Medical Detox in Los Angeles

Medical detox is the first phase of addiction treatment — the safe, medically supervised withdrawal from substances under 24/7 clinical oversight. At Annandale Behavioral Health, we provide complete medical detox for Los Angeles residents in a private 6-bed Pasadena estate. Our medical team is led by board-certified addiction physicians and supported by 24/7 nursing staff, ensuring detox is safe, comfortable, and seamlessly integrated with residential treatment.

If you or a loved one needs medical detox in Los Angeles, call (855) 778-8668 for confidential clinical assessment. PPO accepted. Often same-day admission available.

Substances we provide medical detox for

  • Alcohol detox — potentially life-threatening without medical supervision (delirium tremens, seizures). Benzodiazepine taper protocol. Learn more.
  • Opioid detox — heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids. Buprenorphine micro-induction available for fentanyl-dependent patients. Learn more.
  • Benzodiazepine detox — Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium. Slow medically managed taper essential to avoid seizures.
  • Stimulant detox — methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription stimulants. Psychiatric support primary, not medical taper.
  • Polysubstance detox — most common in our practice. Complex protocols requiring experienced medical management.

Why medical detox matters

Attempting to detox without medical supervision is dangerous for several substances and uncomfortable for all. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be fatal if not medically managed. Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening but is intensely uncomfortable and leads to high relapse rates without proper symptom management. Stimulant withdrawal can trigger severe depression and suicidal ideation requiring psychiatric oversight.

Beyond safety, medical detox dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Patients who complete medical detox followed by residential treatment have significantly better long-term recovery than those who attempt “cold turkey” or detox-only approaches.

What medical detox at Annandale looks like

Day 1: Intake and stabilization

Comprehensive medical history, physical exam, lab work, and substance use assessment. Initial medication protocol is determined by our medical director. IV fluids, electrolyte correction, and nutritional support begin immediately. Comfort medications are prescribed and titrated based on Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment scores (CIWA for alcohol, COWS for opioids).

Days 2-7: Active detox with 24/7 oversight

Vital signs monitored every 4 hours initially, then less frequently as stabilization progresses. Daily physician rounds. Medication adjustments as withdrawal symptoms peak and resolve. Co-occurring medical conditions (cardiac, hepatic, infectious) addressed concurrently.

Days 5-14: Transition to residential treatment

As acute withdrawal resolves, patients seamlessly transition to our residential treatment program in the same facility — no transfer between buildings, no change of clinical team. This continuity dramatically improves treatment retention.

The Annandale difference

  • 6-bed private estate — not a hospital, not an institutional facility. Detox happens in a private room with concierge nursing.
  • Board-certified addiction medicine physicians on staff and on call 24/7.
  • Integrated residential transition — no need to coordinate between detox facility and rehab.
  • Fentanyl micro-induction expertise for patients transitioning from fentanyl to Suboxone.
  • Confidentiality — discrete location, intake process, and clinical team.

Cost and insurance

Medical detox is covered by all major PPO insurance plans we accept (Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Blue Shield of California, United Healthcare). We verify your benefits before admission at no cost. Private-pay rates available on request.

Frequently asked questions

How long does medical detox take?

Typically 5-10 days, with significant variation by substance. Alcohol and benzodiazepine detox can require 7-14 days. Opioid detox is often 5-7 days. Stimulant detox is shorter physically but longer psychologically.

Will I have access to my phone during detox?

Yes, in most cases. We balance recovery focus with the need to maintain critical relationships and obligations. Your phone access is decided collaboratively at intake based on clinical recommendations.

Can my family visit during detox?

Once you are medically stable (typically days 3-5), family visits can be arranged. Earlier family involvement is sometimes possible based on clinical assessment.

Is medical detox confidential?

Yes. We do not share patient information without explicit written consent.

Related Los Angeles resources

Begin medical detox today

Call (855) 778-8668 for same-day assessment or verify your insurance online.