DETOX FOR COUPLES

Couples Rehabs parents with multiple drug detox centers that are focused on maintaining a relationship will detoxing. These centers offer levels of care and some even offer an easy transition to a program within their facility.   This is the highest level of detox care available and also the most thorough. Many of the couples who are admitted to this high level of care are extremely addicted to drugs or alcohol and have usually used drugs to which they are addicted to within the last 24 hours.  It is very common that one or both members of the couple will still be on the drug when starting couples drug detox. Once they are admitted they will normally start to experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.  These withdrawal symptoms can be quite uncomfortable and severe. If that is the case, a medically supervised detox program will be the safest and most comfortable route for the couple.

 

 In this first stage of recovery, it is critical that each member has access to the entire spectrum of behavioral and physical healthcare our partners provide. Couples going through the detoxification process often need around the clock monitoring from a medical staff member. This way someone can address their severe withdrawal symptoms and administer medication to support the body in the detox process, as well as to make the client comfortable. Each case is different and will be determined before the detox starts.

THE STAGES OF Couples DETOXIFICATION: EVALUATION

The process of couples detoxification from drugs or alcohol is constituted of three stages. The first step is an evaluation that takes place during the client’s intake to the center. This will include a drug test that will determine what substances and the amounts are currently circulating in each of the members system. A trained medical staff member will conduct a very high-level assessment of the couple to determine if there are any underlying factors that have influenced their addiction. This assessment will confidently identify­­­ such factors as a dual-diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. The doctor will then be able to discuss results and provide feedback to the long-term therapist, which will jump-start the couple’s recovery process.

Examples of drugs that can cause addiction or dependence issues requiring supervised detox include:

Alcohol

Opioids (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and heroin)

Benzodiazepines (such as Valium, Xanax, Halcion and Ativan)

Stimulants (such as cocaine and crystal meth)

Prescription stimulants (such as Adderall and Ritalin)

Synthetic drugs (such as Spice, K2 and bath salts)

Drugs that contain THC (such as marijuana or hashish)

What Is the Medical Detox Process for couples?

Normally, medical detox is a three-step process: evaluation, stabilization, and preparation for future treatment. Couples may also learn about addiction, attend therapy sessions or attend support group meetings throughout detox. But, those are complementary treatments and are not stages of detox as all whole.

Evaluation:

The evaluation usually involves a survey, a physical exam, blood tests and a screening for co-occurring mental health disorders or other medical conditions. Experts will determine a person’s psychological state and the health of the couple’s support system during evaluation. A physician will then reveal a treatment plan using that information. Please note each member of a relationship is struggling with their own issues and will give a plan based on his or her diagnosis.

Stabilization

Stabilization is the step where couples discontinue drug use and health professionals help them gain sobriety and a medically stable condition for treatment ahead. Medication might be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms for some drugs, including alcohol, tobacco and opioids. The period of withdrawal and severity of symptoms depend on the severity and type of addiction. Stabilization typically lasts between one and three weeks depending on the client.

Preparation

Couples should be prepared for further treatment following detox. The most uncomfortable physical side effects of recovery regularly occurs during the detox, however, detox does not prepare patients for the psychological difficulties they will face afterward. Health specialists should advise patients about the significance of beginning therapy, entering a 12-step program or locating some form of long-term treatment to improve their chances of recovery together.

Types of Detox

The preponderance of health care experts, public health officials, and addiction experts support the medical model of detoxification. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s systems of effective detox were developed on the medical model, which combines a system of care, including nursing staff, medication and physician supervision during the process.

The principles of effective detox:

  • Detox is one part of a continuum of care for addiction.
  • The detox process consists of evaluation, stabilization and preparation for therapy.
  • Individuals should participate in the full process, regardless of the severity of their condition.
  • Detox plans should be individualized.
  • All patients should be referred to therapy after detox.
  • Insurance plans should cover the full range of detox services.
  • Services should be able to accommodate culturally diverse needs.
  • Success can be measured by participation in and compliance with future treatment.
  • The social model of detox does not include medication or medical care. It relies on emotional care in a supportive environment to help individuals get through withdrawal. Examples include 12-step programs and support groups.

Most couples addiction treatment facilities use a blend of medical and social care. Couples at these facilities typically attend support group meetings like as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous while obtaining medically supervised treatment along the way.

SAMHSA has revealed overarching guidelines for effective detox for couples

The guidelines are:

  • Educate the individual on the withdrawal process.
  • Engage support systems such as friends, family members and peer groups.
  • Preserve an alcohol- and drug-free environment.
  • Apply motivational enhancement techniques.
  • Develop a therapeutic relationship with the individual.
  • The social and medical models of detox are similar in that each emphasizes safety and wellness. Despite best intentions, other techniques can be dangerous.

Quitting Cold Turkey

The term -quitting cold turkey is presumably the most common way people addicted on alcohol or other drugs try to accomplish sobriety. The cold-turkey method is dangerous when someone is hooked on a substance, depending on the drug.

Compared to tapering or slowly reducing intake, the withdrawal symptoms are more disturbing when couples try to quit cold turkey. If someone has a severe addiction to alcohol or benzodiazepines, quitting cold turkey can be deadly.

If you are in a relationship and both of you are participating in substance abuse then get help immediately. Married or unmarried couples who abuse drugs or alcohol have a difficult time in managing their lives and their relationship. The biggest challenge is if one person in the relationship gets sober and the other does not, it becomes almost impossible for the sober person to stay clean.

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