subside within 7-10 days. Severe cases may experience lingering effects for weeks or months.
• Opioids (e.g., prescription painkillers, heroin, fentanyl) – Symptoms appear within 6-12 hours of last use, peak at 72 hours, and typically subside within 7-10 days. 
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan) – Short-acting benzo withdrawal begins within 24-48 hours and can last up to a month. Long-acting benzos may cause symptoms lasting two months or more.
• Cocaine – Withdrawal symptoms start within a few hours of last use and can last 7-14 days. Crack cocaine withdrawal may begin sooner than powder cocaine withdrawal.
• Stimulants (e.g., methamphetamine, ecstasy) – Withdrawal symptoms may start within a few days and last several weeks, with psychological effects like depression and cravings lingering for months.

It’s important to note that your detox experience may differ from others, even those with similar addiction patterns. Symptom severity, treatment response, and co-existing conditions are all factors that can influence the detox duration.

Detox is an essential step in addressing the physical aspects of addiction. However, it rarely leads to lasting sobriety on its own. It’s crucial to follow detox with more intensive treatment or therapy that explores the psychological and behavioral components of addiction.

Post-detox options may include:

• Formal treatment programs (inpatient rehab or intensive outpatient treatment)
• Therapy (individual or group therapy sessions)
• Support resources (mutual aid groups, sober communities, and other recovery resources)

Engaging in these additional support systems is vital for building a foundation for lasting recovery.