The short answer to that question is that it takes the body about seven to 10 days to detox from alcohol.
But there’s more to it than that. It’s true that the nausea, insomnia and shaking hands will have subsided by the time detox is over. But it’s also true that detox marks the beginning of recovery—not the end.
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?
First, let’s dive into what you can expect from detox. Six hours after your last drink, you may experience shakiness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and muscle weakness.
After 12 to 24 hours of not drinking, symptoms can include high blood pressure, an increased body temperature, confusion and an unusual heart rate.
In the 48 to 72 hours after stopping drinking, alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD) can set in, bringing with it agitation, excitement, delirium, nightmares, confusion and more. While AWD is relatively uncommon, it can be dangerous, even deadly.
How Long Can Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
Once detox is over, the second phase of recovery begins. Feelings of physical sickness are over, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be feeling good.
In some ways, the worst part will be over. But there is still a very long road ahead.
In this phase, you can expect to experience anxiety, have trouble sleeping and just, in general, feel kind of blah. This period lasts can last for months, but most experts agree that the first three months after quitting drinking are the hardest.
How to Make Recovery from Alcohol Addiction Easier
There’s a reason why quality rehabs are often as long as 90 days. Sure, detox is behind you. But the long weeks of feeling listless and dull can be equally challenging,
And that’s exactly where a good rehab comes in. Yes, it will take time for your body and mind to fully recover from the abuse of alcohol. But there are things that can be done to speed things along.
Healthy nutrition, amino acid therapy and exercise are all powerful tools that can be used to feel better. So is therapy, which can uncover any co-occurring conditions that may have held you back without you even knowing it.
At the end of the day, it’s not really enough to be sober. The right treatment program also works to make sure that you’re happy, challenged and on the right path to living the life you’ve always wanted to.
Alcohol Recovery at The Raleigh House
At The Raleigh House, we take a whole-person approach to recovery. That means we don’t just get the alcohol out of your system. We work with you to help you recover psychologically, mentally, spiritually and socially as well. Rehab isn’t just about giving something up; it’s about getting your life back. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about the evidence-based alcohol addiction treatment program at The Raleigh House.