The Timeline of Withdrawal for the Top 5 Most Addictive Substances

• Alcohol
  • 12-24 Hours
  • 24-48 Hours
  • 48-72 Hours
  • Over 72 Hours
  • Extended Recovery Outlook
• Opioids
  • 6-30 Hours
  • 3-7 Days
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Extended Recovery Outlook
• Cocaine
  • First 48 Hours
  • 1-10 Weeks
  • 6 Months
  • Extended Recovery Outlook
• Heroin
  • 6-12 Hours
  • 1-5 Days
  • 1 Week
  • Extended Recovery Outlook
• Barbiturates
  • 24-72 Hours
  • 4-7 Days
  • Extended Recovery Outlook
• Detox With Briarwood

Withdrawal varies from substance to substance and even from person to person. An individual may face severe symptoms if they have been abusing alcohol for most of their life.

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Or a person facing the beginnings of addiction with their opioid prescription may experience very mild withdrawal symptoms. That being said, there is no universal withdrawal timeline, so we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 most addictive substances to explore their individual withdrawal timelines and symptoms.

6-30 Hours

Between 6 and 30 hours, opioid withdrawal can set in fast with symptoms as follows:

• Muscular aches
• Runny nose
• Insomnia
• Decreased oxygen saturation
• Anxiety
• Elevated heart rate
• Sweating
• Fever
• Increased blood pressure

3-7 Days

Between 3 and 7 days, withdrawal symptoms may increase in severity and more advanced symptoms may arise:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cravings
• Stomach pain
• Depression

1-2 Weeks

Between 1 and 2 weeks, some people may experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) with extended symptoms including long-term psychological effects like depression and anxiety. Health complications may arise from some of the symptoms listed which makes medical intervention and detox crucial for opioid withdrawal.

Extended Recovery Outlook

Opioids have one of the most difficult withdrawal periods of any of the substances on this list. But even though symptoms are severe, they are often very short-lived in most average cases. Once initial withdrawals subside, sobriety is substantially easier to manage.

6-12 Hours

Between 6 to 12 hours, heroin withdrawal sets in fast with symptoms as follows:

• Sleeplessness
• Nervousness
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Feeling anxious
• Muscular aches
• Shaking
• Panic attacks

1-5 Days

Between 1 and 5 days, symptoms will worsen with many people reporting a peak in symptoms on the third day. Additional symptoms during this time include:

• Stomach cramps
• Sweating
• Chills
• Nausea and vomiting

1 Week

After one week, symptoms will level off but in more extreme cases, individuals may experience lasting effects of Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS). Symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Disoriented thinking
• Loss of coordination

Extended Recovery Outlook

Like opioids, heroin withdrawal can be physically taxing and dangerous—even fatal without medical intervention.

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.

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