New Bridge Foundation® provides medically supervised, on-site detox in Berkeley for adults withdrawing from alcohol and drugs. Clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area can receive detox support for alcohol, opioids and fentanyl, benzodiazepines, prescription drugs, and other substances treated at New Bridge Foundation®.

Detox typically lasts about three to 10 days, depending on individual needs. Founded in 1968, New Bridge Foundation® is a nonprofit organization that has served the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 55 years, offering care to diverse communities, including veterans, active-duty military personnel, LGBTQ+ clients, and individuals with co-occurring disorders. Detox is the first step in a continuum of care, with direct pathways into our residential treatment or intensive outpatient treatment when clinically appropriate.

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Serving the Bay Area

If you’re searching for a detox near Berkeley or the San Francisco Bay Area, New Bridge Foundation® provides on-site detox at our Berkeley facility, so no transfer to a separate detox center is required. You can contact us directly to begin the admissions process and arrange care.

Our detox program serves clients from Berkeley and across the San Francisco Bay Area, including Oakland, San Francisco, Marin County, and surrounding Northern California communities. All detox services are offered at our Berkeley facility, not at separate locations in other cities.

The treatment center is located near the UC Berkeley campus and is easily accessible via public transportation, including BART.

Detox for every substance: Alcohol, opioids, & more

Different substances can produce different withdrawal experiences. New Bridge Foundation® provides detox services for a range of substances and evaluates each client based on their current substance use, medical history, and treatment needs.

  • Alcohol detox

    Alcohol detox supports the body as it adjusts after alcohol use is significantly reduced or stopped. Common withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, sweating, difficulty sleeping, nausea, tremors, and increased heart rate. Symptoms vary widely in severity.

    Alcohol withdrawal deserves particular medical attention because some people can develop seizures, hallucinations, or delirium during severe or complicated withdrawal. ASAM recommends assessing people for their risk of severe or complicated alcohol withdrawal and matching the level of care to that risk.1

    At New Bridge Foundation®, alcohol detox offers medical oversight and staff monitoring. Clients may continue into alcohol addiction treatment after detox when appropriate.

  • Opioid and fentanyl detox

    Opioid detox involves managing withdrawal after stopping or substantially reducing opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioids. Withdrawal commonly includes muscle aches, restlessness, sweating, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, and strong cravings.

    Opioid withdrawal is usually different from alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal in terms of immediate medical risk, but symptoms can be intense and difficult to manage without support. Continued addiction treatment is also important because returning to opioid use after a period of abstinence can carry a heightened overdose risk as opioid tolerance decreases. 

    Evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder may include medications, but a qualified clinician should determine the specific approach. ASAM recommends individualized assessment and treatment for opioid use disorder.2

    New Bridge Foundation® provides detox for opioids, including heroin and fentanyl. Clients may continue into opioid addiction treatment or fentanyl addiction treatment after detox when appropriate.

  • Benzodiazepine, prescription drug, and painkiller detox

    Benzodiazepine detox requires particular caution for people who have developed physical dependence after regular use. Withdrawal may include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, tremor, and other symptoms. Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines after physical dependence has developed can cause serious withdrawal, including seizures and delirium.

    ASAM’s joint clinical guideline recommends that people who are likely to be physically dependent on benzodiazepines generally should not stop them abruptly. Instead, dose reduction should be planned and monitored by a qualified clinician.3

    Painkiller or prescription drug withdrawal varies by the type of medication involved. Opioids, benzodiazepines, and prescription stimulants can each cause different withdrawal symptoms and may require different clinical approaches.

    New Bridge Foundation® provides detox services with medical oversight and staff monitoring. Clients should tell the admissions and medical teams about all prescription medications they are taking rather than changing or stopping a medication on their own. Clients may continue into a benzo rehab program, prescription drug addiction treatment, or painkiller addiction treatment as appropriate.

Detoxing without medical supervision can carry serious risks, particularly with substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines. Trying to detox at home, even with the support of friends and family, is challenging. Withdrawal symptoms can become difficult or dangerous to manage without professional monitoring.

In a medically supervised detox program at New Bridge Foundation®, clients are monitored continuously. When withdrawal symptoms appear, medical professionals are there to help alleviate those symptoms, increase comfort, and reduce health risks.

New Bridge Foundation® uses medical interventions and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), when clinically appropriate, to help make the detoxification process as safe and comfortable as possible. Our medical professionals offer resources, boost comfort, and monitor your symptoms and progress. Medically assisted detox services include:

  • Physical exam
  • Physician oversight
  • Medical history
  • Constant monitoring
  • Stabilization planning
  • Preparation for ongoing recovery

Clients who feel physically able to do so may attend individual and group counseling, acupuncture, and other scheduled activities.

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What makes New Bridge Foundation® different

Someone searching for the best detox near them is often looking for more than convenience—they’re looking for a program they can trust during a critical first step in recovery. 

Key features of New Bridge Foundation®’s detox services include:

  • On-site detox in Berkeley: Clients can begin detox at our facility without transferring to a separate detox center.
  • More than 55 years of experience: Founded in 1968, New Bridge Foundation® has served clients and families in Berkeley and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for more than five decades.
  • Nonprofit treatment provider: We provide accessible, evidence-based addiction treatment as a nonprofit organization.
  • Continuum of care: Clients can transition from detox to residential treatment or intensive outpatient services based on their clinical needs.
  • Detox for multiple substances: Services are available for alcohol, opioids such as fentanyl and heroin, benzodiazepines, prescription medications, and other substances.
  • Co-occurring disorders support: Clients with a primary substance use disorder can receive integrated support for co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
  • Support for veterans and active-duty military personnel: Operation Success provides tailored addiction treatment support for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
  • LGBTQ+-affirming care: LGBTQ+ clients can receive inclusive, affirming support as part of New Bridge Foundation®’s broader addiction treatment services.

New Bridge Foundation® has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers for seven consecutive years. Learn more about New Bridge Foundation®, including our history, mission, and approach to addiction treatment.

After detox: What comes next

Detox addresses the period when the body is adjusting to the absence of alcohol or drugs. It doesn’t address every part of a substance use disorder. Counseling, relapse prevention, family involvement, health and wellness support, and continued recovery planning may become part of addiction treatment after detox.

A typical detox stay at New Bridge Foundation® is approximately three to 10 days, although the duration needed varies by client. The next step depends on factors such as the person’s substance use, stability, treatment needs, living situation, and ability to remain abstinent outside a residential setting.

We have several options for clients transitioning from either outpatient detox or inpatient detox. Clients may choose from either short-term or long-term residential treatment programs or a short-term intensive outpatient program. Our treatment team collaborates with you to develop a treatment plan and a discharge plan that address your needs and recovery goals.

Frequently asked questions

  • Does New Bridge Foundation® accept private insurance or Medi-Cal for detox?

    New Bridge Foundation® works with several private insurance carriers, but coverage depends on the individual policy and the requested services. Contact our admissions team to discuss current insurance options and benefits before admission.

  • Do I need a doctor's referral or medical clearance before entering detox?

    Admission requirements can depend on the client’s health, substance use, and current circumstances. Contact New Bridge Foundation® before arrival so the admissions team can explain what information or evaluation may be required.

  • Are same-day admissions or walk-in detox services available?

    Reach out to learn about our detox availability and admission timing. It’s best practice to call our admissions team before traveling to our Berkeley facility.

  • Do I need to stop using drugs or alcohol before I arrive?

    Don’t make an abrupt change to alcohol, benzodiazepines, prescription medications, or other substances. Withdrawal needs vary, and stopping some substances suddenly can carry medical risks. Contact us for guidance on the admissions process, and seek urgent medical care in the event of an immediate medical emergency.

  • What should I bring with me, and which items are prohibited?

    New Bridge Foundation®’s admissions team can provide the current packing list and explain which personal belongings are permitted before arrival.

  • What happens during the first 24 hours of detox?

    Early detox includes evaluating the client’s health and substance-use history and determining the appropriate support during withdrawal. Our detox services include a physical exam and medical history, physician oversight, staff monitoring, and stabilization planning. The exact process varies according to the client’s needs.

  • Can I continue taking my prescription medications during detox?

    Don’t stop, start, or change a prescription medication. Tell the New Bridge Foundation® admissions and medical teams about all medications you’re taking so medication decisions can be addressed as part of your care.

  • Can a family member call and arrange detox for a loved one?

    Family members can contact New Bridge Foundation® to ask about treatment and the admissions process for someone they care about. The admissions team can explain what steps the person seeking treatment will need to complete.

  • Will I be able to call or receive visits from family during detox?

    Contact New Bridge Foundation® for current information about calls and visitation during detox.

  • Are phones, laptops, or other electronic devices allowed?

    Ask the admissions team about current rules for phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronics before packing for detox.

  • Is my detox treatment confidential, and who can access my information?

    Our team can explain its current privacy practices, authorization procedures, and how treatment information is handled during the admissions process. Ask the admissions team directly if you have questions about sharing information with relatives, employers, insurers, or other parties.

  • Does New Bridge Foundation® provide transportation to its Berkeley detox facility?

    Contact New Bridge Foundation® before making travel arrangements to ask about any options currently available.

Start detox at New Bridge Foundation®

New Bridge Foundation® provides medically supervised, on-site detox in Berkeley for alcohol, opioids and fentanyl, prescription drugs, and other substances. If you or someone you care about may need detox, contact New Bridge Foundation® to discuss admission and the appropriate next step.

We’ve been voted one of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers by Newsweek seven years in a row.

Sources:

  1. American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management. Accessed August 2026.
  2. American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder – 2020 Focused Update. Accessed August 2026.
  3. American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Benzodiazepine Risks Outweigh Benefits. Accessed August 2026.