You may have heard of detox diets or detox treatments for addiction. They can be effective in recalibrating the body. But do you know that the principles of detoxification can also be applied to your mind? This is sometimes referred to as a mental health detox or a mental cleanse. The goal is to declutter negative thinking patterns and clear the mind to refocus and balance towards positivity in life.

Benefits of a Mental Health Detox

Our mind is busy with many things, even when we do not notice them happening. There are not only distractions and stressors, but an endless flow of worries and anxious thoughts cramming our nerves. Today, people are so preoccupied with constant news cycles and social media feeds that keeping the mind clear can seem almost impossible.

Sometimes, your mind can be so cluttered that you lose sleep. In one way or another, a cluttered mind can affect your emotional, mental, and overall physical health. If you relate to this, you might want to consider trying a mental health detox. It helps declutter the mind, focus your attention, and energize your spirit to make more profound and meaningful connections that are important in life.

Why would a mental cleanse help you achieve this? Because the mind works along with specific patterns, and if we find ways to stop the negative patterns and reset them, there can be a fresh new beginning.

A mental cleanse can also help people de-stress. Think about a relaxing vacation trip you took in the past. Unplugging from your busy life and shifting attention to traveling in a new place can feel refreshing because you were doing a mental cleanse. By removing yourself from constant stressors in life, your mind becomes clearer, and your whole person can be revitalized.

When Do You Need a Mental Health Detox?

Sometimes you notice the negative thoughts in your mind piling up, distracting yourself from a compassionate and healthy view of life and others. You might find it hard to jump out of this loop of self-judgment and self-criticism, or you might feel stuck and unable to move forward with purpose in life.

Mental cluttering can also block your creativity. As a result, you may feel the old enemy of low self-esteem or self-doubt coming back. You may become depleted of compassion towards significant others in life. You may also feel as if you cannot perform with emotional warmth as usual. Or worse, your emotional health has deteriorated so much that you find yourself always giving in to explosive and reactive behaviors. You may struggle to communicate with a clear mind and are constantly frustrated with defeat in relationships.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, they are signs from your mind and body that you need to take a step back, unplug, relax, and refocus. A mental cleanse is the easiest way to help you do that. However, in reality, not everyone finds this method appealing. Some would instead resort to drugs and alcohol as a way of coping with anxiety. Unfortunately, substances can only make things worse, especially for your mental health.

How to Do a Mental Cleanse

One does not need to travel to achieve the goal of mental cleansing. There are basic but essential techniques in everyday life that can help. First, silent meditation and breathing exercises can help you refocus and connect with yourself. Try breathing deeply with your eyes closed and focus on your body’s sensations with breathing in and out. People have used this calming technique for the past hundreds of years towards self-soothing and mental agility.

Another technique is media decluttering. Try spending a day without checking your phone or computer. Turn off the news and intentionally remove all media consumption from your mind. Spend this day taking walks in nature or participating in outdoor activities. Some people call this a “personal retreat.” Removing yourself from the triggers and stressors of everyday life can help you create a space for connecting with yourself.

Practical Advice on Doing a Mental Cleanse

Just like a physical detox, it may be helpful to develop a self-awareness that something is out of control with your mind, and it is time for an intervention. Objectively assess the state of your mind and refuse to give in to lies. Then, realize the negative thought patterns and emotions that hamper you from thriving in life.

The step towards a mental health reset often begins with mindfulness. By focusing on the present moment, such as your breaths, your mind can feel lighter and relieved. Realize that simply breathing in and out is a blessing of life. Appreciate your being without doing anything to add to your self-worth. You should also examine the root causes of your negative thoughts and do so with self-compassion.

Mental health detox can be challenging because it requires a high level of coping skills in emotional diagnosis and regulation. You may want to work with a mental health professional to make this journey successful.

If your mental health is suffering due to a cluttered mind, you may need a mental health detox. Its goal is to declutter negative thinking patterns and clear the mind to refocus and balance towards positivity in life. Although the concept is simple, the implementation might not be. You can work with mental health specialists to start the journey of renewal. At Capo Canyon Recovery, our mental health professionals have rich experience coaching clients to detox physically and mentally. We offer effective techniques that can help your mind and spirit reset. You will surely enjoy spending time at our treatment center near Mission Viejo, CA, where we have an in-house chef, luxurious beds, and an onsite organic garden. You can also benefit from our inpatient residential care and outpatient, long-term care programs. We are here to help you restore a sober and fresh mind. Call Capo Canyon Recovery at (800) 804-8714 to learn more today.

Detox is a challenging process that requires a lot of determination and support. Having access to 24-hour nursing is crucial for helping clients achieve sobriety. Understanding the benefits of having full-time medical staff available while in a detox program can motivate someone into the first steps of recovery.

Medications in Detox

With the growing number of clients entering treatment facilities to treat opiate addiction, there is an increased need for and use of “opiate antagonist” medications. Opiate antagonist medications like Narcan (naloxone) and others containing naloxone (the active ingredient) are typically used to reverse the effects of an overdose of opiates.

Some naloxone-containing medications are solely used for preventative reasons. Whereas Narcan and Revia (naltrexone) are used for both prevention and emergencies, newer options are commonly used to treat withdrawal symptoms specifically.

Suboxone for Opiate Detox

One medication that has become widely used as the go-to for treating withdrawal and conducting a taper program is Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone). This drug can be used to treat withdrawal symptoms while also being used as a preventative.

Suboxone contains naloxone, just like Narcan, but also includes an opioid. Due to the effect of the medication, a doctor will be able to help their clients safely withdraw from opiates. This will make the symptoms much easier to handle. When the withdrawal symptoms are controlled and minimized, there is a greater chance that the client will stay in treatment and have long-term success.

Medications for Other Substances

For nearly all other detoxes, there are no specifically developed drugs used. However, the detox facility will have many peripheral medications to ease the symptoms associated with detoxing. Having 24-hour access to professional medical staff with all the tools and medications available to ease withdrawal symptoms will provide a much more comfortable and pleasant experience than alternative methods.

A Full Spectrum of Care

Medications for withdrawal are not the only part of detox that requires around-the-clock care. Clients also benefit from having 24-hour nursing staff in detox for various aspects of their care, including:

#1. Mental Health Care

When clients check into a residential treatment program, they are always given an assessment. These assessments will help the clinical staff develop the right program for the client’s specific needs. Sometimes, they also include mental health evaluations to screen for any mental health issues that the client may need to be treated along with substance use disorder.

Having 24-hour care available is essential in receiving the best treatment for emotional and mental health issues. Some clients may have never had a proper evaluation done before and may not even be aware that they had any problems that they needed professional help with.

Detoxing from substances while also having other underlying mental health disorders can make it quite challenging for clients to cope with the withdrawal symptoms. Having consistent nursing staff who can help clients who need assistance with mental health disorders is crucial. Having the support and resources of professional medical care 24/7 will provide clients with a much more comfortable experience, which will lead to a higher rate of clients staying to complete treatment.

#2. Physical Health

Clients may also have incurred various physical health issues while using substances. They may have contracted an illness, have organ damage, or infections that have gone unnoticed. Having 24-hour care available will ensure that clients get help with these issues, and it will ensure that their problems do not go unrecognized or untreated.

Some physical issues that a client may have upon entering treatment could be related to more significant underlying physical health issues. Some may also require emergency medical care. This is where having a 24-hour staff available is critical.

There are many ways physical ailments related to detox could develop into more severe issues requiring emergency medical care. Some detox processes may even have the potential to be lethal on their own. Having staff available at all times will ensure the safety of anyone that is going through a detox process.

#3. Nutritional Care

Clients who come into detox are sometimes malnourished due to their substance use. Having a staff that is available 24-hours a day will help ensure that clients will be cared for effectively. Clients who are dehydrated, underweight, or experiencing illness due to malnourishment will be able to receive the appropriate help and resources that may not have been available to them anywhere else. It is essential to distinguish between what ailments a client has as a result of their substance use versus as a result of their diet or malnourishment.

Everyone wishes to have the best care for themselves or their loved ones, especially during detox; it doesn’t get better than having expert medical care available 24 hours a day. There are many important details and procedures involved when completing a detox program. Clients will typically get a mental health evaluation, a physical health evaluation, and start a medical detox shortly after arriving at a treatment center. All of these things are critical to establishing the status of the client and determining the type of help they’ll need to detox and enter recovery safely. At Capo Canyon Recovery, we provide our clients with the most comfortable experience possible. We ensure that our clients feel cared for by providing the best medical staff at all hours of the day and night. If you or a loved one are seeking care for substance abuse and wish to learn more about our program, call Capo Canyon Recovery today at (800) 804-8714.

Benzodiazepines are in a class of drugs known as “anxiolytics.” They are generally prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. When prescribed at low doses and for short periods, usually a month or less, they can effectively treat anxiety symptoms. However, research does not support the long-term use of these medications for anxiety or sleep disorders because it can lead to drug dependence. Once that happens, stopping or weaning off the medication can be dangerous without medical assistance.

Detoxing in a Inpatient Treatment

When it comes to tapering off a medication like benzos, it is best to do it in a treatment setting where staff is educated about the dangers of long-term use. Initially, physicians or psychiatrists working with the clients may suggest a reduction in dosage to find the right amount that works for the individual as each case is different. This also allows the clients to feel safe during the process. Tapering off requires a lessened commitment than going off the medication entirely at once.

This method may also help clients build confidence in their ability to taper off and eventually get off the medication, as the withdrawal symptoms will be reduced. Clients will also have the appropriate opportunity to learn how to manage any adverse side-effects that may come.

Before and during the medication taper, providing the client with knowledge of the withdrawal symptoms to expect, and encouraging them along the way while reinforcing new strategies for managing their anxiety, will be beneficial to their long-term success. As with any use of psychiatric medications, under the supervision of a medical professional, clients will also benefit from the support of professional counseling staff to manage the psychological process of medical detox.

The Appropriate Length of Time

The length and process of tapering will vary widely, as it is an individualized process. Some clients may prefer to taper rapidly, while others may lengthen their taper. In any case, the length of the taper is related to the severity of the symptoms and how much the client is comfortable with experiencing. Along with general discomfort that clients may experience, considering the potential lethality of a taper that is too dramatic must always be accounted for and take precedence over any other possible side effects.

Medical professionals remain divided over the appropriate length of an effective tapering program. Some clinicians may suggest a prolonged schedule where the client will have more input in the process, dosage reductions, and time to adjust. Other clinicians believe that the most effective tapers are accomplished only through the use of a rapid detox program, typically eight to twelve weeks, with the option open to the client to slow down if the negative side-effects they experience are too much to handle. In most cases, clinicians agree that any taper that goes on too long, six months or more, may lead to more anxiety about the process, possibly creating worsened side effects.

The sooner that the client can be completely off the medication, the higher their chance of long-term success. Yet still, there are unique cases in which it may be appropriate that the clinician and the client both agree that a taper of a year or more may prove beneficial or even necessary.

The Different Available Methods

There are three standard methods for tapering off benzos. The first method is to use the same medication to taper down. The second method is switching to a similar medication with a longer-lasting effect. The third method is to use other medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Individuals who are tapering off benzos may experience difficulty reducing or stopping the medication dosage because of adverse symptoms, such as increased anxiety or cravings for the drug. Individuals with problems with lowering their dosage or stopping may begin to take more than prescribed, request refills on medicine earlier than planned, or use the medication for reasons other than what it was prescribed for. These patients may benefit from a transfer to a higher level of care, such as an inpatient rehab program or a partial hospitalization program. Tapering off of the drug will provide a good idea as to what level of care will best help the client.

The best way to prevent a return to use is to have a thorough treatment plan developed and strictly follow it. Another key to prevention is exploring different medications that are non-narcotic to assist the client with their anxiety issues.

Best practices typically include utilizing a short-term taper of four to six weeks. Because this may seem short to most people, it is always highly advised to detox through a residential treatment program, where there will be plenty of support and assistance available, instead of seeing a psychiatrist privately and detoxing from home.

Tapering off of substances is a common first step for those wanting to quit. In some cases, it is even medically necessary, as with benzos. The withdrawal symptoms and side effects of discontinuing medications, like benzos, can often be lethal. This is why it is essential to decide to quit as soon as possible. For the highest chance of success, it is always highly advised to participate in a residential program, where all of the needed care will be available. At Capo Canyon Recovery, we provide clients with a comfortable, safe environment where they can focus on their recovery. We want to help our clients put an end to their substance abuse. Once our clients complete their detox, they can move on to one of our residential treatment programs. If you or a loved one are seeking support or want to learn more about our treatment options, call Capo Canyon Recovery at (800) 804-8714.

When someone is codependent, it means that they are completely influenced by another person’s behavior. This can be to the extent where they try and control their actions which is usually for the best intentions. However, many people with addiction are also involved in codependent relationships which can serve to make their problems much worse.

When someone is recovering after treatment for addiction, keeping a journal can be an effective tool to keep them healthy. In fact, many people working in the addiction field believe journaling to be the cheapest form of therapy and a catalyst for positive change.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

People who have struggled with addiction issues and have completed detox treatment at a rehab center still have some challenges to face when they return home. Detox is the medical process where someone who has become addicted to drugs or alcohol ceases to use so as to rid the body of all the associated toxins that have built up over time. Leaving the comforts and control of a place like Capo Canyon Recovery can be a scary idea, but a necessary one to fully integrate back into a normal life.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

Going through the detoxification process is no easy feat at any age, but when you’ve been dependent on drugs or alcohol for prolonged periods of your life, there can be special needs associated with your more mature age. The kind of methods and treatment programs designed for younger patients with addiction issues might not be as appropriate for older adults, without specifically tailoring the programs. 

Welcome to the Capo Canyon Recovery blog site! Capo Canyon Recovery’s mission is to provide a safe location for detoxification, that gives you comfort, access to medical care, and individualized and specialized care. Our detox facility is located in Laguna Niguel, CA, near Mission Viejo, CA, Aliso Viejo, CA, and Lake Forest, CA.