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 a treatment program that helps manage the symptoms of acute intoxication and withdrawal.2 Detox allows the body to rid itself of substances in individuals who are acutely intoxicated or have become dependent on the substance. This is done under the supervision of healthcare professionals, who can keep individuals safe and as comfortable as possible. For many people, detox programs are the first step in their recovery.
Detox can take place in inpatient, residential, or outpatient settings. Detox programs in inpatient or residential settings offer 24-hour evaluation, care, and treatment services. Detoxification services provided in outpatient settings are delivered during regularly scheduled sessions under a defined set of policies and procedures. Detox in outpatient programs generally require the individual to remain at the treatment center for several hours at a time but allow them to return home or to a sober living residence at the end of the session.2
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 to complete. However, the exact length of time varies from person to person. The factors that impact the length of detox include:3
- The substance used.
- The severity of the dependence on the substance.
- Polysubstance use (using multiple substances at once).
- Past withdrawal symptoms.
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
As previously mentioned, detox is typically the first step in a comprehensive treatment plan. Following detox, many individuals continue treatment in a residential treatment program like the one offered at Laguna Treatment Center, where individuals stay 24/7, receiving care, participating in evidence-based therapies, and learning skills they need for long-term recovery.
Another option for some involves continuing treatment with outpatient care, which varies in levels of intensity. Individuals may enter a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), or a standard outpatient program, depending on their needs. Regardless of the program, individuals in outpatient treatment return home or to a sober living residence at the end of treatment each day.
Does Insurance Cover Detox Programs in California?
Two federal mandates require most insurance companies to provide at least partial coverage for substance use disorders. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires coverage for substance use disorders that is similar to the coverage provided for other medical conditions and surgical procedures.4
Additionally, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurers to cover essential health benefits, which includes treatment for substance use disorders and other mental health disorders.5
In California, most insurance plans cover medical detox so you can use insurance to pay for detoxification and other treatment services. Choosing a treatment center that is an in-network provider with your insurance means you’ll have less out-of-pocket costs.
Laguna Treatment Center is in-network with many major insurers, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana, and Kaiser Permanente, among others. Want to check your coverage? AAC can verify your benefits in minutes.
Can You Get Detox Without Insurance in California?
If you don’t have insurance, there are other ways to pay for detox. Most facilities accept cash or credit or debit cards as payment. Others offer sliding-fee scales, meaning your costs depend on your income and ability to pay. Some provide scholarships or grants to eligible individuals. And many rehabs offer payment plans or other financing options so you can make monthly payments instead of paying for treatment all at once upfront.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.
