How Long Does It Take to Detox From Alcohol?
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening without medical supervision. Here's what detox involves and why doing it alone can be dangerous.
General information, not professional advice — see terms of use.
Alcohol detox timeline:
6–12 hours after last drink: Early withdrawal — anxiety, tremors, headache, nausea, insomnia, elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
12–24 hours: Symptoms intensify. Some experience alcoholic hallucinations.
24–72 hours: Peak danger. Withdrawal seizures most commonly occur 24–48 hours after the last drink. Delirium tremens (DTs) — confusion, rapid heart rate, fever, severe tremors — can develop 48–72 hours after stopping.
DTs are life-threatening: Without medical treatment, DTs have a 5–15% mortality rate. With treatment, under 1%.
72 hours–1 week: Symptoms begin to subside. Psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, cravings) may persist weeks.
Who is at highest risk: Daily drinkers, people with previous withdrawal seizures or DTs, heavy drinkers over many years.
Medical detox provides medications (benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants) that dramatically reduce seizure and DT risk.
Follow-up questions
Is it safe to detox from alcohol at home?
It depends on your drinking history. Light to moderate drinkers may manage at home with medical supervision. Heavy daily drinkers should NEVER quit cold turkey without medical supervision — alcohol is one of the few substances where withdrawal can be fatal. Call your doctor or SAMHSA (1-800-662-4357) before stopping.
What medications are used in alcohol detox?
Benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Librium) are the standard treatment — they prevent seizures and DTs. Anticonvulsants like carbamazepine are used in some settings. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is given to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy, a serious brain condition common in heavy drinkers.
How long does alcohol withdrawal last?
Acute withdrawal symptoms peak at 24–72 hours and typically resolve within 5–7 days with medical treatment. However, Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) — persistent anxiety, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues — can last weeks to months after stopping alcohol.
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