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Alcohol Detox Timelines

The period of acute detox, during which the body recovers from a physical dependence on alcohol, usually lasts an average of three to seven days. The severity of the symptoms during acute detox depends on the patient and the extent of the addiction, however,certain symptoms are common to most patients.

  1. 6 to 12 Hours After Detox Begins

    • Patients who are withdrawing from a dependence on alcohol usually begin to experience mild symptoms approximately 6 to 12 hours after the alcohol leaves their body. These symptoms include a general feeling of agitation and anxiety. You may be unable to sleep or eat, and you may feel sick to your stomach. You may have a headache and feel shaky or unstable. Generally, you will also feel a strong craving for alcohol during this time.

    12 to 24 Hours After Detox Begins

    • The mild symptoms continue to persist, and additional, more severe symptoms, including hallucinations, begin for most patients. Patients may hear things that are not there, see things that are not there and feel things that are not there.

    24 to 48 Hours After Detox Begins

    • Within 24 to 48 hours, some patients begin to experience seizures or convulsions. The mild and persistent symptoms continue, but most of the acute hallucinations that began after the first 12 hours begin to fade. However, approximately 48 to 72 hours after detox began, visual hallucinations may begin again. In addition, 48 hours into detox, patients may become delirious, experience hypertension and develop a fever. These symptoms reach their height five days after detox begins. Usually after seven days, the withdrawal process is complete and the period of acute detox ends.

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