Detoxification usually takes three to ten days. However, a more serious addiction can prolong detoxification by several weeks or even months. Therefore, you should know what to expect during detoxification before starting the detoxification process. Detoxification involves more than just initial withdrawal symptoms.
Detox treatment programs are designed to help people during the withdrawal process. While the time it takes to detoxify substances varies from person to person, detoxification programs usually last 3, 5, or 7 days. Detoxification is considered the first phase of addiction recovery and should not be considered a substitute for any necessary rehabilitation or therapy to be followed. After a repeated pattern of use, people can expect to experience a serious accident that can last several hours or several days.
The initial detox period usually takes up to three weeks for most users. During this time, symptoms may include intense psychological cravings, anxiety, depression, hunger, fatigue, paranoia, and abnormally low heartbeats. Signs of detoxification begin to appear 8 to 24 hours after stopping the medication and may last for days or a few weeks. Again, this all depends on what substance was used and for how long.
For example, heroin users show signs of peak symptoms within 72 to 96 hours, and opioid users continue up to 14 days after taking the last dose. For sedatives and hypnotics, you may be abstinent for 2 to 10 days.