What Is Inpatient Detox?

This entry was posted on .

Key Takeaways

  • Inpatient detox provides 24/7 monitoring and medical care to make withdrawal safer and more comfortable.
     
  • Detox is only the first step in addiction treatment but continuing treatment is necessary for lasting recovery.
     
  • Ocean Hills Recovery in Orange County offers a supportive, family-focused setting that guides you into treatment after inpatient detox.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or drug use, you may feel unsure about where to start. Withdrawal symptoms can feel overwhelming, and the idea of stopping on your own can seem frightening. At Ocean Hills Recovery in Orange County, we offer a safe and supportive environment for inpatient detox.

With round-the-clock medical supervision, emotional support, and family involvement, inpatient care helps you stabilize and reduce withdrawal symptoms. This is often the first step toward rebuilding health and hope.

What is an Inpatient Detox?

Inpatient detox means staying at a professional detox center while your body clears alcohol or drugs in a safe environment with medical supervision. Instead of facing withdrawal alone, you have 24/7 support to guide you through the physical and emotional symptoms that come with detox.

During this stage, people often experience a wide range of symptoms depending on the substance and how long they’ve used it. In a supervised setting, these symptoms are managed so you remain safe and as comfortable as possible.

Common experiences during inpatient detox include:

  • Early withdrawal symptoms – In the first hours, anxiety, sweating, restlessness, or tremors often begin. Cravings may feel overwhelming, and sleep may be difficult.
     
  • Physical discomfort – Nausea, stomach upset, muscle aches, and headaches are common as the body starts adjusting without alcohol or drugs.
     
  • Emotional changes – Many people feel irritable, sad, or scared. Mood swings can be strong, and feelings of guilt or hopelessness sometimes surface.
     
  • Intensified symptoms – For alcohol and benzodiazepines, withdrawal can progress to more serious issues like confusion, seizures, or spikes in blood pressure. For opioids, flu-like symptoms such as chills, sweating, and cramping may peak around day two or three.
     
  • Gradual relief – As the days pass, sleep improves, appetite returns, and the body begins to stabilize. Emotional clarity also begins to return as the fog of substance use lifts.
     

Through it all, medical staff monitor your vitals, provide medication when needed, and offer reassurance. Counselors may check in to help you manage stress or cravings, and loved ones can receive updates with your consent.

At Ocean Hills Recovery, inpatient detox isn’t just about getting through withdrawal. It’s about feeling supported, safe, and cared for while your body and mind begin to heal.

What Happens During Inpatient Detox?

Your stay follows a clear process that balances medical care with emotional support:

  1. Admission and Assessment – Staff evaluate your health, substance use, and mental health needs.
     
  2. Stabilization – Nurses monitor vitals, manage withdrawal symptoms, and provide medications when appropriate for alcohol detox or drug detox.
     
  3. Comfort and Rest – Nutritious meals, hydration, and quiet rooms help your body recover.
     
  4. Counseling Support – Emotional check-ins reduce stress, anxiety, and cravings.
     
  5. Family Updates – With consent, loved ones stay informed and supported.
     
  6. Next Step Planning – Before discharge, you’ll have a confirmed treatment plan for continued recovery.
     

How Long are Inpatient Detox Programs?

The length of detox programs varies based on substance use, health, and response to treatment:

  • Alcohol detox: 3–7 days
     
  • Opioid detox: 5–10 days, sometimes longer with medication
     
  • Benzodiazepine detox: gradual taper lasting longer under medical care
     
  • Stimulant detox: shorter process, though sleep and mood can take time to improve
     

Ocean Hills Recovery monitors your progress daily to adjust care and prepare you for ongoing treatment.

Does Insurance Cover Inpatient Detox?

Yes. Most insurance plans cover inpatient detox when medically necessary. Coverage usually includes your stay, medical monitoring, medications for withdrawal, and basic counseling support.

Ocean Hills Recovery accepts most major providers, including Aetna, Anthem, GEHA, Health Net, EBMS, First Health, Optum, Beacon, and more.

Our team verifies benefits for you, explains coverage clearly, and manages pre-approvals. With free insurance checks, you’ll know what is covered before starting care.

Can You Have Your Phone in Inpatient Detox?

During the first days of detox, phone use is often limited to promote rest and focus. At Ocean Hills Recovery, family check-ins are scheduled, and phone access may increase as your health improves.

Why Inpatient Detox is Safer Than Quitting at Home

Attempting withdrawal alone can be dangerous. Alcohol detox and benzodiazepine detox may cause seizures or severe confusion. Opioid withdrawal can cause intense discomfort and relapse risk. In inpatient detox, medical staff manage symptoms, prevent complications, and keep you stable around the clock.

Alcohol Detox at Ocean Hills Recovery

Alcohol detox symptoms can begin within hours of the last drink. These may include tremors, sweating, nausea, insomnia, or anxiety. At Ocean Hills Recovery, you’ll receive continuous monitoring, medications if needed, and supportive care until you’re stable and ready for ongoing addiction treatment.

Drug Detox and Medication Support

Different substances require different approaches:

  • Opioids: Medications ease cravings and physical discomfort.
     
  • Benzodiazepines: A gradual taper prevents severe withdrawal.
     
  • Stimulants: Support focuses on rest, mood stabilization, and hydration.
     

Our medical team creates a detox treatment plan based on your health and the substances involved.

What Happens After Inpatient Detox Ends

Detox clears alcohol or drugs from the body, but it doesn’t address the behaviors or triggers tied to addiction. That’s why ongoing addiction treatment is vital. At Ocean Hills Recovery, clients often continue care in:

  • Residential treatment
     
  • Partial hospitalization programs
     
  • Intensive outpatient care
     

These programs include therapy, family programming, 12-step recovery, relapse prevention, and aftercare planning.

Preparing For Your Stay at Our Detox Center

Pack lightly: bring comfortable clothes, current prescriptions in original bottles, and alcohol-free toiletries. Journals, small comfort items, or family photos may also be helpful. Share dietary or medical needs before admission so we’re ready to support you.

Why Choose Ocean Hills Recovery for Detox

Ocean Hills Recovery in Orange County offers:

  • 24 7 medical supervision
     
  • Medication support when appropriate
     
  • Private and semi-private rooms
     
  • Nutritious meals and hydration
     
  • Daily clinical check-ins
     
  • Smooth transition to residential or PHP care
     
  • Family programming and aftercare support
     

Here, you’ll always know what to expect, who is helping you, and how we’re preparing you for recovery.

A Fresh Start With Inpatient Detox

Choosing inpatient detox is one of the most important steps you can take toward lasting recovery. At Ocean Hills Recovery, you’ll find more than medical supervision. You’ll find a safe space, professional staff, and the support of a team that truly wants to see you succeed.

Detox is not just about getting substances out of your body. It’s about restoring your health, easing fear, and showing you that recovery is possible. With family involvement, 24/7 care, and a clear plan for what comes next, you can begin to feel hope return.

Call Ocean Hills Recovery Today!

FAQs

What is an inpatient detox?
 
It’s a supervised stay at a detox center where medical staff manage withdrawal symptoms, keep you safe, and prepare you for treatment.

What drugs are used to detox?
 
Medications depend on the substance. They may include FDA-approved options like buprenorphine or methadone for opioids, benzodiazepines for alcohol, or comfort meds for symptoms.

Can you have your phone in inpatient detox?
 
Phone use is usually limited at first so you can rest. Family check-ins are scheduled, and access often increases as you stabilize.

What drug takes the longest to detox?
 
Benzodiazepines generally take the longest due to the need for a slow taper to avoid severe withdrawal complications.

Does insurance cover inpatient detox?
 
Yes. Most major insurance plans cover inpatient detox when medically necessary, and Ocean Hills Recovery verifies coverage for you.

About the author: