TL;DR

• Hospitals typically keep patients for detox until they are medically stable.
• Alcohol detox may require several days of monitoring.
• Length of stay depends on symptoms, substance type, and medical risk.
• Hospitals focus on short-term stabilization, not long-term rehab.
• Follow-up treatment is usually recommended after discharge.

Hospital detox stays are based on medical stability rather than a fixed number of days.

How Long Does a Hospital Keep You for Detox?

The length of time a hospital keeps someone for detox depends on medical need, not a preset schedule.

In general, hospitals keep patients until:

• Withdrawal symptoms are stabilized
• Vital signs are within safe ranges
• The risk of severe complications has decreased
• The patient is medically cleared for discharge

For many individuals, this may be a few days. In more severe cases, it could be longer.

What Factors Affect Length of Stay?

Several variables influence how long a hospital detox lasts:

• Type of substance used
• Duration and intensity of use
• History of previous withdrawal complications
• Underlying medical conditions
• Co-occurring mental health conditions

Alcohol withdrawal often requires closer monitoring than many other substances because symptoms can escalate quickly in some cases.

How Long Is Hospital Detox for Alcohol?

Alcohol detox in a hospital often lasts:

• 3 to 5 days for moderate withdrawal
• Longer if complications arise

Symptoms such as seizures or delirium tremens may extend hospitalization. Continuous monitoring helps reduce serious risks.

How Long Is Hospital Detox for Drugs?

For drug detox, the timeline varies widely.

Opioid withdrawal, for example, may peak within a few days. Stimulant withdrawal is usually less medically dangerous but may involve intense psychological symptoms.

Hospitals typically provide short-term stabilization and discharge once the patient is medically stable. Ongoing care often continues in an inpatient or outpatient setting.

How Does the Hospital “Flush” Your System?

Many people ask how does the hospital flush your system during detox.

Hospitals do not literally flush substances out of the body. Instead, they:

• Provide IV fluids if needed
• Manage dehydration
• Monitor organ function
• Administer medications to reduce symptoms

The body naturally metabolizes and eliminates substances over time. Medical care focuses on supporting the body safely through that process.

Do Hospitals Keep You Until You Are Fully Detoxed?

Hospitals usually keep patients until they are stable, not necessarily until every withdrawal symptom has completely resolved.

Once the highest medical risk has passed, patients are often discharged with:

• Referrals to inpatient detoxification programs
• Outpatient detox follow-up
• Addiction counseling
• Substance use treatment plans

Hospitals prioritize immediate safety and stabilization.

Can You Leave the Hospital Early?

In many cases, patients have the right to request discharge, depending on medical and legal circumstances.

However, leaving before stabilization may increase risks. It is important to discuss concerns with medical providers before making that decision.

What Happens After Hospital Detox?

Hospital detox is typically the first step.

After discharge, individuals may transition to:

• Inpatient detoxification programs
• Residential treatment
• Intensive outpatient programs
• Ongoing therapy and counseling

Continued care improves long-term recovery outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Set Number of Days for Hospital Detox?

No. Length of stay depends on medical stability and symptom severity.

Can You Go to the ER Just for Detox?

Emergency departments can evaluate withdrawal symptoms and admit patients if medically necessary. They may refer stable individuals to specialized detox programs.

Do Hospitals Provide Long-Term Rehab?

Hospitals focus on short-term medical stabilization. Long-term addiction treatment typically occurs in specialized programs.

Final Thoughts

How long a hospital keeps you for detox depends on your symptoms, medical risk, and overall stability. Most hospital detox stays last several days, but timelines vary.

If you or someone you know is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, seeking medical evaluation is an important step toward safety and recovery.