Detox is the first step toward sobriety. It’s how your body begins healing by clearing out the substance you’ve been using. But how long that takes depends on the type of drug, how much you’ve been using, and your overall health.
This guide breaks down detox timelines by substance and shows why medical support during withdrawal is so important.
Related Article: What to Know About Detox and Withdrawal
General Detox Overview
Most detox periods last between 3 to 10 days, but that’s just a rough average. Several key factors influence detox duration:
- The specific drug or combination of drugs
- Length and intensity of use
- Your metabolism, age, and physical health
- Mental health conditions or history
- Whether detox is medically supervised
At Addiction Rehab Toronto, we provide a safe, comfortable environment with medical monitoring 24/7 so that alcohol detox can happen with less risk and more confidence.
Alcohol Detox Timeline
Alcohol detox can begin as early as 6 hours after your last drink, especially in heavy or long-term users. Symptoms usually peak within 24 to 72 hours, including anxiety, tremors, nausea, insomnia, and in severe cases, seizures or hallucinations.
Most people feel physical symptoms taper off after 7 to 10 days, though emotional and sleep-related issues can linger longer. For some, full stabilization takes up to 3 weeks.
Because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, medical detox is strongly recommended.
Opioid Detox Timeline
Withdrawal from opioids, including heroin, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl, usually begins 6 to 24 hours after the last dose. Early symptoms include restlessness, sweating, yawning, and muscle aches. These peak within 1 to 2 days, often described as severe flu-like discomfort.
Most physical symptoms ease by day 7 to 10, but sleep problems, mood swings, and cravings may linger longer. Medication-assisted detox can make this process more manageable and much safer.
Benzodiazepine Detox Timeline
Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Ativan, and Clonazepam require a slow, supervised taper to avoid dangerous withdrawal effects like seizures, confusion, or panic attacks.
Symptoms often begin a few days to a week after stopping, depending on whether it was a short-acting or long-acting medication. Peak symptoms may appear around 10 to 14 days, with acute withdrawal lasting 3 to 8 weeks or more.
Some people experience lingering symptoms for months, so it’s critical to detox under medical care with a customized tapering schedule.
Methamphetamine Detox Timeline
Meth withdrawal begins within 24 to 48 hours after last use. The initial crash is marked by fatigue, irritability, sleepiness, and depression.
Symptoms typically peak between days 2 and 10, then gradually fade. Most people feel better physically within 1 to 2 weeks, although mood instability and cravings can last much longer. Supportive care is key for staying on track during this phase.
Related Article: What Is the Best Treatment for Meth Addiction
Cocaine Detox Timeline
Cocaine detox starts quickly, often within a few hours to a day after stopping. Symptoms include mood swings, agitation, and intense fatigue. While there’s no major physical risk like seizures, emotional symptoms can be intense.
Most people complete acute withdrawal in 7 to 10 days, but depression, cravings, and sleep disturbances can stretch for several weeks. Support and structure during this phase are essential.
Marijuana Detox Timeline
Though marijuana is often viewed as non-addictive, long-term users can experience withdrawal after stopping. Symptoms usually begin within 1 to 3 days and peak around day 3 to 4.
People commonly report irritability, insomnia, reduced appetite, and restlessness. These typically improve within 2 to 4 weeks, though cravings and sleep issues may linger in some cases.
Why Detox Timelines Differ
No two people detox the same way. Here’s why one person may recover in a few days while another needs weeks:
- Type of drug (short-acting vs. long-acting)
- Dose and frequency of use
- Polysubstance use (using more than one drug at once)
- Chronic health issues
- History of relapse or previous detox attempts
Even your environment, like stress levels and family support, can affect how fast or smoothly you detox.
Related Article: The Importance of Clinical Supervision for Drug Addiction Recovery
Why Medically Supervised Detox Matters
Trying to detox on your own isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. At Addiction Rehab Toronto, we provide the following services under medically supervised detox:
- 24/7 nursing care and medical supervision
- Access to medications that ease symptoms and reduce cravings
- Emotional support and mental health monitoring
- A safe, non-judgmental environment
- Clear planning for what comes next
Whether you’re detoxing from alcohol, opioids, benzos, or stimulants, professional care makes a huge difference in both comfort and safety.
What Comes After Detox?
Detox is the beginning, not the end, of recovery. Once the body clears the drug, we help clients transition into deeper treatment, which may include:
- In-patient rehab or virtual therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Family counselling and trauma support
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Aftercare planning and peer support
This full-spectrum approach helps prevent relapse and gives clients the tools to rebuild long-term wellness.
A Quick Look at Detox Durations
Here’s a simplified look at what to expect by substance:
- Alcohol: Symptoms start within 6–24 hours; most resolve in 1–3 weeks.
- Opioids: Withdrawal begins within 6–24 hours; symptoms peak in 2 days and usually ease within 7–10 days.
- Benzos: Symptoms may take days to start and can last 3–8 weeks or more.
- Meth: Physical symptoms peak between 2–10 days; mood recovery may take weeks.
- Cocaine: Withdrawal starts quickly and typically resolves in 7–10 days.
- Marijuana: Mild symptoms start within 1–3 days and fade by 2–4 weeks.
Choose Support That Works
At Addiction Rehab Toronto, we know detox is one of the hardest but most important steps in recovery. Whether it’s alcohol, opioids, benzos, or any combination, our detox programs are built for safety, comfort, and long-term results.
We provide:
- 24/7 medical monitoring
- Customized detox plans
- Ongoing therapy and support after detox
- Family involvement and education
- A non-judgmental space to begin healing
Related Article: Solution-Focused Therapy for Addiction: Small Goals, Big Results
Start Strong, Stay Safe
If you or someone you love is ready to begin detox, don’t do it alone. The right support makes all the difference – physically and emotionally.
Reach out to Addiction Rehab Toronto today to speak with a specialist and create a detox plan that fits your needs. From Day 1 to long-term recovery, we’re with you every step of the way.
