Couples Treatment for Addiction

Addiction is something that can affect anyone and everyone involved. It is not uncommon to see families and relationships torn apart by addiction. But what happens when both partners in a relationship are suffering from addiction? When both members of an intimate relationship suffer from addiction, it can create a complicated and dangerous cycle of drug misuse and dependence.

Suffering from addiction as a couple can be a complex and stressful experience. This holds even when going to a couple’s drug rehab. This is because both members of the relationship must commit to getting help, if only one person gets the treatment it can end up leading back to relapse quickly. This is why both people must tackle their addictions together through couples treatment. At Discovery, we do not provide couple treatment, but we are fully committed to assisting individuals in finding the appropriate treatment they need. Our focus is on guiding each person toward the tailored support necessary for their journey to recovery.

How Addiction Affects a Relationship

Relationships, where both members use drugs, are a very common sight. Every year millions of Americans misuse substances or alcohol, many of which are in relationships. Substance misuse can end up causing stress and problems in a relationship, even if the couple is actively trying to make it work. There are a few red flags when it comes to relationship troubles and substance use disorder, these include:

• The need to be drunk or high to show affection or to talk to each other
• Using drugs or drinking is the only activity the couple enjoys doing with each other
• Both partners ignore or neglect their responsibilities and obligations (housework, school, childcare, etc.)
• Domestic abuse between one or both partners (due to drug use disorder)

The deeper a couple goes into substance use and addiction the harder it becomes to resolve the problems in the relationship. Additionally, drug addiction can create an emotional distance between the couple which only adds more fuel to the fire. The only way to truly repair the relationship and move towards a better life is through couples’ treatment. While it may seem like a long and grueling journey ahead, in the end, it’ll allow for a happier life for you and your partner. It is possible to stay together and enjoy your lives completely free of addiction.

The Ins and Outs of Couples Treatment

In cases where a couple has a strong and tight relationship with each other, it is recommended to go through recovery together. Working as a couple can strengthen the power of the relationship as they strive towards getting clean. There are a variety of ways that a couple’s drug rehab can be personalized for both partners together.

Each couple is different, no two treatments will look the same. Several factors are taken into account when dealing with couples’ treatment for addiction such as the severity of the addiction, the relationship dynamic, how long the addiction has been present, and other underlying factors. With this in mind, research has shown there is a great benefit to working together during couples’ drug rehab.

Behavioral couples therapy (BCT) is often used to empower the relationship for sobriety and abstinence. A healthy and communicative couple has a much lower chance of relapse than those who don’t.

Being motivated and committed to changing one’s habit is essential for all addiction treatments – this is no different for couples. If you and your partner go in with a motivated mentality, the chances of success increase substantially. Make sure to work through the struggles together while dedicating your time to long-term or short-term treatment as suggested.

As with all types of addiction treatment, there are many different options on a person’s road to recovery. What will work best for you may not work best for your partner. This all depends on different factors (severity, needs, the drug being used, treatment needed, etc.). However, rest assured, you will be able to work together with your partner regardless of the treatment path.

Couples Residential Treatment Program

Residential treatment is a widely used method of addiction treatment for many different types of substance use disorder. Inpatient treatment usually involves a person staying at a drug-free facility for some time (depending on the level of care needed). This can be a few weeks or months. During this time a person typically attends therapy sessions (group or individual) and has 24/7 support from professional staff.

When attending inpatient treatment with a partner, both of you will be able to attend together while continuing a supportive commitment to each other. Couples may also have the option to attend therapy sessions together. This can help both partners work together towards addiction treatment. While different levels of care may be needed, it is still possible to go through recovery together.

Progressing Through Recovery Separately but Together

There may be a few times when a couple cannot attend treatment together. This may be due to different levels of care and preferences. Certain factors may not be best for a couple getting treatment together. An example of this may be a relationship where violent behavior or other medical issues are involved. These cases should be handled separately.

However, it is still possible to communicate and interact through therapy. There are therapy options that can involve both partners together. These can be attended through a regular schedule a few times a week. This can allow for a chance to catch up and talk through their journey so far. This can continue strengthening the bond while creating a sense of teamwork as both individuals make their way through treatment.

Couples Treatment and Mental Health

Substance misuse can wound a relationship so much that it can be tough to go back to the way things used to be. After treatment has ended, there is also a chance of relapse, especially if there are still emotional scars in the relationship. Not to mention the problems with codependency and enabling behaviors before treatment. These issues should be tackled before either individual moves on to treatment.

Behavioral couples therapy teaches better communication and helps create a more positive and productive bond in a relationship. BCT helps to achieve the following objectives:

• Create a happier and healthier relationship; fewer cases of separation and divorce when compared to individualized therapy
• Lower costs for treatment by attending couple’s treatment together
• Lowers risk and cases of domestic violence and abuse after BCT
• It helps couples work together and figure out a common ground moving forward during recovery together

Overall, BCT attempts to raise the standards of a relationship and helps create a stronger bond altogether. Learning new behaviors and practicing better communication can make a huge difference during and after treatment.