How Long Does Withdrawal Last for Different Drugs?

Addictive drugs can have uncomfortable or even dangerous withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped. It’s important to know what the symptoms are and how long they will last, so that you know what to expect and when to seek medical attention.

Why Does Withdrawal from Drugs Occur?

When drugs or alcohol are used regularly, over time the brain becomes physiologically dependent on the substance, and being under the influence becomes the normal state for the addicted person. In other words, the person needs the drug to feel normal. When drug use stops, the brain tries to achieve a new balance as the body rids itself of the substance. This takes a certain amount of time, so for a while the brain’s chemistry is disrupted and out of balance, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Timelines and Symptoms by Drug

Every drug is different, with unique withdrawal symptoms that last for various amounts of time.

Alcohol

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start anywhere from six to twelve hours after the last drink. The timeline and symptoms are as follows.

• Six to 12 hours: Symptoms may include headache, tremors, anxiety, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues.
• 12 to 48 hours: The initial symptoms will continue, but at this stage, more serious symptoms may occur including hallucinations and seizures. This usually happens to people with more severe addictions.
• 48 to 72 hours: This is when withdrawal symptoms peak and can become dangerous. Symptoms include sweating, fever, confusion, rapid heartrate, and high blood pressure. The most serious symptom at this point can be delirium tremens, which is potentially fatal without medical intervention.
• After 72 hours: Symptoms will gradually begin to decline, and around the seven to 10 day mark will likely disappear.

Opioids

Opioids include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and heroin. Withdrawal symptoms can start anywhere from six hours to two days after the last use. Symptoms typically peak at two to three days, and then gradually reduce until they stop at between days five and 14. The timeline depends on the type of opioid and can vary from person to person.

Symptoms include:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased body temperature
• Racing heart
• Pains in muscles and bones
• Sweating
• Chills
• Elevated blood pressure.

Opioid withdrawal is generally just very uncomfortable and not life threatening, but still should be medically supervised because the vomiting and diarrhea could cause dehydration and even heart failure.

Stimulants

Stimulants include cocaine, amphetamines like Adderall, and methamphetamines. Withdrawal symptoms usually start in a few hours to a few days of the last use, and peak at about one week. For most, symptoms will end after about two weeks, but some symptoms can linger for 12 to 18 months.

Symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Jitteriness and jumpiness
• Chills
• Dehydration
• Dulled senses
• Slower speech and movement
• Loss of interest in activities
• Slow heart rate
• Irritability

• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Fatigue and body aches
• Depression
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Impaired memory
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

Depression can be severe and lead to suicidal thoughts, so medically supervised detox is recommended.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines include Xanax, valium, Ativan, and Klonopin. Withdrawal symptoms generally appear within 24 hours and can last for a few days to a few months. Some people even have symptoms years after stopping use.

Symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle pain
• Seizures

Inpatient Detox

For any drug or alcohol dependence, a period of medically supervised inpatient detox is highly recommended. The goal of detox is to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible as you go through withdrawal. Medications may be given to ease the withdrawal symptoms. In detox, it’s also important to eat regular meals and get a good amount of sleep to let your body heal and re-balance.

Detox, however, is not a standalone treatment for addiction and should be followed by another form of treatment, whether inpatient or outpatient.

Drug Addiction Treatment

You have several options when it comes to treatment for your drug addiction.

Inpatient Treatment

A 30 to 90 day inpatient treatment program includes a period of detox, but also includes intensive therapy, both for you individually and in groups. You may also be treated for any co-occurring disorders that you may have, such as anxiety and depression. Co-occurring disorders are extremely common, and both need to be treated for treatment to be effective. Medication may be part of the treatment for both your addiction and your co-occurring disorder.

Inpatient treatment is intensive, with most of your time generally spent in group therapy. Group therapy is critical to the treatment process, giving you the opportunity to learn from and interact with peers. You’ll likely form mutually supportive relationships with some of these peers, which can be invaluable.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) involves therapy for four to six hours per day, usually five days a week. The program may last anywhere from four weeks to ten weeks.

More often than not, a PHP program is a transitional step that occurs after inpatient treatment, although it can be an alternative to an inpatient stay.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of two to three hours of therapy several days a week for eight to twelve weeks. Often, sessions are held in the evenings so that you can still go to work or attend school.

IOPs can be standalone treatments, or they can be attended after inpatient treatment, PHPs, or both.

Support Groups

Some people with drug addictions don’t go to rehab at all but instead attend support group meetings through a program like Narcotics Anonymous (NA). While this may be effective for a few people, it’s not a standalone treatment for those who need medically supervised detox or who have a severe, long-term addiction. It can, however, complement other forms of treatment for everyone.

Comprehensive Treatment

The most effective treatment for drug addiction, particularly if it is severe, is a comprehensive treatment program that consists of an inpatient program, a PHP, and an IOP. Research shows that success rates increase the longer the treatment program. Even after IOP, support should continue through support groups, individual therapy, or both. Recovery from any addiction is a lifelong process that requires dedication, work, and a strong support network.

In Closing

Withdrawing from drugs or alcohol is no picnic, particularly if you do it on your own. An inpatient detox program can help you to get through it and keep you safe. Bridges of Hope offers several detox and treatment programs, and are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate, personalized treatment to help you begin your journey of lifelong recovery and building a more fulfilling, healthy life. Give us a call today to learn more.