How Long Does Drug and Alcohol Detox Last?

Drug and alcohol addiction recovery involves several phases. In many cases, the first step is detoxification, also known as detox.

Detox removes traces of drugs and/or alcohol from the body. Detox can vary in length and must be done under careful supervision, as it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. The process is different for everyone and may require patience, compassion, and understanding from loved ones. If you’re starting recovery, it’s also important to be patient with yourself and recognize that detoxification takes time.

Seeking expert help during alcohol and drug addiction recovery, including detox, is hugely beneficial. Tailored programs provided by Jackson House deliver round-the-clock support, from withdrawal and detox to treatment and aftercare. 

Key Detoxification Factors 

Key factors of the detoxification process to be aware of include:

• Symptoms of detoxification: In some cases, detoxification causes withdrawal symptoms. These can vary in nature and severity, depending on the individual and the substances involved in the detoxing process. Examples of withdrawal symptoms include:
  
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Shaking and tremors
  • Seizures
  • Sweating
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Muscle aches and soreness
  • Feeling irritable and restless
  • Insomnia
  • Hallucinations

• Detoxing duration varies from one person to another: The duration of detoxification varies depending on several factors. These include the type of substance, the length of substance misuse, and the individual’s mental and physical health. 
• Medical detox benefits: Medical detox provides access to 24-hour support and supervision from trained, experienced medical teams. Detoxing can be dangerous if not managed properly. Jackson House provides expert residential care by skilled, compassionate staff members who plan and implement tailored treatment programs. 

The Timeline of Detoxification

There is no universal timeline for detoxification, and one person’s detox may look very different from another’s. Some detoxes last longer than others, and some people have more severe withdrawal and detoxification symptoms. 

As a general guide, here are example timelines for the detoxification of different substances:

• Alcohol: Withdrawal symptoms usually subside within 1-2 weeks.
• Benzodiazepines: These drugs, which include Xanax and Valium, can cause detox symptoms for up to 2 weeks.
• Stimulants: Stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines, leave the body quickly, causing a short-term high. Detox periods tend to be shorter for these types of drugs.
• Heroin and prescription painkillers: These drugs can cause symptoms for several weeks, but most people experience symptoms for 3-10 days.

Understanding the Medical Detox Process

A medical detox takes place under supervision at a dedicated treatment facility. The primary aim of a medical detox is to clear the body of harmful substances while managing withdrawal symptoms carefully. The process includes these key steps:

1. Initial evaluation: Before a detox begins, a trained medical professional will carry out a detailed evaluation. It’s essential that individuals have customized detox plans catered to their specific needs and requirements. 
2. Withdrawal: Withdrawal is the process of cutting down or eliminating substances such as alcohol or drugs. Withdrawal must be done very carefully because it can trigger severe symptoms. Examples include headaches, seizures, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms occur because the body has become reliant on the addictive substance in question.
3. Stabilization period: The next step in the medical detox process is a stabilization period that involves ongoing treatment and management. The focus switches from detoxing and controlling withdrawal symptoms to recovery. 
4. Long-term treatment options: Recovering from alcohol or drug addiction is a long-term process that can take months, years, or decades. Treatment options include residential addiction treatment programs, involvement in support groups, therapy and counseling, outpatient services, and sober living. 

Medical Supervision During Detox

Medical supervision during detox offers multiple benefits for individuals and their loved ones. Residential care from Jackson House Recovery Centers offers the following benefits:

• 24-hour care, support, and guidance
• Access to highly trained, experienced medical professionals
• A safe, secure, and comfortable environment during detoxification
• Access to support staff
• Peer support and relationship forming with others participating in treatment
• Medication management
• Tailored help and support based on individual needs and preferences
• Peace of mind for relatives and friends
• Support for loved ones

Jackson House is uniquely positioned to assist individuals with detoxification. Staff members are in place to provide customized residential alcohol and drug addiction treatment. Jackson House understands the complexities and challenges of detox and the importance of customizing treatment plans for each individual. 

What Happens After Detox?

After a medical detox, the primary goals are to facilitate recovery and support individuals to prevent relapse. 

Inpatient and outpatient treatment

After detoxification, individuals move to the next stage of treatment, which may include residential inpatient or outpatient services. This stage involves individual circumstances as well as advice and recommendations from a treatment team. Accessing ongoing support is invaluable for maintaining sobriety and ensuring that individuals don’t feel alone at any point in recovery. 

Strategies to prevent relapse

There are multiple ways to support ongoing sobriety. These include:

• Making use of aftercare and ongoing support services, including alumni groups
• Joining local support groups
• Leaning on a support system of friends and family members
• Limiting exposure to and avoiding triggers
• Prioritizing self-care to maintain good physical and mental health
• Seeking help if maintaining sobriety is tough

Residential Detoxification Treatment

Detoxification is one step in the recovery process, and it looks different for everyone. There is no universal timeline or list of expected symptoms. And since recovery can be a long and challenging journey, it’s important to have access to the right help, resources, and support.

Offering customized, personalized alcohol and drug addiction treatment in San Diego, Jackson House specializes in supervised medical detoxes, ongoing treatment, and aftercare. For advice or more information about residential detoxification in San Diego, contact Jackson House Recovery Centers. Start your recovery journey today.