Drug withdrawal symptoms & timeline

Coming off drugs can be one of the hardest parts of recovery. Withdrawal happens when your body and brain adapt to life without a substance they’ve come to depend on. Symptoms can be uncomfortable, distressing, and in some cases dangerous, but with the right support, withdrawal can be managed safely.

At Priory, we provide expert, medically assisted detox and compassionate care to help people through withdrawal and into recovery. You don’t have to go through it alone.

What is drug withdrawal?

When drugs are used regularly, the body and brain adjust to their presence. Over time this leads to:

• Tolerance – needing more of the drug to feel the same effects
• Dependence – feeling unwell without the drug

When you stop or significantly cut back, your brain chemistry struggles to stabilise. This sudden imbalance causes withdrawal symptoms.

It’s important to note the difference between a comedown and withdrawal:

Comedown: a short-lived ‘crash’ after drug effects wear off.

Withdrawal: a longer, more severe process that occurs once dependence has developed.

Drug-specific withdrawal symptoms and timelines

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 hours of taking the drug, and are worst for the first 48 hours. Delirium Tremens (DTs) may develop 48 to 72 hours after your drug use stops.

You may find that symptoms change as withdrawal progresses, but they'll gradually improve as your body adapts to being without the drug. The entire withdrawal process usually lasts between 7 and 10 days, bit sometimes symptoms can persist for weeks.

The exact onset, duration, and severity of withdrawal depends on the substance.

Opioids (heroin, prescription painkillers)

• Onset: 8–24 hours after last dose
• Duration: 4–10 days
• Symptoms: nausea, insomnia, hot/cold flushes, muscle cramps, diarrhoea

Methadone

• Onset: 2–4 days
• Duration: up to 10 days
• Symptoms: similar to opioids but slower to appear

Benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Xanax)

• Onset: 1–4 days
• Duration: weeks or months (sometimes up to a year in long-term users)
• Symptoms: sleep problems, anxiety, tremors, panic attacks, weight loss

Cocaine / crack cocaine

• Onset: hours after last use
• Duration: variable, often days to weeks
• Symptoms: fatigue, depression, poor concentration, nightmares, cravings

Cannabis

• Onset: 24–72 hours
• Duration: 1–2 weeks
• Symptoms: irritability, sleep problems, depressed mood, headaches, stomach pain

Factors affecting withdrawal severity

Not everyone experiences withdrawal in the same way. Key factors include:

• The type of drug used
• How much and how often it’s taken
• Method of use (e.g. injecting vs oral)
• Duration of use (short-term vs long-term)
• Mixing substances
• Genetics, physical health, and mental health

Why professional support is essential

Attempting withdrawal without support, or going ‘cold turkey’ can be dangerous. Risks include severe symptoms, relapse, or medical complications, making professional support essential.

Professional detox offers:

• 24/7 monitoring from medical staff
• Medication to ease symptoms and reduce risk
• A safe and supportive environment
• Guidance on next steps towards lasting recovery

Drug detox at Priory

At Priory, we offer a medically assisted drug detox, either as a standalone service or as part of a structured rehab programme.

During detox you’ll receive:

• A full medical assessment and tailored detox plan
• Round-the-clock care in a residential setting
• Medication where appropriate to reduce withdrawal effects
• Emotional and psychological support to keep you motivated

Detox removes your body’s dependence on the drug, putting you in the best possible position to engage in ongoing treatment. Therapy, relapse prevention and other support tools can help to address the underlying causes of addiction and build strategies for long-term recovery.

Life after detox

Detox is just the beginning. Lasting recovery usually requires ongoing support, which may include:

• Therapy: CBT, trauma-focused therapy, group support
• Relapse prevention planning
• Aftercare services: many Priory programmes include 12 months of free aftercare
• Support networks: alumni events, peer support groups, family involvement

Free and private treatment options

Free help is available through the NHS, charities like Mind, or services such as Talk to Frank. However, waiting times can be long.

Private treatment at Priory offers faster access to detox, rehab and therapy, in safe, comfortable environments led by experienced professionals.

Take the first step towards recovery

Withdrawal is temporary – recovery can last a lifetime. With expert support, you can manage withdrawal safely and begin your journey towards a drug-free future.

Book your free, confidential addiction assessment today and take the first step towards recovery with Priory.