Guide

How Long Does the Detox Process Take?

Creator: Anna-Grace Washington
Published: 2022-08-26T12:00:00-05:00

Call (866) 710-7710 Verify your insurance

Joint Commission accredited · In network with most major insurance · Admissions answered 24 hours a day

Written by

Anna-Grace Washington

Medical Content Writer

Medically reviewed by

Dr. William J. McCreight III, MD

Medical Director, 2019–2024

Published August 26, 2022

Reviewed and updated July 29, 2026

What is Detox?
Factors
General Timelines
Detox with Briarwood

Detox is a crucial step in the rehabilitation process, but it can be intimidating for some. One of the biggest concerns is not knowing how much time to allocate to the detox process.

If you or someone you love needs more than detox, Briarwood Detox Center also provides drug treatment centers austin.

In most cases, it’s best to research and discuss options and expectations ahead of time. So let’s go over some highlights and explanations for what exactly detox is and all the variables that affect the recovery timetable.

Does your insurance cover detox in Austin?

Find out in about 2 minutes — free, confidential, no obligation.

Verify Insurance

What is Detox?

Alcohol and drug addiction create a physical dependency that many users struggle with overcoming in the early stages of rehabilitation. That’s where detox comes in. Ingestion of addictive substances is gradually reduced, which removes or limits the severity of withdrawal symptoms under professional guidance. Detox is not exclusive to addiction treatment but is generally a necessary step in the rehabilitation process.

Additionally, some individuals may opt for self-guided detox as opposed to medically supervised detox programs. This process can be dangerous and even life-threatening to go through alone. It is highly advised that an individual working towards sobriety seek professional treatment.

Factors

There are many factors to consider when determining how long a detox program will last. Chiefly, it all hinges on the specific substance or substances that the individual is addicted to. Alcohol and marijuana both carry the potential of a short detox period, but the severity of the addiction could affect these estimates. Opioids, heroin, and other stimulants like cocaine and meth predict longer detox sessions because of the severity of addiction these substances pose.

Ready to talk to someone now? Briarwood Detox Center's admissions team is here 24/7, and every call is confidential. Call (866) 710-7710.

Additionally, it’s important to disclose any health conditions at the start of detox as these factors may affect the length of the process. Some individuals are recommended to undergo a full physical examination to determine their viability for detox. Addiction can leave a person’s body in a weakened state which may make the trial of detox especially difficult.

Where we are

Detox centers across Texas

Three locations, each with its own admissions line and its own clinical team. Pick the one nearest you — or call and we will tell you which has a bed tonight.

General Timelines

Alcohol detox typically lasts about a week depending once again on the severity of the addiction and the health of the individual. Likewise, marijuana detox is about two weeks. Heroin, opiates, and most stimulants take roughly seven days to detox but timelines could be longer considering how highly addictive these substances tend to be. Benzodiazepines have the potential for the longest detox timeframe at a few days to several months. This is dependent upon whether or not the substances are long-acting.

Detox with Briarwood

Briarwood Detox Center offers detox treatment for alcohol, opioid, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and much more. Our experienced clinical staff provides round-the-clock monitoring throughout the detox process and our therapy team provides support to help manage the emotional response to treatment. Additionally, we have detox facilities located in Austin, Houston, and Colorado Springs with state-of-the-art amenities.

Briarwood is dedicated to facilitating a healthy and safe environment that empowers people to make significant and lasting changes in their lives. We look forward to supporting you or your loved one on the journey to recovery. Call (866) 710-7710 today for more information on our programs and admission process.

Ready to Start Your Recovery in Austin?

Briarwood Detox Center offers medically supervised detox in Austin. Explore our locations, see the facility, and verify your insurance in minutes.

See our locations

Related guides

An adult man drinking from a bottle in a lush green park, staying hydrated. — 3 guides · swipe or scroll

A woman stands with open arms, embracing the sunset over the ocean. San Juan Bautista, Spain. — 3 guides · swipe or scroll

Medical disclaimer

The content on this page is for general educational information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Withdrawal and substance use conditions can involve serious health risks, so individual care decisions should be made with a licensed provider who understands your medical history. Prescription medications, including antidepressants and antipsychotics, must be used only under the supervision of a qualified clinician, and you should never start, stop, or change any medication without medical guidance. If you experience severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, signs of medical emergency, or thoughts of self-harm, call 911 in the United States or seek immediate emergency care. For confidential mental health support at any time, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

In network with most major insurance