Our comprehensive alcohol detox program in Los Angeles

  • Medically supervised withdrawal
  • Safe, residential environment
  • 24/7 psychiatric support
  • In-house transition to rehab

Throughout Los Angeles, our alcohol detox centers are designed to feel like home, fostering comfort, healing, and a sense of community.

What to expect in our alcohol detox program

Our alcohol detox program meets you where you are with structured, medically supervised care that supports both physical safety and emotional well-being, setting the foundation for long-term recovery.

Initial assessment

Upon arrival, our team gets to know you and your relationship with alcohol so we can build a care plan tailored to your unique recovery journey.

Medically assisted alcohol detox

You’ll detox in a supportive, 24/7 care setting, with medications and psychiatric support as needed. Most detox programs last 2–10 days.

Transition to rehab

Once detox is complete, we’ll guide you into the next phase of care, with many clients continuing into residential treatment to build skills for lasting recovery.

One-on-one therapy

In individual therapy, you’ll work one-on-one with a therapist to understand what’s driving your alcohol use and build tools for healthier coping.

Medications & life skills support

If medications are helpful, we’ll manage them safely, while case management helps you build routines, life skills, and confidence for life beyond treatment.

Group & holistic therapy

Group therapy helps you connect with others while practicing recovery tools, with yoga, meditation, and sound baths to support balance and grounding.

What happens when you detox from alcohol

From cravings to brain changes, learn what your body and mind may experience as you begin recovery.

Alcohol detox is often the first step in recovery from alcohol use disorder. You will receive 24/7 medically supervised care in a safe, supportive environment while your body clears alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, tremors, heart palpitations, and fatigue, typically peak within 48–72 hours and resolve within 7–10 days, with our team providing comfort, medication support, and guidance for a smooth transition to ongoing treatment.

Services Provided During Detox

  • 24/7 medical monitoring and clinical supervision
  • Medication support to ease withdrawal symptoms
  • Psychiatric check-ins as needed
  • Comfort-focused care and emotional support
  • Care coordination and next-step treatment planning

Chronic alcohol use can change the brain’s structure and function, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. During detox, neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine shift, which can cause anxiety, agitation, and blackouts. After detox, many notice improved clarity, focus, and overall mental well-being.

Side effects during alcohol detox:

  • Changes in your brain that can make stopping alcohol difficult
  • Shifts in mood and feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine
  • Increased anxiety and risk of blackouts as your brain adjusts
  • Feelings of restlessness or agitation during the process
  • Gradual improvement in clarity, focus, and mental sharpness after detox

Alcohol detox can be just as challenging mentally as it is physically. You may face strong cravings, emotional triggers, and stress that make it tough to get through on your own. The discomfort of withdrawal can feel overwhelming, but understanding what’s happening can help you navigate this critical step in your recovery.

Key psychological challenges during alcohol detox:

  • Intense cravings that are hard to resist
  • Emotional triggers and stress can make things difficult
  • Feelings of anxiety, agitation, or mood swings
  • The strong mental hold that alcohol can have on you

Detoxing from alcohol without medical support can be dangerous. Without professional care, your body and brain must handle withdrawal alone, which can lead to severe symptoms that are hard to manage safely, and in rare cases, can be life-threatening. Understanding these risks can help you protect your health during this important first step in recovery.

What can happen if you detox without support:

  • Severe withdrawal symptoms like tremors, rapid heartbeat, or high blood pressure
  • Intense anxiety, agitation, or confusion
  • Possibility of seizures or severe medical complications that may be life-threatening
  • Blackouts or memory loss
  • Extreme fatigue or dehydration
  • Strong cravings that make relapse more likely

Why Clear Behavioral Health?

Choosing Clear Behavioral Health means gaining trusted, compassionate care designed to help you manage your alcohol withdrawal with confidence and long-term support.

Spotlight: Gardena

See what makes our alcohol detox centers special, take a virtual tour, or learn more about our locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to detox from alcohol?

Detoxing from alcohol is dependent on the severity of your alcoholism. In most cases, it will take around 5-7 days to detox from alcohol, with clients reporting the third day of their detox being the most difficult.

Our detox program in our residential facilities provides around the clock support from our clinical staff, with medication assistance if necessary. We are there to support your withdrawal, monitor your progress, and ensure your safety throughout the entire process.

What should I bring to detox?

When you check in to our residential treatment center, you will start with your detox process, and once you’ve successfully detoxed, join your peers in our residential program which includes therapy, daily group sessions and holistic therapy.

We want you to be comfortable throughout your treatment, and recommend packing like you’re going on a week-long vacation. One week of clothes that include options for hot or cold weather, different activities such as lounging, movement like yoga, and casual wear for your daily group meetings. You will have access to laundry throughout your stay

Please also bring the following:

  • Hobby items, such as art materials, games, sketching, musical instruments, and books as approved by Clear
  • Current prescription medication in the original pharmacy bottle with the information label intact, and a list of all your medications and dosages
  • Insurance card and photo ID
  • Comfortable everyday shoes
  • Sneakers or other shoes for sports/walks outside
  • Flip-flops for the shower, if desired
  • Slippers to keep your feet warm inside
  • T-shirts or tops with sleeves and/or cardigans to wear over sleeveless tops
  • Pants, shorts, or skirts that comply with appropriate dress
  • Gym clothes for yoga, workouts, or other forms of exercise
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Swimming trunks for men or one-piece bathing suit for women
  • Pajamas
  • Glasses or contacts, as needed
  • Personal hygiene items like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant or shampoo
  • Basic, to-go kit of cosmetics, if desired
  • Shaving razor or electric razor and shaving cream, if desired

What medications are used for alcohol detox?

The medications we use to maximize the safety and comfort of the detox process vary based on the severity of your alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Medications such as benzodiazepines (diazepam or lorazepam), gabapentin, and tegretol can help manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including anxiety, seizures, insomnia, and cravings.

At Clear, medications are only used under the supervision of a licensed medical professional and when necessary. Our strong belief is that medications are just one part of a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan, used in combination with our treatment programs.

All medication decisions are made in collaboration with your needs, and medication selection is dependent on your unique medical history, current health status, health goals, and other factors.

Have another question?

Visit our FAQ page to find out more about our residential detox programs in the Los Angeles, CA area, or give us a call today to learn more.

Detox resources

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