Alcohol Detox: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment Options

By We Level Up Editorial Team | Edited By Rebecca Hill | Medically Reviewed By Dr. Chris Small

(Detox at We Level Up Washington Coming Soon)

If you or someone you love is living with alcohol addiction, you may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what comes next. But you’re not alone. Recovery can begin with one brave step: detox. At We Level Up WA rehab, we offer medically supported alcohol detox programs to help you or your loved one begin healing in a safe, supportive environment.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) affects millions of people each year and can cause serious mental and physical health consequences when left untreated. The earlier someone receives help, the better the outcome. Detox is about more than removing alcohol from your system. It’s about giving your body a chance to reset and helping you feel strong enough to move forward.

This guide explains what alcohol detox is, what symptoms to expect, how long it typically lasts, and how to find support right here in Spokane Valley.

What Is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox is the process your body goes through when you stop drinking and allow alcohol to leave your system. When you drink heavily for a long time, the brain relies on alcohol to function.

Once drinking stops, your body needs time to adjust. This adjustment can come with physical and emotional discomfort.

Why Medical Detox Is Important

Detoxing with medical professional supervision helps you stay safe and comfortable. Symptoms can change quickly, and in some cases, they can become life-threatening. Our medical team uses proven treatments and medications to help manage those symptoms and support your alcohol detoxification.

Explore our levels of care at We Level Up Washington

Alcohol Detox Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild or uncomfortable to severe. It depends on the amount of alcohol you were drinking and how long you were dependent on alcohol.

Most symptoms begin within a few hours after your last drink and may worsen over the next couple of days. With heavy alcohol use, emotional and mental symptoms can last for weeks to months.

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Shaky hands
• Fever
• Seizures (in rare but serious cases)

Emotional and Mental Symptoms

• Anxiety
• Depression or mood swings
• Irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Alcohol cravings
• Confusion or mental fog
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)

A condition called delirium tremens (DTs) can occur in severe cases. This includes high fever, tremors, hallucinations, and dangerously high heart rates. Without treatment, DTs can be life-threatening. According to the National Library of Medicine, fewer than 5% of people with AUD experience DTs, but when they do, urgent care is required.

Alcohol Detox Timeline

Everyone’s experience with alcohol dependency detox is different, but symptoms often follow this general alcohol withdrawal timeline:

6 to 12 Hours After Your Last Drink

• You may begin feeling anxious, shaky, or nauseous
• If you’ve been drinking heavily, seizures could begin in this window

12 to 24 Hours

• Symptoms grow stronger
• Hallucinations may begin, although they are typically not dangerous

24 to 48 Hours

• Symptoms usually peak
• Headaches, confusion, and rapid heartbeat are common
• Sleep can be difficult

48 to 72 Hours

• This is the most intense period for some people
• DTs, seizures, and other severe symptoms may appear

4 to 7 Days

• Most symptoms begin to ease
• Some emotional or psychological symptoms may linger

Some people involved in heavy drinking experience what’s known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), where symptoms like anxiety or sleep issues may continue for weeks.

What the Alcohol Detox Process Looks Like

At We Level Up Washington, we personalize every detox plan to meet your needs. Here’s what you can expect:

We’ll make sure you’re not just safe during detox but also prepared for what comes next.

Medications Used in Alcohol Detox

Some people benefit from medications during detox to make the process safer and more comfortable. These alcohol treatment medications act on the central nervous system to calm and protect your body during withdrawal.

• Benzodiazepines like diazepam can reduce the risk of seizures
• Neuroleptics help with agitation and hallucinations
• Beta-blockers manage blood pressure and heart rate
• Vitamin therapy restores nutrients that alcohol depletes, including thiamine and folate

For long-term sobriety, your doctor may recommend:

• Naltrexone to reduce cravings
• Disulfiram (Antabuse) to create a negative reaction if alcohol is consumed
• Acamprosate to help reduce long-term alcohol use

What Comes After Detox?

Detox is an important start, but it’s not a complete solution. Ongoing treatment helps address the root causes of addiction and builds tools for lifelong recovery.

At We Level Up Washington, we offer:

• Inpatient programs
• Individual therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused counseling
• Group therapy and peer support
• Relapse prevention and recovery planning

Our team walks with you from day one through long-term recovery. Healing happens step by step, and you never have to take those steps alone.

Is It Safe to Detox at Home?

Detoxing at home might seem like a good idea, but it can be dangerous. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can become severe with little warning.

Over-the-counter detox kits are not FDA-approved. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, detox medications must be prescribed and monitored by licensed healthcare professionals. The safest option is always a medically supervised detox center like ours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

You don’t have to face alcohol addiction alone. Whether this is your first attempt at sobriety or a new chapter in your recovery journey, we’re here to support you.

At We Level Up Washington, we provide the compassionate care, clinical expertise, and personal guidance you need to take the next step toward healing.

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.