How Long Does It Take to Detox Cleanse?

December 11, 2025 •

2 min read

The average length of a medically supervised detox program for substance abuse is approximately eight days. However, the total time required for a complete detox cleanse can vary. The duration is influenced by individual factors and the substance involved.

Quick Summary

Detoxification duration depends on substance type, usage history, dosage, and individual health factors. Acute withdrawal typically lasts a few days to a week, with psychological symptoms potentially lingering longer. Medical supervision is crucial for safety and effective management.

Key Points

Variable Duration: The time to complete a detox cleanse can range from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on various factors.
Key Influencers: Duration is primarily impacted by the substance type, how long and how much it was used, and the individual's overall health.
Acute Phase: The most intense physical withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 24 to 72 hours and largely resolve within one to two weeks.
Psychological Symptoms: Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), involving cravings, mood swings, and sleep issues, can persist for weeks or months.
Medical Supervision Recommended: For alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines, medical supervision is crucial due to potentially life-threatening withdrawal risks.
Detox is Step One: Detoxification addresses physical dependence but must be followed by ongoing therapy and support to treat the underlying behavioral and psychological aspects of addiction.

Factors Influencing Detox Duration

Several factors determine how long detoxification takes:

Substance Type: Different substances have varying withdrawal timelines. Alcohol and short-acting opioids clear faster than others.
Usage History: Longer and heavier use often leads to more severe and prolonged withdrawal.
Dosage: Higher doses can increase dependence and prolong detox.
Individual Health: Factors like age, health, and metabolism play a role in detox speed.
Co-occurring Conditions: Mental health conditions can complicate and extend the detox process.
Detox Method: Medical supervision can impact the speed and safety of detox compared to attempting it alone.

Typical Substance Detox Timelines

While individual experiences differ, here are general timelines for acute withdrawal:


Substance	Onset of Symptoms	Peak Symptoms	Acute Withdrawal Duration
Alcohol	6-12 hours	24-72 hours	5-7 days
Short-acting Opioids	8-24 hours	36-72 hours	4-10 days
Long-acting Opioids	2-4 days	96-144 hours	10-14+ days
Benzodiazepines	1-4 days	Within two weeks	Weeks to months (taper required)
Stimulants	Within 24 hours	24-72 hours	3-7 days (physical), cravings can last months
Marijuana	1-3 days	Within 10 days	2-3+ weeks

Stages of Detoxification

Detox typically involves three stages:

Onset of Symptoms

This initial stage starts hours to a day after last use, with the first signs of withdrawal.

Peak Symptoms

Within 24 to 72 hours, symptoms intensify and may include severe anxiety, tremors, and potentially dangerous reactions. Medical supervision is crucial here.

Lingering Symptoms

After acute symptoms subside, psychological effects like mood swings, sleep problems, and cravings (PAWS) can persist for weeks or months. Ongoing support is vital to prevent relapse.

Conclusion

The duration of a detox cleanse varies widely. While physical withdrawal may conclude in days or weeks, the psychological aspects of recovery are ongoing. For significant dependence, medical supervision and a long-term treatment plan are essential for safety and success. Detox is the initial step toward lasting recovery. Professional help is recommended for substance abuse issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Natural cleanses, such as a juice cleanse or elimination diet, typically last anywhere from 1-30 days, with many popular programs lasting a 7-day commitment to healthy eating habits.

A 3-day cleanse can help reset some habits or transition to a healthier diet, but there is little evidence to suggest it has lasting health benefits or can permanently change your microbiome. Long-term changes are needed for lasting results.

Alcohol detox usually takes 5 to 7 days for the acute physical symptoms to subside. Symptoms typically begin within 6-12 hours and peak around 48-72 hours.

For short-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms peak within 72 hours and typically subside within 7 to 10 days. Long-acting opioids, like methadone, may take longer, with symptoms fading around 10 days or more.

Physical symptoms generally ease within a couple of weeks, but psychological symptoms like cravings, anxiety, and depression can persist for several weeks or even months as part of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

Detoxing from certain substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids without medical supervision can be dangerous and life-threatening due to severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures. Professional medical detox is highly recommended.

Yes, individual factors such as age, overall health, metabolism, and the presence of other health conditions significantly influence how quickly a person can detox.