If you are struggling with alcohol use and thinking about quitting, you may be wondering, “How long does it take to recover from alcohol withdrawal?” Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable—even overwhelming—but understanding what to expect can make the process feel less intimidating.
Starting your recovery journey can be challenging, but at Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we are here to support you. Our alcohol addiction treatment program provides medical supervision, emotional support, and a personalized approach to help you through detox and beyond. If you are ready to make a change, contact us today, and we can enroll you in a detox program.
What to Expect During Alcohol Withdrawal
When you stop drinking after regular or heavy alcohol use, your body goes through a detox process. This is because alcohol affects the brain’s chemistry, and once it is removed, your body has to adjust.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol?
Detoxing from alcohol typically lasts three to seven days, but withdrawal symptoms can extend beyond that. The length and severity of detox depend on the following:
- How much and how often you have been drinking
- Your overall health and medical history
- Whether you have gone through withdrawal before
The safest way to detox is with the support of caring professionals, like the team at our alcohol rehab center in Washington State. We are here to guide you, monitor your symptoms, and provide the support you need every step of the way.
Alcohol Withdrawal: What Happens Day by Day?
While everyone’s experience is different, here is a general timeline of alcohol withdrawal symptoms:
Six to 12 Hours After Your Last Drink
- Anxiety, restlessness, and irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and difficulty sleeping
24 to 48 Hours: Symptoms Peak
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Sweating and shaking (tremors)
- Possible hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
48 to 72 Hours: Risk of Severe Symptoms
- Some people may develop delirium tremens (DTs), a dangerous condition that can cause confusion, fever, and seizures
- Mood swings and agitation
- Insomnia and continued discomfort
Three to Seven Days: Symptoms Begin to Ease
- Physical symptoms start improving
- Anxiety and cravings may still be present
- Your body starts adjusting to life without alcohol
Beyond a Week: Emotional and Mental Recovery Begins
- Some symptoms, like fatigue and trouble sleeping, may linger
- Emotional healing starts—therapy and support groups become critical
- You begin rebuilding a healthy lifestyle
While withdrawal is intense, it does not last forever. You can get through it safely and start feeling better with professional support.
How Long Can Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
While most physical withdrawal symptoms subside within a week, mental and emotional recovery takes longer. Some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which can cause:
- Anxiety and depression
- Cravings for alcohol
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
These symptoms can last for weeks or even months, but with the proper treatment, they become manageable. Spokane Falls Recovery Center offers therapy, support groups, and aftercare planning to help you stay on track.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Alcohol Withdrawal?
The recovery timeline is different for everyone. Here is what you can expect in the weeks and months following detox:
- Week one – Physical symptoms improve, but emotional challenges may arise
- Month one – Your body starts to heal, but cravings and mood swings may still occur
- Month three – Your brain adjusts to life without alcohol, and you start feeling stronger
- Six months to a year – Many people feel significantly better—more energy, improved mental clarity, and stronger emotional resilience
Recovery does not end after detox. Addiction treatment and ongoing support are key to long-term success.
The Importance of Professional Treatment for Lasting Recovery
Quitting alcohol on your own can be risky, especially if you have been drinking heavily for a long time. That is where alcohol rehab centers come in—they provide the care and support you need to get through withdrawal safely and avoid complications.
There are so many benefits to professional treatment. With medical detox, you get supervised care and medications to make withdrawal manageable and safer. Therapy can give you emotional support and the tools to stop relapse in its tracks. With long-term recovery support like outpatient care, support groups, and aftercare planning, you will have the resources to stay sober for good.
Recovery is a tough journey, but you do not have to do it on your own. Help is here every step of the way. Spokane Falls Recovery Center can be the holistic recovery care you have been searching for. Reach out today, and let us guide you toward a healthier life without alcohol.
Reach Out to Spokane Falls Recovery Center to Start Your Recovery with Our Alcohol Detox Program
If you are wondering, “How long does it take to recover from alcohol withdrawal?” The truth is, the most challenging step is deciding to ask for help. Withdrawal is temporary, but the rewards of recovery can last a lifetime.
We are here to support your recovery. Our addiction treatment programs provide compassionate care, effective therapy, and the encouragement you need to begin the healing process. Call 844.962.2775 today or contact us online.
