Couples Rehab
Addiction is a family disease, it negatively effects an addict’s loved ones just as much, if not more than the addict themselves. In a romantic relationship the last part definitely rings true, particularly if both people in the couple are battling an addiction. Many times these couples are unhappy and the addiction takes away from the relationship. Addiction creates an emotional disconnect and increases the time spent arguing, which can sometimes turn violent. Increased frequency in disagreements and fights create a cyclical pattern that also increases substance abuse. Addicts will use drugs or alcohol to help cope with the stress of a conflicted relationship. It can be a challenge when trying to get sober while stuck in this downward spiral. The good news is that there are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that have specific programs for couples. Entering addiction treatment is one of the best things that can be done for the couple.
Many couples that are struggling with addiction have a difficult time finding an addiction treatment center that will accept both members of the couple at the same time. Many facilities feel that couples should be separated due to the amount of self-work each person has to do while in treatment for substance abuse. Our partnered treatment facilities believe that it is possible for a committed couple to simultaneously recover from addiction. We specialize in helping couples, whether they are married or not, both recover from substance abuse at the same facility. Our partners have discovered a healthy balance between focusing on individual recovery as well as providing support to one another. We even feel that recovering together is beneficial to each person’s individual recovery as well as to the relationship. We can help you and your significant other discover the freedom and new life that sobriety can bring.
There is hope for couples who struggle with addiction
Our partners offer programs that are specifically designed for couples in which both people are struggling with addiction. These programs are tailored to help each person recover as a healthy individual but also grow and heal together as a couple. It is important that both of these steps be taken during recovery and to not just work on the romantic relationship. An individual needs to be in a total healthy state; emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically, to be a member of a functional romantic relationship.
The couples programs typically start with an acute inpatient detoxification. This is currently the highest level of detox care available and is also the most comprehensive. It is very common for individuals to still be under the influence upon admittance into a facility. They usually start to experience very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms by the time they arrive. These withdrawal symptoms are usually quite painful and can be severe. A medically managed detox program would be recommended at this point because it will be the safest and most comfortable route for the patient. There are three stages of detoxification; evaluation, stabilization, and guidance. Clients going through the detoxification process are provided with around the clock care by a trained staff member. Once stabilized our clients will be referred to a more comprehensive addiction treatment program where they will receive the care plan they need to become sober. This last step is very important to the securing the client’s long term recovery.
Many times when couples enter a residential or outpatient treatment program they are ready to start working on rebuilding themselves and their relationship simultaneously. Once an addict has become more balanced and functional as in individual, then it is time to work on rebuilding their romantic relationship through couples behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is offered as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This type of therapy will help to heal and grow the relationship that was once tainted with addiction. Our partners offer programs that are specifically designed for couples in which both people are struggling with addiction, as well as for couples where just one partner is battling addiction. These programs are tailored to help each person recover and heal to a healthy individual but also grow and heal together as a couple.
Let the healing process begin with Couples Behavioral Therapy
Couple’s Behavioral Therapy will start soon after the addict starts treatment. It is part of their comprehensive treatment program, and will be used in combination with other treatment modalities. Typically it requires that the client and their partner be seen for 15-20 sessions. With both partners in attendance it will give the client’s partner a chance to build support for sobriety. It is important for both members of the romantic relationship to recover together so that they can provide support to each other and continue to grow together. During therapy couples will be able to identify other issues outside of addiction, if any, that have contributed to their relationships deterioration. Many times, once the substance abuse has stopped, other problems in the relationship that have been covered up by the addiction tend to resurface. These problems do not simply go away just because the substance abuse has stopped, and it can come as a surprise when the arguing continues even after they have become sober. Addiction often times causes quite a bit of damage to a relationship and some time in CBT will be needed to repair it. Another important aspect of CBT is that the client and their partner not discuss past substance abuse issues, or fears about the future outside of therapy. This could cause conflicts that could lead to a possible relapse. The good news is that once both members are sober and in therapy, their relationship can be a strong positive influence on making their new found sobriety last.
Uncovering codependency while in Couples Behavioral Therapy
The term codependency comes up a lot when dealing with recovering couples in therapy. Enabling, caretaking, and denial are frequent behaviors seen in relationships where addiction is involved. When a person is codependent, especially surrounding addiction, it can negatively affect a newly sober relationship and the individual successes of the couple. Therapy will allow the couple to recognize and correct the enabling behaviors that are present in their relationship.
