Alcohol Detox
Medically supervised alcohol detox in San Diego County. Alcohol withdrawal is one of the few that can be life-threatening — our 24/7 nursing and physician oversight, FDA-approved withdrawal medications, and comfort care get you safely through the first 5 to 10 days.
Why alcohol detox needs medical supervision
Alcohol is one of the few substances where withdrawal can cause seizures and even death. Anyone who has been drinking heavily on a daily basis should not stop on their own. Severe alcohol withdrawal — delirium tremens, or DTs — is a true medical emergency.
At Pacific Bay Recovery, alcohol detox happens on-site with 24/7 nursing and physician oversight. The goal is simple: get you safely and comfortably through withdrawal, with medication support to prevent seizures and minimize discomfort.
What alcohol withdrawal feels like
Withdrawal typically begins 6 to 24 hours after the last drink and peaks within 24 to 72 hours. Most people experience some combination of:
- Tremors (shakes) in hands or whole body
- Anxiety, agitation, irritability
- Sweating, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Insomnia and intense, vivid dreams
- In severe cases: hallucinations, seizures, or delirium tremens
Our medical detox approach
Detox at Pacific Bay Recovery is built around safety, comfort, and clinical stability. Within the first 24 hours of admission, our medical team performs a full assessment, starts withdrawal-management medications (typically a benzodiazepine protocol), and monitors vitals continuously.
What is included:
- 24/7 on-site nursing
- Physician oversight and daily medical rounds
- FDA-approved withdrawal medications and tapering protocols
- Comfort care — hydration, nutrition, sleep support
- Mental health evaluation for co-occurring conditions
- Smooth transition into residential or outpatient treatment
What happens after detox
Detox stabilizes you physically — it does not by itself address the underlying alcohol use disorder. Every client at Pacific Bay Recovery transitions from detox into residential, PHP, or IOP treatment to do the deeper therapeutic work that produces lasting sobriety. Your clinical team builds a personalized continuing-care plan before discharge.
Common questions about alcohol detox
How long does alcohol detox take?
Most clients complete medical alcohol detox in 5 to 10 days. The first 2 to 3 days are typically the most intense. After detox, you transition into residential or outpatient treatment.
Can alcohol withdrawal really kill you?
Yes. Severe alcohol withdrawal — particularly delirium tremens — can cause seizures, cardiac complications, and death if untreated. That is why medical supervision matters.
What medications are used during alcohol detox?
Benzodiazepines (typically Ativan or Librium) are the standard of care for managing alcohol withdrawal. Anticonvulsants and other comfort medications may also be used as clinically indicated.
Will I be sober when I leave detox?
You will be physically detoxed. The psychological work of recovery starts in the treatment program that follows detox — residential, PHP, or IOP — which addresses the underlying drivers of alcohol use.
Alcohol detox admissions, available 24/7
Confidential intake conversation. We will verify your insurance and arrange immediate admission if appropriate.
