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 Residential 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.

There are many steps to addiction recovery. Detox and inpatient care are only the beginning. For many seeking addiction treatment, clinics offering extended care can provide ongoing support. This support helps people find their way in the world after inpatient care. Extended care programs can reduce relapse and create communities with others who put sobriety first. When looking for recovery programs, the choices can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling to find the right program for you, know you’re not alone. There are extended care programs across the state and right here in Mission Viejo, CA.

If you or a loved one are looking for extended care programs for addiction recovery, call Capo Canyon Recovery today at 833.972.2330 to learn about our holistic services at our Mission Viejo clinic.

What Is an Extended Care Program

Extended care helps those in recovery after they’ve completed an inpatient program. These programs extend care beyond traditional 30, 60, and 90-day treatment cycles. Extended care allows clients to transition back into the world. This transition is an essential stage of recovery. During rehab, clients can’t access drugs or alcohol. Everyone in a clinic puts sobriety first. However, when a client leaves, substances become accessible. Extended care helps clients deal with daily situations where others socially use drugs or alcohol. Through extended care, clients feel supported and are less likely to relapse. Extended care uses many types of treatment to maintain sobriety. Programs may include:

• 12-step programs-These programs are easy and convenient. They walk clients through steps, making sobriety feel manageable. Because these programs are available worldwide, 12-step programs provide a consistent community to support people putting sobriety first.
• Outpatient treatment-This might include support groups and regular meetings with an addiction counselor to support sober living.
• Sober living facilities-For many, transitioning from a clinic to a sober living facility can help maintain sobriety through a structured living environment.
• Individual therapy-Individual therapists trained in addiction treatment can provide individualized comprehensive care and support for those in recovery.

Because recovery is a multistep process, extended care is necessary. Clients can integrate sobriety into their lives by providing support beyond the typical 1 to 3 months of initial detox and recovery. This strategy provides time and space to assess their lifestyle and reduce relapse.

Benefits of Extended Care Programs

Extended care programs can provide solidarity and community. For many in recovery, their family and friends may not understand what recovery takes. 12-step programs and sober living offer a built-in community. These groups can help those in recovery maintain a healthy perspective and put sobriety first. The structure of extended care programs can provide stability for those in recovery.

We also believe that individual therapy is crucial to the recovery process. Most often, addiction stems from childhood or adult life trauma. Sessions with an addiction therapist can uncover, support, and heal these wounds. Individual therapy can also offer the perspective needed to maintain a sober life.

Seek Support at Capo Canyon Recovery

Are you or someone you love on the road to recovery? If you’re looking for extended care for addiction treatment, call Capo Canyon Recovery today. Our holistic clinic treats all phases of addiction. From inpatient to extended care, our luxury facility is here to help. Our therapy programs include:

• ​Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy

At Capon Canyon Recovery, we pair comfort and holistic treatment. We have an onsite chef and garden to help clients build healthy habits. There is no shame in seeking addiction treatment or extended care. Recovery is a long and rewarding journey. Don’t wait. Call us at833.972.2330 today for more information on our comprehensive addiction treatments.

Alcohol is distributed around your body by your blood as you drink and even the smallest amount can have a physiological effect. You’ll lose a small amount of alcohol as it leaves your body in your breath and urine but your tolerance will depend heavily on how much you’ve had to eat. Food that is high in fat slows down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream and it will take longer to feel intoxicated although there are other, more damaging effects of alcohol on your overall health to take into consideration. 

Most people have heard of the traditional approach to addiction recovery promoted by AA and NA. However, holistic rehab programs have become much more popular in recent years as people turn to non-religious or secular alternatives. Among the components of a holistic rehab program are creative activities such as Art or Music Therapy. Both have been proven to be extremely beneficial as part of an addiction treatment program.

Most people have heard of the traditional approach to addiction recovery promoted by AA and NA. However, holistic rehab programs have become much more popular in recent years as people turn to non-religious or secular alternatives. Among the components of a holistic rehab program are creative activities such as Art or Music Therapy. Both have been proven to be extremely beneficial as part of an addiction treatment program.

Most people have heard of the traditional approach to addiction recovery promoted by AA and NA. However, holistic rehab programs have become much more popular in recent years as people turn to non-religious or secular alternatives. Among the components of a holistic rehab program are creative activities such as Art or Music Therapy. Both have been proven to be extremely beneficial as part of an addiction treatment program.

Most people have heard of the traditional approach to addiction recovery promoted by AA and NA. However, holistic rehab programs have become much more popular in recent years as people turn to non-religious or secular alternatives. Among the components of a holistic rehab program are creative activities such as Art or Music Therapy. Both have been proven to be extremely beneficial as part of an addiction treatment program.

Most people have heard of the traditional approach to addiction recovery promoted by AA and NA. However, holistic rehab programs have become much more popular in recent years as people turn to non-religious or secular alternatives. Among the components of a holistic rehab program are creative activities such as Art or Music Therapy. Both have been proven to be extremely beneficial as part of an addiction treatment program.

Most people have heard of the traditional approach to addiction recovery promoted by AA and NA. However, holistic rehab programs have become much more popular in recent years as people turn to non-religious or secular alternatives. Among the components of a holistic rehab program are creative activities such as Art or Music Therapy. Both have been proven to be extremely beneficial as part of an addiction treatment program.