How Long Does Inpatient Detox Take?

Published May 23, 2024

Updated October 20, 2025

An image of Karena Mathis, author for gratitude lodge
Authored By:

Karena Mathis

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

An image of Karena Mathis, author for gratitude lodge
Authored By:

Karena Mathis

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Sean O'Neill
Medically Reviewed By

Sean O'Neill
MS, LMFT 112879

Explore treatment options today. For general drug info, contact your doctor.

How Long Does Inpatient Detox Take?

Inpatient detox is a program where you stay at a treatment center to stop using substances safely. It usually lasts from 3 to 10 days.

During detox, doctors help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely. The main difference between inpatient and outpatient detox is that inpatient requires you to stay at the facility, while outpatient lets you go home after treatment each day.

Read on to discover “how long is inpatient detox for alcohol or drugs?”, and find out how to connect with science-based treatment.

Average Length of Inpatient Detox

The time it takes to detox from drugs or alcohol can be different for each person, but it usually lasts from 3 to 10 days.

The length of time it takes depends on factors such as:

  • Type of substance
  • Duration of use
  • Amount of use
  • Physical health
  • Mental health
  • Detox programs help people to stop using substances safely under close medical supervision. Detoxing from alcohol or opioids suddenly and without medical guidance can be dangerous and possibly life-threatening.

    Although detox is a fundamental first step in the recovery process, most people require further treatment. For many people engaging with inpatient detox, the next step involves ongoing inpatient treatment. While detox addresses physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, continued treatment focuses on the psychological and mental sides of addiction.

    How Long Is Inpatient Alcohol Detox?

    Inpatient alcohol detox usually lasts about 3 to 7 days. This means you stay at a special facility, usually an inpatient drug or alcohol rehab, where doctors and nurses take care of you. The exact number of days depends on how much alcohol you have been drinking and how often you have been drinking. During this time, the medical team helps you manage withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include shaking, sweating, and feeling anxious or sick. The doctors and nurses work hard to ensure you are as safe and comfortable as possible throughout detox.

    Gratitude Lodge clients laughing, representing how long are inpatient detox programs

    How Long Is Inpatient Drug Detox?

    Inpatient drug detox can take different amounts of time depending on the drug you have been using and how long you have been using it. Usually, it takes about 5 to 10 days. This means you stay at a detox center or rehab facility where doctors and nurses watch over you all the time. They help you stop safely using drugs and manage any withdrawal symptoms you might have. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may include feeling sick, tired, or having a headache. The medical team is there to support you and help you feel better.

    Does Insurance Cover Inpatient Detox Programs?

    Many insurance plans cover at least part of the costs of inpatient detox programs if it is deemed an essential part of overcoming addiction. People who are dependent on drugs or alcohol usually require a medical detox to make the process safe and comfortable.

    Check your insurance coverage at our website to see if it includes inpatient detox programs.

    The coverage details, such as how much is paid for and what services are included, can vary based on your insurance plan. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider or use the link above to verify what your plan covers before starting a detox program.

    How Long Does Inpatient Detox Take? | FAQS

    How long does inpatient detox take?

    Inpatient detox usually takes about 5 to 10 days. The exact time can vary depending on the substance and the person’s needs.

    Is it safe to bring my pet to detox?

    Yes, many rehab centers like Gratitude Lodge are pet-friendly! You can bring your pet to help you feel more comfortable and supported during detox. Also, you won’t need to worry about making arrangements for your pet while you are away.

    What happens after detox?

    After detox, you can move into our 30-day inpatient program where you’ll receive more treatment and support to help you recover. Detox helps you overcome dependence, while ongoing treatment lets you deal with the mental side of drug addiction or alcoholism.

    image of gratitude lodge | depicting how long does inpatient detox last

    Get Insurance-Covered Inpatient Detox at Gratitude Lodge

    We can help you find insurance-covered inpatient detox at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. We treat all types of addictions and mental health issues at our rehab centers in Newport Beach and Long Beach.

    We offer a supervised medical detox program that provides the safest way of getting rid of addictive substances from your body. After detox, you can move directly into our 30-day inpatient treatment program.

    Here are the kinds of treatments we use:

    • Medication-assisted treatment
    • Talk therapy
    • Group therapy
    • Individual therapy
    • Family therapy
    • Holistic therapy
    • All treatment programs at Gratitude Lodge also include aftercare. This may involve ongoing outpatient therapy, support groups, or other forms of continuing care.

      If you’re ready to start your recovery journey with inpatient detox, call Gratitude Lodge at 844-576-0144.

Want to learn more?

Check out our addiction recovery blog to learn more about substance use disorders and how to get effective treatment.

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