Clinical Guide

How long does alcohol detox take?

The length of a medically supervised alcohol detox depends primarily on your level of physical dependence. Most Ash Rehab programmes last between 7 and 10 days, though some are shorter and some are longer depending on individual clinical factors.

A personalised detox plan — the timeline is determined by clinical assessment
Clinical Guide

How long does alcohol detox take?.

The length of a medically supervised alcohol detox depends primarily on your level of physical dependence. Most Ash Rehab programmes last between 7 and 10 days, though some are shorter and some are longer depending on individual clinical factors.

Begin your assessment

Typical programme length

Dependence levelTypical duration
Moderate dependence (10–20 units/day for months)5–7 days
Significant dependence (20–30+ units/day for extended period)7–10 days
Severe or long-term dependence10–14 days (assessed individually)

What happens after the programme ends

The completion of your medication regime marks the end of the acute detox phase. Physical withdrawal symptoms should have resolved. However, recovery continues beyond the programme. Sleep disturbance, mood fluctuations, and cravings can persist for weeks or months (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome). Aftercare planning, which is included in every programme, helps you navigate this phase.

Confidential video assessment from home
Find out how long your detox programme would be.

A prescribing doctor.
From your sofa.

Your first assessment is a 25-minute video call with a GMC-registered prescriber. No waiting room, no clinic, no disclosure to anyone you have not chosen to tell. Four short questions, answered honestly, will tell us whether a home detox is the right setting for this moment in your life.