Prescription Drug Detox and Withdrawal | Timeline and Treatment

Detox is the process of allowing the body to clear out the drug while managing withdrawal symptoms. When a drug is used consistently, the brain and body adjust to its presence. If that drug is suddenly removed, withdrawal symptoms begin as the body tries to regain its natural balance.

• The severity and nature of these symptoms depend on several factors:
• The type of drug
• How long it’s been used
• Dosage
• Whether it was taken alongside other substances

Some people may experience mild restlessness and sleep issues, while others go through intense emotional or physical distress. That’s why a tailored detox plan, in a professional setting like Primrose Lodge, is so important.

Before we continue, it’s important to talk about some of the methods used in prescription drug detox. One of these methods is called ‘tapering’.

Tapering is the process of slowly reducing your dose instead of stopping all at once. For some prescription drugs, especially those like benzodiazepines or opioids, tapering is often the safest way to detox. It allows the body to adjust at a steady pace and helps ease the intensity of withdrawal.

At Primrose Lodge, we create personalised tapering plans based on your history and how your body responds. This approach gives you the best chance of getting through detox in a stable and supported way, without putting too much pressure on your system all at once.

We provide detox programmes for a range of prescription medications. Each one is built around the unique withdrawal challenges posed by the specific drug.

There’s no fixed timeline for withdrawal. It varies based on the drug type, how long it was used and your body’s unique response. However, most people experience withdrawal in stages. Here’s what that typically looks like, along with notes on how this might change depending on the substance.

Early withdrawal (6 to 24 hours after last dose)

Symptoms begin as the drug leaves your system. You may feel anxious, irritable, nauseous or restless. Some people also experience early sleep disruptions or cravings.

• Benzodiazepines: Symptoms may come on more slowly, sometimes taking one to three days to appear.
• Opioids and stimulants: Symptoms tend to begin within 6–12 hours and progress rapidly.
• Sleeping pills: Light symptoms like agitation or wakefulness can start within the first evening.

How Primrose Lodge supports you

We’ll monitor how your body reacts and introduce tapering strategies or comfort measures early on. You’ll be in a calm, monitored environment with access to support whenever you need it.

Peak withdrawal (2 to 5 days after last dose)

This is typically the most intense stage. Symptoms may include muscle aches, sweating, insomnia, low mood or panic. Appetite may fluctuate and cravings can feel overwhelming.

• Opioid detox: Physical symptoms like diarrhoea, chills and cramping are common during this period.
• Stimulant detox: You may feel emotionally flat, deeply tired or mentally foggy.
• Benzodiazepine detox: Symptoms may peak more gradually but can include heightened anxiety or sensory sensitivity.
• Sleeping pill detox: Rebound insomnia tends to reach its highest point here.

How Primrose Lodge supports you

You’ll have access to compassionate care, therapeutic activities to manage distress and medications (where appropriate) to ease specific symptoms. Our team will adjust your plan based on how you’re feeling and responding.

Stabilisation (after day 5)

Most physical symptoms begin to subside but emotional symptoms may linger. Fatigue, sleep disturbance or feelings of low motivation are common. This stage can last from a few days to several weeks depending on the drug.

• Benzodiazepines: Low-level anxiety or trouble concentrating may persist for longer.
• Stimulants: Mood and energy may take time to regulate, especially if use was heavy.
• Opioids and sleeping pills: Cravings may still appear unexpectedly, especially at night or in quiet moments.

How Primrose Lodge supports you

This is where your transition into therapy begins. We’ll provide one-to-one counselling, group support and holistic treatments like art or yoga to help restore balance and focus.

• If you’re struggling to cut down…
• If you’re feeling worse when the medication wears off…
• If you’ve tried to stop and found you couldn’t…

These are signs that detox could help.

You don’t need to have lost everything. You don’t need to be in crisis. Detox can be the first calm step back toward a life that isn’t dependent on medication to get through the day.