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November 27th, 2025
Alcohol Detox | Alcohol Withdrawal and Detox Timeline
At Recovery Lighthouse, detox takes place in a calm and private setting designed to help you feel safe and supported. Our team understands how difficult this step can be and guides you through each stage with care that helps reduce discomfort while keeping you grounded. It’s where recovery begins and where your body starts to remember what balance feels like again.
What is alcohol detox?
Alcohol detox is the stage where your body begins to clear alcohol from its system after long or heavy use. It’s often the first step in breaking free from alcohol dependence and giving both body and mind the chance to stabilise. When alcohol use stops suddenly, withdrawal symptoms can appear quickly and this is where detox provides structure and safety.
Signs you may need alcohol detox
When alcohol begins to take more than it gives, stopping can start to feel impossible. Many people tell themselves they still have control, but if attempts to cut down end in distress or physical symptoms, it’s often a sign that dependence has taken hold.
You may need alcohol detox if:
- You feel anxious, shaky or ill when you don’t drink
- You rely on alcohol to feel calm or to start the day
- You drink more than planned, even when you intend to stop
- You often think about when your next drink will be
These signs show that your body has adapted to alcohol and no longer functions comfortably without it. Alcohol detox allows the system to reset safely and gives you the space to focus on recovery without the constant pull of craving or withdrawal.
What does alcohol withdrawal feel like?
Alcohol withdrawal affects both the body and the mind, often at the same time. The body reacts to the absence of alcohol with physical discomfort, while the mind can struggle to find balance. For some people, symptoms are mild; for others, they can become severe if not properly managed.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating or trembling
- Headaches and nausea
- Fatigue or insomnia
- Rapid heartbeat or raised blood pressure
- Anxiety or low mood
- Irritability or confusion
- Restlessness
- Vivid dreams or temporary hallucinations
These symptoms are the body’s way of recalibrating after long-term exposure to alcohol. They can appear quickly and change unpredictably, which is why professional detox is so important.
The alcohol detox timeline
Although no two experiences are identical, most people move through alcohol withdrawal in stages that follow a recognisable pattern. Understanding what those stages look like helps you prepare for the process and highlights why professional support makes such a difference.
0-12 hours after your last drink
During the first few hours, early withdrawal symptoms often begin to appear. You might notice feelings of restlessness, mild shakiness or nausea as your body reacts to the sudden absence of alcohol. Headaches and sweating can also occur as your system begins to work harder to stabilise itself and flush out remaining toxins.
12-24 hours
As detox continues, symptoms can intensify. Restlessness may give way to agitation and sleep often becomes more difficult. Some people experience mild hallucinations or a rapid heartbeat, both of which can feel frightening if you’re alone but these reactions are temporary and manageable with proper support.
24-72 hours
This stage is often described as the peak of withdrawal. The body has fully entered detox mode, and symptoms may reach their strongest point. Some people experience confusion or, in more severe cases, seizures, both of which require immediate attention.
Beyond 72 hours
After several days, the most intense symptoms usually start to fade. While your body may still feel tired and your mind sensitive, physical discomfort gradually eases, making space for emotional recovery to begin. Lingering issues like anxiety or disrupted sleep are common, but they’re also signs that the body is finding its footing again.
Why detoxing from alcohol at home can be dangerous
It can be tempting to detox from alcohol at home, especially if you want privacy or believe you can manage alone. But alcohol withdrawal can change quickly, and without proper care, the risks are significant.
Symptoms that start as mild restlessness can escalate into hallucinations or seizures with little warning, becoming life-threatening if not treated immediately. Emotional distress is another major concern; when withdrawal becomes unbearable, many people drink again to make it stop, restarting the cycle and deepening dependence.
At Recovery Lighthouse, we understand why someone might want to do this privately, but detoxing in a professional environment is far safer. You’ll be surrounded by people who know what to expect and can step in the moment symptoms shift. This kind of support not only keeps you physically safe but also helps you stay emotionally steady through the process.
Taking the first step
Alcohol detox can be challenging, but it’s also the start of genuine change. It’s where the fog begins to lift and where your body starts to remember what health and calm truly feel like. Each hour away from alcohol strengthens your ability to live freely again. At Recovery Lighthouse, we’re here to help you take that step safely.
Our rehab treatment for alcohol begins with alcohol detox, and our detox programme provides comfort, structure and the kind of understanding that only comes from years of experience. If you’re ready to let go of alcohol’s control and start rebuilding your life, we’re ready to help you begin, one steady, supported step at a time. Contact us today.
Alcohol detox does not need to control your life. Reach out for us today to find out how you can take your life back from Detox.
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