How Long Does Sweating Last When Detoxing?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, millions of Americans have experienced alcohol use disorder, with excessive sweating being a very common and uncomfortable withdrawal symptom during detox. The duration of sweating when detoxing is not a one-size-fits-all answer, as it varies significantly based on the substance, length of use, and individual health factors.

Quick Summary

The duration of withdrawal-induced sweating is not fixed, depending on the substance, usage history, and overall health. While acute symptoms can often subside within a week, some cases experience persistent sweating for weeks or even months during post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Medical supervision is crucial for managing these symptoms safely.

Key Points

Duration Varies Greatly: The length of detox sweating depends heavily on the substance, usage history, and individual health factors, with some cases lasting much longer than others.
CNS Overdrive is the Cause: Sweating during detox is caused by an overstimulated central nervous system reacting to the absence of a substance, not the act of flushing toxins.
Acute Phase Sweating Lasts Days: For many substances like alcohol, the peak sweating occurs within the first 24-72 hours, with the most intense physical symptoms subsiding within 5-7 days.
PAWS Can Prolong Symptoms: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) can cause sweating to linger for weeks or even months after the initial acute phase, especially for severe dependencies.
Medical Supervision is Recommended: In severe cases, sweating accompanied by other serious symptoms like high fever, confusion, or seizures requires immediate medical attention and professional supervision.

The Science Behind Detox Sweating

When a person with a dependency stops using a substance, the body's central nervous system (CNS), which has adapted to the substance's presence, goes into overdrive. This nervous system over-stimulation is the primary cause of withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, and excessive sweating, also known as diaphoresis. The sweating itself is a bodily response to this internal chaos, not the main way the body expels toxins. While sweat does contain trace amounts of waste, the heavy lifting of detoxification—eliminating alcohol, drugs, and other harmful compounds—is done by the liver and kidneys, which process and excrete toxins through urine and feces. Therefore, sweating is a symptom of the body's struggle to regain balance, not an indicator of how effectively it is purifying itself.

How Long Does Sweating Last for Different Substances?

The duration of detox sweating is highly dependent on the specific substance and the severity of the dependency. The following table provides a general timeline for some common substances. It's important to remember that these are average timelines and individual experiences can differ greatly.


Substance	Onset of Sweating	Peak Symptoms	General Duration
Alcohol	6-12 hours after last drink	24-72 hours	Acute phase lasts 5-7 days; may persist longer
Short-Acting Opioids (e.g., heroin)	8-24 hours	Typically days 2-4	4-10 days
Long-Acting Opioids (e.g., methadone)	2-4 days	Later than short-acting opioids	Up to 10-20 days or longer
Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, meth)	Hours to days	Varies significantly	Can persist for weeks alongside other symptoms
Benzodiazepines	1-4 days	First two weeks	Can last weeks or months without proper care

Acute vs. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

For many, the most intense sweating occurs during the acute withdrawal phase, which can last up to a week. However, some individuals experience a longer-lasting condition known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). PAWS can cause lingering physical and psychological symptoms, including sweating, for weeks or even months after the initial detox. This happens as the brain continues to recalibrate and find its new normal. The intensity of PAWS symptoms can wax and wane, but with proper care, they typically resolve over time.

Managing Sweating During Detox

While detox sweating can be uncomfortable, several strategies can help manage the symptoms. It is vital to remember that these are supportive measures and not a replacement for professional medical care, especially during significant withdrawal.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids (such as broths or sports drinks) to replenish fluids lost through sweat. This helps prevent dehydration, which can worsen withdrawal symptoms and place strain on the body.
Keep Your Environment Cool: Use air conditioning or fans to keep your room temperature low. Taking cool showers or baths can also provide temporary relief and help regulate body temperature.
Wear Breathable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen to help your skin breathe and reduce overheating.
Maintain Personal Hygiene: Showering after a heavy sweat episode can help remove excess salt and toxins from the skin and make you feel more comfortable.
Manage Stress and Anxiety: Since anxiety can trigger sweating, engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or light, approved exercise can help calm the nervous system.

When to Seek Medical Help

While sweating is a common symptom, it can sometimes signal a more serious underlying issue. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if excessive sweating is accompanied by any of the following severe symptoms during detox:

Severe confusion or disorientation
High fever
Hallucinations
Seizures
Rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure
Severe agitation or delirium tremens (DTs) in cases of alcohol withdrawal

In a medically supervised detox setting, healthcare professionals can monitor your symptoms, manage potential complications like dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, and, if necessary, administer medication to ease the withdrawal process safely.

Conclusion

Sweating during detox is a challenging but generally temporary symptom of withdrawal, signaling the body's struggle to readjust without a substance it has become dependent on. The duration and intensity of this symptom are highly variable, influenced by the substance used, the length and severity of dependence, and individual health factors. While the acute phase of withdrawal may only last a week, sweating can persist longer during PAWS. Fortunately, managing the discomfort with hydration, temperature control, and breathable fabrics is possible. For anyone experiencing significant withdrawal, especially with severe symptoms, seeking professional medical supervision is the safest and most effective course of action for a successful and safe recovery. For more information on addiction and treatment options, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sweating during detox is a common withdrawal symptom caused by the body's central nervous system going into overdrive as it re-regulates without the substance it became dependent on.

While sweating is a part of the withdrawal process, it is not the primary way your body detoxifies. The liver and kidneys are the main organs responsible for eliminating toxins, with sweat playing a very minor role.

To manage night sweats, you can stay well-hydrated, keep your bedroom cool with a fan or air conditioning, and use light, breathable bedding and sleepwear.

Alcohol withdrawal sweating typically peaks within 24-72 hours and subsides significantly within 5-7 days of the last drink. However, for those with severe dependency, it can persist for weeks or months as part of PAWS.

While sweating itself is not inherently dangerous, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If accompanied by severe symptoms like fever, confusion, or seizures, it requires immediate medical attention.

Yes, anxiety and stress are common during detox and can trigger the 'fight-or-flight' response, which activates sweat glands and contributes to excessive perspiration.

Drinking plenty of water and other electrolyte-rich fluids is crucial for staying hydrated and replenishing lost fluids. While it won't stop the sweating, it helps the body function properly and prevents dehydration.