Alcohol Detox in San Diego
At Broadview Recovery, our alcohol detox in Lemon Grove keeps your loved one medically safe and gives your family a clear, scheduled next step before discharge, not a blank handoff. Care is led by Dr. David Deyhimy and delivered in a small, 12-bed setting with 24/7 nursing.
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David Deyhimy, MD — Medical Director
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What Is Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detox is the medically supervised process of clearing alcohol from the body while withdrawal symptoms are managed safely. For someone with physical dependence, stopping suddenly can trigger serious symptoms, so a clinical team monitors and treats them throughout.
In a physician-led program, detox pairs 24/7 assessment with medication when needed to lower the risk of seizures and delirium tremens. It is the first step in treatment, not the whole plan, and it works best when the next level of care is arranged before discharge.
Key Takeaways
- Physician-supervised detox with 24/7 RN monitoring lowers the risk of seizures and delirium tremens during alcohol withdrawal.
- Most alcohol detoxes last about 3 to 7 days, with acute stabilization commonly in the first 24 to 72 hours.
- Same-day or 24 to 48 hour admission is often possible for clinically appropriate cases.
- Inpatient detox is warranted with prior withdrawal seizures, heavy daily drinking, unstable housing, or a failed home detox.
- Outpatient follow-up is scheduled before discharge, so families leave with appointments, not questions.
Who Should Consider Medical Alcohol Detox
If you need a safe, physician-led withdrawal to reduce the risk of seizures and delirium, Broadview Recovery offers medical alcohol detox in Lemon Grove, near La Mesa. Our small, physician-led program provides close monitoring and a planned next step before discharge.
When Inpatient Detox Is Needed
Consider inpatient, physician-supervised detox when withdrawal risks are high or home supports are insufficient.
- Heavy daily drinking, with physical dependence and high withdrawal risk.
- Prior withdrawal seizures or delirium tremens (DTs).
- Pregnancy with alcohol-related complications, requiring coordinated care.
- Unstable housing, where safe monitoring at home is not possible.
- Failed home detox attempts, with recurrent or worsening withdrawal.
- Serious medical illness, such as heart or liver disease, that raises risk.
Not sure if detox is the right first step?
Talk with our admissions team and verify your benefits at no cost. We will help you understand the options and what comes next.
Typical Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
The stages below reflect general clinical patterns for alcohol withdrawal and are consistent with ASAM and SAMHSA withdrawal-management guidance. Your clinician will give a personalized estimate after intake, since timing varies by health, drinking history, and severity.
| Timeframe | Typical symptoms | Typical clinical actions | Example length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 12 hours | Mild tremor, anxiety, GI upset | Assessment, vitals, CIWA baseline | Hours (early observation) |
| 12 to 24 hours | Increasing tremor, tachycardia, nausea | CIWA monitoring, benzodiazepine as needed | First day |
| 24 to 48 hours | Peak withdrawal risk, seizures possible | Continuous RN observation, scheduled medication | 24 to 48 hours (highest-risk window) |
| 48 to 72 hours | Decreasing acute autonomic symptoms | Taper medication as appropriate, begin stabilization | 2 to 3 days |
| 3 to 7 days | Symptom resolution, aftercare planning | Case-managed discharge, MAT planning | Up to 7 days |
How Detox Works
Detox begins with a clinical assessment and physician-supervised withdrawal management. We stabilize symptoms, manage withdrawal risks, and plan what comes next while keeping you informed.
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24/7 nursing and physician oversight for symptom safety.
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Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when clinically appropriate, explained and offered by the medical team.
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Daily family updates and coordinated referrals for aftercare.
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Same-day or next-day admission, often possible when clinically appropriate.
Levels of Care: What Broadview Offers and What We Refer Out
Our program stabilizes acute withdrawal and schedules the next step before discharge. Dr. David Deyhimy leads clinical care, so families know who is responsible for medical decisions.
Explore Related Programs
Vitals check, physician rounds, medications, breakfast
Comfort interventions, hydration, brief educational group when stable.
Light meal, restorative time
Individual nursing check-in, optional psychoeducation, rest
Final vitals, sleep hygiene, overnight care on-site
24/7 monitoring.
The schedule is flexible. Patients in early detox often spend most of the first 24 to 48 hours resting. We do not push group attendance until you are ready.
Insurance and Admissions Timelines
The turnaround times below are general estimates to help families plan. Actual timing varies by plan and case. Broadview Recovery primarily works with PPO and commercial plans, and we verify your specific benefits at no cost. Coverage varies by plan.
| Payer type | Typical benefits-check turnaround | Prior authorization likely? | Common auth timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial PPO | 48 to 72 hours | Often, for residential | 5 to 14 days |
| HMO | 48 to 72 hours | Usually | 5 to 10 days |
| Medicaid (state) | 48 to 72 hours | Depends on state rules | 3 to 14 days |
| Medicare | 48 to 72 hours | Sometimes, for higher levels | 5 to 14 days |
| Self-pay | Immediate | Not applicable | Not applicable |
What Families Can Expect
From admission, we include families in care planning and provide clear, regular medical updates. Your family is treated as a partner in decisions, and the next step is scheduled before discharge.
Physician-led care
Dr. Deyhimy directs clinical decisions throughout your loved one's stay.
A 12-bed program
Small enough that the doctor knows every person by name.
Confidential communication
HIPAA-protected updates, with consent-based family involvement.
Involved from day one
Structured family involvement with daily updates and planning.
A case-managed step-down plan
Outpatient appointments are arranged before discharge.
Dual Diagnosis and Mental Health Support
Treating mental health alongside addiction keeps your person safer during alcohol detox and lowers the chance of early relapse. Our dual-diagnosis approach treats psychiatric needs at the same time as alcohol withdrawal, under physician supervision, and is informed by SAMHSA guidance.
We perform medication reconciliation, which means reviewing and adjusting psychiatric medications, and monitor symptoms closely. This integrated approach supports safety and helps ensure the next step is already planned before discharge.
Common co-occurring conditions we support
You may be managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or a bipolar-spectrum condition alongside alcohol use disorder.
Anxiety
Psychiatric assessment, short-term medication adjustments, and supportive therapy during withdrawal.
Depression
Review of antidepressant needs, close mood monitoring, and timely follow-up.
PTSD
Trauma history assessed, with trauma-focused therapy planned after medical stabilization.
Bipolar spectrum
Mood stabilizers and psychiatry consults prioritized to prevent destabilization.
Our clinical team, led by Dr. Deyhimy with Clinical Director David Schornack, LMFT, and Primary Therapist Mary Gonzalez, LCSW, coordinates behavioral-health follow-up before discharge. Case managers arrange referrals to MAT or specialty co-occurring services as needed.
Therapies and Clinical Approaches Used During Detox
We monitor symptoms closely, treat withdrawal with medication when needed, replace fluids and electrolytes, and schedule follow-up care before discharge. You will hear from the physician and nursing team throughout.
As a small 12-bed program led by Dr. Deyhimy, we know every person by name and make sure the next step is scheduled before they leave.
Ready to take the next step?
What to Expect: Admissions, Daily Care, and Payment
Many people are admitted same-day or within 24 to 48 hours after a confidential intake and benefits check. Urgent cases are prioritized, and the first 72 hours focus on medical stabilization and safety planning.
How admission usually works
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Call or submit an inquiry, then verification of benefits (VOB). We run a free benefits check to confirm coverage. Have the insurance card and basic personal details ready.
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Confidential clinical intake. A clinician reviews medical history, substance use, current medications, and mental-health needs to set safety and monitoring priorities.
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Physician assessment and CIWA scoring. A physician evaluates withdrawal and uses CIWA to guide monitoring and medication decisions.
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Medication protocols and nursing monitoring. When indicated, we begin MAT and continuous nursing checks for symptoms and vitals.
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First-week review and case-managed discharge planning. We review clinical response and, with your input, schedule outpatient referrals before discharge.
Insurance and payment
We provide free benefits verification and explain estimated coverage during the VOB.
If private pay is needed, we discuss options during intake. Cost specifics are shared after verification.
Day-one logistics
Bring photo ID, insurance card, and current medications in original bottles.
Wear comfortable clothing. Visits are arranged with the care team.
Records are confidential and protected under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
Our Lemon Grove Location
Broadview Recovery's Lemon Grove location delivers physician-led care in a small, private setting. Our medical detox and residential program has 12 beds and is led by Dr. David Deyhimy.
We are in Lemon Grove, minutes from downtown San Diego and close to La Mesa and East County hospitals. The location gives quick access to emergency care while preserving privacy for high-functioning adults.
Broadview Recovery
2009 69th Street, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Phone: (619) 805-5105
Serving Lemon Grove, La Mesa, El Cajon, Chula Vista, downtown San Diego, and East County.
Why Choose Broadview Recovery
Physician-led care
Dr. David Deyhimy directs daily medical decisions, so clinical judgment guides detox, medications, and medical clearances.
Small 12-bed setting
Our size lets the team provide personalized attention and continuity, so your person is not just a number.
Structured family involvement
With the patient's consent, families join treatment planning from admission onward.
Pre-discharge step-down planning
We schedule follow-up appointments and referrals before your person leaves our care.
24/7 monitoring and privacy
Round-the-clock clinical oversight, with discretion for adults concerned about work or reputation.
Begin the conversation
Talk to our admissions team — 24 hours a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance cover alcohol detox?
Coverage depends on your plan and medical necessity. We recommend a free benefits check so you know what your plan covers before intake. Broadview primarily works with PPO and commercial plans, and coverage varies by plan.
How long does medical detox take?
Timelines vary by health and withdrawal severity. Many alcohol detoxes last three to seven days, and your clinician will give a personalized estimate after intake.
Is medical detox safe?
Physician-led detox lowers risk by managing withdrawal with medication, monitoring vitals, and responding to complications 24/7. This is safer than attempting to stop drinking alone when dependence is significant.
Will my person be comfortable during withdrawal?
We use evidence-based medications and supportive care to reduce symptoms. Comfort varies from person to person, and symptom relief and safety are our priorities.
Do you treat co-occurring mental health conditions?
Yes. We provide dual-diagnosis care with psychiatric evaluation and coordinated referrals as part of the treatment plan.
How quickly can someone be admitted?
Admission often happens within 24 to 48 hours after verification and intake, and same-day admission is often possible for clinically appropriate cases. Urgent needs are triaged promptly by admissions.