Written by:

Nuno Albuquerque – Former UKAT Counsellor

Medically Reviewed by:

Last Updated:

December 5th, 2025

Drug Detox | Drug Withdrawal and Detox Timeline

With our support at Recovery Lighthouse, you’ll be guided through each phase with safety and the utmost care. It’s a structured beginning to recovery, allowing the body to reset and preparing you for the therapeutic work that follows. Detox isn’t a cure for addiction, but it’s the foundation that gives real recovery a chance to take hold.

Drug detox

What is a drug detox?

Drug detox is the process of clearing substances from the body after dependence has formed. When someone stops using drugs, their body needs time to adjust to functioning without them. During this period, withdrawal symptoms can appear, ranging from mild discomfort to more serious reactions depending on the drug and duration of use.

What drug detox programmes do we offer at Recovery Lighthouse?

Each substance affects the body in a unique way, which means detox must be equally tailored. At Recovery Lighthouse, we offer dedicated detox programmes designed to help you withdraw safely and comfortably, no matter which drug you’ve been using.

Amphetamine detox

Amphetamine detox supports your body as it adjusts to the absence of stimulating effects. We help manage exhaustion and sleep disturbances that often follow withdrawal, setting the groundwork for recovery.

Cannabis detox

Cannabis detox focuses on easing restlessness and sleep issues while helping you rediscover balance. Our approach is calm and structured, allowing the body to recover naturally.

Cocaine detox

Cocaine detox helps your body and mind readjust to life without stimulant highs or crashes. You’ll move through withdrawal safely, supported by compassionate professionals every step of the way.

Crack cocaine detox

Crack cocaine detox addresses the intense cravings and fatigue that often appear during withdrawal. Our care team provides structure and emotional support to keep recovery steady.

Ecstasy detox

Ecstasy detox focuses on replenishing your system after prolonged serotonin disruption. We help you manage mood swings, sleep issues and anxiety while rebuilding stability.

GBL detox

GBL detox helps stabilise your body as it adjusts to the absence of the substance’s sedative effects. Our team offers deep support to keep symptoms under control.

GHB detox

GHB detox follows a careful process that reduces withdrawal risks and discomfort. Support is continuous, ensuring that you move through the early stages of recovery safely.

Hallucinogen detox

Hallucinogen detox provides grounding after long-term psychedelic use. Our care focuses on stabilising mood and perception so you can feel safe in your own body again.

Heroin detox

Heroin detox focuses on easing severe withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, muscle aches and cravings. We create a calm, structured environment to guide you through this demanding but life-changing stage.

Ketamine detox

Ketamine detox supports both the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal. With compassionate guidance, you’ll begin to stabilise sleep, mood, physical issues and clarity.

LSD detox

LSD detox focuses on helping you recover from lingering after-effects such as anxiety and disturbed sleep. Our safe, structured care helps you regain confidence and calm.

Meth detox

Meth detox supports you as your body and brain recalibrate after prolonged stimulant use. We help manage fatigue, low mood, immediate mental health issues and agitation while preparing you for long-term recovery.

What happens during drug detox?

Detox at Recovery Lighthouse begins with an assessment to understand your substance use, health background, medications you may be taking and any mental-health factors that may affect your comfort and safety. From there, a tailored detox plan is created, guiding you through the early days of withdrawal with structure and ongoing care.

During detox, symptoms are closely monitored so that support can be adapted as your needs change. Medication may be used when appropriate to reduce physical distress, but our main focus is on comfort and steady progress.

As your body stabilises, therapy sessions may prepare you for the next stage of treatment. By the end of detox, most people find that their energy and focus start to return, allowing them to take part more fully in therapy and recovery planning.

Drug detox rehab treatment one-to-one

Why you shouldn’t detox at home

Attempting to detox at home can seem appealing, especially if you’re trying to manage quietly on your own or avoid disruption to daily life. But without professional support, withdrawal can quickly become unsafe and overwhelming. Physical symptoms can intensify, and the risk of relapse grows when cravings hit.

At Recovery Lighthouse, we remove those risks by offering a structured environment where you can recover safely. Below is a look at what we provide through each stage compared with home detox.

During the decision and preparation

At home

You make plans alone, often without medical input or safety checks.

With Recovery Lighthouse:

You’ll receive a full assessment and guidance from experienced staff who understand how to keep detox as safe and comfortable as possible.

During withdrawal

At home:

You rely on willpower and household support, which can collapse under pressure.

With Recovery Lighthouse:

You’re surrounded by trained staff who monitor your symptoms, offer reassurance and use comfort measures to ease distress.

When adjustments are needed

At home:

You decide how to proceed, which can lead to confusion or relapse.

With Recovery Lighthouse:

Your plan is adapted daily, ensuring you’re stabilised and supported throughout.

When emotional support is needed

At home:

Friends or family may try to help but often don’t know how.

With Recovery Lighthouse:

You’ll always have someone to talk to, whether it be a therapist, a nurse or a peer who understands what you’re going through.

After detox

At home:

There’s no built-in aftercare, which makes relapse likely.

With Recovery Lighthouse:

Therapy and aftercare continue seamlessly, helping you maintain momentum and rebuild your life step by step.

Ready to take the next step?

Drug addiction does not have to control your life. If you or someone close to you is ready to begin detox, we’re here to help. Our team at Recovery Lighthouse will guide you through withdrawal safely, support you emotionally and prepare you for the next stage of treatment; drug rehab.

You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out today and take the first step toward a life free from drugs, with the care and structure that makes lasting recovery possible.

Seek treatment for drug addiction today.

Drug addiction does not need to control your life. Reach out for us today to find out how you can take your life back from drug.

Frequently asked questions

When is drug detox necessary?

Drug detox becomes necessary when use feels difficult to control or when withdrawal begins after stopping. It’s the first step in clearing substances from the body and preparing for therapy that can rebuild stability and restore healthier habits.

What is drug detox?

Drug detox is a guided process that helps the body remove substances safely. Dosage is reduced or stopped under supervision while physical and emotional symptoms are managed, allowing the system to adjust without sudden shocks that could cause harm.

How long does drug detox take?

The length of detox varies based on substance type, frequency and overall health. Some people stabilise within days, while others may need longer before the body adjusts fully and withdrawal symptoms start to ease.

Is it safe to detox from drugs at home?

Detoxing at home can be unsafe because withdrawal symptoms are unpredictable and difficult to manage alone. In treatment, support is available to monitor changes, reduce discomfort and lower the risk of relapse or medical complications.

Does the drug I am detoxing from affect the length of my detox treatment?

Yes, the detox process length can vary depending on the drug’s half-life and withdrawal symptoms.

How long does the drug detox process take?

Detox can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the drug and the severity of withdrawal.

At what point will drug withdrawal symptoms be the worst?

Symptoms often peak within 2-3 days after stopping use and can last for several days to weeks.