Alcohol Detox Treatment Center in California
Medically supervised alcohol detox at Keystone Health Group in Los Angeles. Safe, 24/7 monitored withdrawal management with medication-assisted treatment.
Alcohol withdrawal is one of the most medically serious forms of detox. Unlike opioid withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening — causing seizures, hallucinations, and a condition called delirium tremens (DTs) in severe cases. At Keystone Health Group, our board-certified physicians and licensed nursing staff provide around-the-clock medical supervision to ensure your alcohol detox is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Why Alcohol Detox Requires Medical Supervision
The brain and central nervous system adapt to chronic alcohol use by upregulating excitatory activity to compensate for alcohol's depressant effects. When alcohol is removed suddenly, this compensatory excitation goes unchecked — leading to a spectrum of withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild anxiety and tremors to life-threatening grand mal seizures and delirium tremens. The CIWA-Ar (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol) protocol is used by our medical team to assess withdrawal severity and guide medication dosing throughout the detox process.
Medications Used in Alcohol Detox
The gold standard for alcohol withdrawal management is benzodiazepine therapy — typically Librium (chlordiazepoxide) or Valium (diazepam) — which reduces seizure risk and manages the physiological effects of withdrawal. Our physicians may also use anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, and thiamine supplementation (to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy). All medications are administered and monitored by our medical team; you will never be left to manage withdrawal alone.
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?
Alcohol withdrawal typically begins within 6–24 hours of the last drink and peaks around 24–72 hours. For most people, the acute withdrawal phase resolves within 5–7 days. However, a subacute phase — involving anxiety, sleep disturbance, and mood changes — can persist for weeks. Our clinical team monitors you throughout and determines when you are medically ready to transition to inpatient rehabilitation.
After Detox: Inpatient Rehabilitation
Detox alone is not treatment — it is the beginning. Once medically stabilized, our team coordinates your transition into Keystone Health Group's inpatient rehabilitation program, where you will address the psychological, behavioral, and social dimensions of alcohol use disorder through evidence-based therapies, group work, and individualized treatment planning.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
How We Treat It
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alcohol withdrawal dangerous?
Yes. Alcohol withdrawal is one of the few forms of drug withdrawal that can be directly fatal. Seizures and delirium tremens (DTs) are serious medical emergencies. Anyone with a significant alcohol use history should never attempt to stop drinking without medical supervision.
How long does alcohol detox take?
Acute alcohol withdrawal typically lasts 5–7 days. Delirium tremens, if it occurs, usually peaks around 48–72 hours after the last drink. A subacute phase of anxiety, sleep disturbance, and mood changes can persist for several weeks.
Does insurance cover alcohol detox?
Yes. Most insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Humana, cover medically necessary alcohol detox under behavioral health benefits. Our admissions team verifies your benefits for free before admission.
What happens after alcohol detox?
Detox addresses the physical dependence on alcohol. After detox, the next step is inpatient rehabilitation, where you will work with therapists, counselors, and physicians to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of alcohol use disorder.
Can I detox from alcohol at home?
We strongly advise against home detox from alcohol. The risk of seizures and delirium tremens makes unsupervised alcohol withdrawal potentially fatal. Medical detox at Keystone Health Group provides the safest possible environment for alcohol withdrawal.
Ready to Start Detox?
Same-day admissions available. Our team is here 24/7.
Call 855-83-RENEW Verify InsuranceSafe, supervised detox is one call away.
Same-day admissions available. Most insurance accepted.