Detox is an important step toward addiction recovery, and our program provides a safe and supportive environment to ensure a successful outcome. Alcohol detox can involve a variety of treatment options, from medications and monitoring to alleviate the health risks of withdrawal to nutritional support to behavioral therapy. The process can last an average of one week before the withdrawal symptoms have run their course and may take longer depending on such factors as how severe the addiction’s become, how healthy the patient is when starting treatment, and how quickly the liver can filter out the alcohol. Generally speaking, though, alcohol detox can be broken down into these four stages: Early Stage (4-12 hours after the last drink) Withdrawal and detox can begin as early as two hours after the last drink in severe cases, but the symptoms more frequently begin around 6-24 hours after the last drink. At this stage, the symptoms are usually mild. Medication is not typically required at this point. Peak Stage (1-3 days after the last drink) This is usually the worst stage for most addictions. The peak stage typically occurs between 24-48 hours after the last drink. By this time, nearly all of the alcohol has left the body. The danger of a relapse is strongest at this point. This is when medication and therapeutic intervention are critical. Weakening Stage (3-5 days after the last drink) By this point, the body is starting to acclimate to the absence of alcohol. The acute withdrawal symptoms begin to subside. Medication can now be weaned off or ceased altogether. Other forms of therapy may be introduced to focus on long-term recovery. For the most severe cases, this may be when delirium tremens begins. Final Stage (5+ days after the last drink) This recovery stage usually begins between 5 to 14 days after detox starts. Inpatients are now able to leave detox and enter residential or outpatient treatment. Delirium tremens, the most severe and dangerous form of alcohol withdrawal if left untreated, can prolong the peak stage. Its symptoms typically begin within 2-3 days of the last drink and might last up to ten days, although most of its symptoms subside within a week.