If you’re thinking about stopping drugs—or helping someone you love stop—one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How long does drug withdrawal last?
It’s a fair question. When you’re already overwhelmed, the idea of withdrawal can feel intimidating. The truth is that withdrawal is temporary, even if it’s uncomfortable. But before you begin, it’s important to know that certain types of withdrawal can be dangerous without medical supervision, especially when alcohol, benzodiazepines, or heavy opioid use is involved. You should never attempt detox on your own without first speaking to a medical professional.
How long withdrawal lasts depends on your body, your health, and the substances you’ve been using, but you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. At Drew Horowitz & Associates, we help people understand what to expect and guide them toward safe, supportive treatment so the process feels more manageable.
Why Withdrawal Happens
When you use drugs regularly, your brain becomes used to functioning with them. Once you stop, your body has to adjust—and that adjustment is what creates withdrawal symptoms.
You may deal with things like mood swings, sweating, irritability, nausea, shaking, cravings, or trouble sleeping. It doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It simply means your brain is healing.
How long drug withdrawal lasts will depend on:
- What you’ve been using
- How long you’ve used it
- How often you used it
- Whether you used multiple substances
- Your physical and mental health
- Your stress level and environment
Every person’s experience is different, so it’s difficult to compare your timeline to someone else’s.
General Withdrawal Timelines by Substance
While everyone is different, having a general idea of what to expect can help you feel more prepared. Here’s a clear look at how long withdrawal may last for different drugs.
Opioids (heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, hydrocodone)
- Withdrawal usually begins within 8–24 hours.
- You can expect acute symptoms for 5–10 days, but cravings and emotional symptoms may last longer.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Valium)
- Benzo withdrawal is one of the slowest.
- Symptoms can last 2–8 weeks, and sometimes months, which is why medical supervision is important.
Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine)
- Withdrawal usually begins within hours.
- You’ll likely feel the effects for 7–10 days, with mood changes or fatigue for several weeks.
Alcohol
- Alcohol withdrawal can become dangerous if unmanaged.
- Physical symptoms often last 5–7 days, though sleep issues and anxiety may continue longer.
Marijuana / Cannabis
- Withdrawal tends to start 1–3 days after stopping.
- Most symptoms last 1–2 weeks, with sleep changes lasting longer for some people.
These timelines aren’t meant to scare you—they’re meant to help you understand what your body may be going through so you can prepare and stay safe.
What Affects How Long Withdrawal Lasts?
If you’re wondering how long drug withdrawal will last, here are a few things that shape the timeline:
- How long and how much you used: Your body needs time to recover from long-term or heavy use.
- Your mental health: Conditions like anxiety, trauma, or depression can make withdrawal feel more intense.
- Using more than one substance: Polysubstance use can create overlapping withdrawal phases.
- Your physical health: A stronger or weaker immune system can influence how quickly your body stabilizes.
- Your environment: If you’re in a calm, supportive space, symptoms often feel easier to manage.
You deserve a withdrawal plan that considers everything—not one designed for the average person.
You Don’t Have to Go Through Withdrawal Alone
Trying to detox without support can feel overwhelming, and in some cases, it can even be dangerous. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through it. Medical detox centers exist because withdrawal is a real medical process—not a test of willpower.
With professional support, you can:
- Avoid dangerous outcomes
- Have symptoms monitored and managed
- Receive medication (when appropriate)
- Have emotional support through the hardest moments
- Transition directly into treatment so you don’t lose progress in your recovery
At Drew Horowitz & Associates, we help you figure out the safest place to detox, provide clinical transport, and coordinate interventions when needed. You’re never expected to navigate this alone.
What Happens After Withdrawal?
Withdrawal is just the beginning of recovery—not the whole story. Once the physical symptoms fade, therapy and support help you understand your triggers, rebuild your confidence, and create a life that supports sobriety.
Long-term recovery often includes:
- Counseling or therapy
- Recovery coaching
- Support groups
- Trauma-informed care
- Relapse-prevention planning
- Family support and education
You deserve a recovery plan that helps you feel whole—not just substance-free.
You Can Get Through This—And You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
If you’re asking “How long does drug withdrawal last?”, you’re already thinking about change. That’s a powerful place to start. Withdrawal is temporary. Your future is not.
At Drew Horowitz & Associates, we help individuals and families take the first steps toward healing with compassion, clarity, and support. Whether you need an intervention, treatment placement, or guidance through the earliest days of withdrawal, our team is here for you.
Call (800) 731-0854 today or reach out through our online contact form. You don’t have to walk this path alone—let us help you take the next step toward a healthier life.
