Alcohol and Drug Detox in California
Detoxification programs are often the first step in more comprehensive treatment plans for individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol. When it comes to finding a detox program in California, you have many options. There are more than 470 treatment facilities in California that offer detoxification services.1 To find the one that’s right for you, consider quality over proximity, look at the available levels of care, assess the other levels of care at the facility, and read reviews and testimonials from previous patients.
What Is Detox?
Medically managed detoxification is a part of treatment that helps manage the symptoms of acute intoxication and withdrawal.
It allows the body to clear substances under the supervision of healthcare professionals who keep you safe and as comfortable as possible2.
Detox can take place in inpatient, residential, or outpatient settings. Inpatient and residential detox offer 24-hour evaluation, care, and treatment. Outpatient detox is delivered during scheduled sessions, usually requiring several hours at the center before you return home or to a sober living residence2.
What Can You Expect When Starting a Detox Program?
Before beginning detox, staff performs an evaluation to test for the presence and concentration of substances in the bloodstream and screening for co-occurring mental health disorders.2
During the evaluation, you can expect several things to take place, including:2
- Blood tests to measure the substances in your system.
- Assessments and screenings for mental health disorders and physical conditions.
- Questions about your medical history.
- Questions about your mental health history.
- Questions about your support network.
After the evaluation, you can expect the medical and psychosocial processes to begin, taking you through acute intoxication and withdrawal to get you to a stable, fully supported, substance-free state. Depending on the substance you used, this may be done with the assistance of medications.2
Detox treatment is often the first step in a more comprehensive treatment plan, which may include multiple levels of care.2
How Long Is a California Detox Program for Drugs and Alcohol?
Detox typically takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, though the exact length varies from person to person.
Factors that affect the timeline include the substance used, the severity of dependence, polysubstance use (using more than one substance at a time), and a history of past withdrawal symptoms. A medical team can give you a clearer estimate after your evaluation.
California Detox Programs and Treatment
In California, there are more than 475 detox programs. Of those, 158 provide outpatient detox services, 84 provide hospital inpatient detoxification, and 304 offer residential detoxification.1
Laguna Treatment Center, an American Addiction Centers (AAC) treatment center located in Aliso Viejo, California, is an inpatient medical detox and rehab facility. It is a licensed chemical dependency recovery hospital, which means Laguna can accept more complex detox cases than standard rehab facilities.
Levels of Care After Detox in California
Detox is the first step, not the whole journey. After detox, many people continue in a residential treatment program like the one at Laguna, staying 24/7 to participate in evidence-based therapies and build skills for long-term recovery.
Others step down into outpatient care at varying intensities, including PHP, IOP, or standard outpatient, returning home or to sober living each day.
Medical Detox: Medically supervised withdrawal management with 24-hour monitoring and medications to keep you safe and comfortable. Learn about medical detox.
Inpatient/Residential Rehab: 24/7 residential care with daily therapy, counseling, and structured programming. Explore inpatient rehab.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP): The most intensive outpatient level, with services most days of the week for several hours at a time. Read about PHP programs.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Generally three 3-hour sessions weekly, flexible around work, school, or family. Learn about IOP programs.
Standard Outpatient: Weekly or biweekly counseling for ongoing support and relapse prevention. View outpatient options.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications combined with behavioral therapy to ease withdrawal and reduce cravings. Explore MAT options.
Sober Living & Aftercare: Structured housing and ongoing support to sustain long-term recovery. Learn about aftercare.
Does Insurance Cover Detox Programs in California?
Yes. Two federal mandates require most insurers to provide at least partial coverage for substance use disorders.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires coverage similar to that for other medical conditions, and the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover treatment for substance use and mental health disorders as essential health benefits.
In California, most plans cover medical detox. Choosing an in-network provider lowers your out-of-pocket costs. Laguna Treatment Center is in-network with many major insurers, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana, and Kaiser Permanente. AAC can verify your benefits in minutes.
Can You Get Detox Without Insurance in California?
Yes. If you do not have insurance, there are several ways to pay for detox, including cash or credit and debit cards, sliding-fee scales based on income and ability to pay, scholarships or grants for eligible individuals, and payment plans or financing that let you make monthly payments instead of paying everything up front.6
Why Choose American Addiction Centers for Detox in California?
If you’re ready to take the first step to end the cycle of addiction and enroll in a detox program in California, contact AAC. Besides the licensed chemical dependency detox program at Laguna Treatment Center, AAC offers detox and the complete continuum of care at rehab facilities throughout the United States. Call or sign up to receive text support and connect with a friendly, compassionate, and knowledgeable admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you begin the process to recovery.
California Detox FAQs
