Substance abuse can be a serious problem if it is only one member of the family. However, it can become even more difficult if it affects two people in a relationship, who live together, or married. For both the recovery and future success of the relationship, drug and alcohol rehabilitation for Couples Drug and Alcohol Rehab is essential. Numerous treatment centers offer couples’ treatment for addiction to help you or your loved one get on the road to recovery and live happier, healthier lives.
Substance abuse and couples
Substance misuse occurs when an individual uses substances–including alcohol, illicit drugs, and/or prescription medications–in a way that is detrimental to their health and well-being and the health and well-being of those around them. Addiction is a chronic condition that can lead to relapse. It involves compulsive drug and alcohol use and other uncontrollable behaviors.
Warning Signs of Substance Abuse and Codependency in Couples
Until they understand what codependency means, people don’t realize they are codependent. While they may believe they are being helpful to their partner, they might not realize that they are harming them both.
Codependency can be identified by:
- Caretaking behaviors.
- Too much responsibility for others.
- You feel like you have to do more than what you are doing.
- It hurts when your partner doesn’t acknowledge your efforts to “help” you.
- Dependence on the relationship or feeling like you can’t handle it all on your own.
- A strong need to be recognized or approved.
- Poor self-esteem.
- Repressing emotions.
- Obsessive thoughts or behaviors.
- Control your partner.
- A deep fear of being abandoned.
- Negating the existence of a problem.
- Poor communication.
- Lack of trust
- Anger.
- Being dishonest or lying.
- Intimacy issues or sexual problems
- Poor boundaries.
These are signs of substance abuse in couples:
You may use higher or more frequent amounts of the substance than you originally intended.
- Substance use can lead to failure to fulfill obligations at home, work, and school.
- You must stop using drugs or drinking alcohol.
- It is illegal to use substances while driving or caring for children.
Arguments about alcohol or drug abuse are frequent. There are also many other issues that could be connected to substance use such as financial problems or failure to meet responsibilities at home.
Feeling the need for drugs or alcohol to relieve the stress you feel after fighting with your partner.
You and your partner feel that you only enjoy drinking or using drugs together.
Under the influence of alcohol and drugs, you may experience episodes of domestic violence. This can include pushing, shoving or threatening the victim with physical harm.
You feel that your partner or you need to be drunk to be affectionate with you, or to talk about the issues in your relationship.
Feeling like you have to be alone in order to hide your addiction.
Couples’ Drug Addiction Treatment
To help end substance abuse and start a relationship, couples can both seek treatment. Many treatment centers provide treatment specifically for couples, addressing the specific issues faced by those who are dependent on drugs and alcohol. The treatment center may offer both individual and group treatment depending on the circumstances of each couple. Couples who enter a rehabilitation program together might be encouraged to attend both individual and couple counseling to address their relationship problems.
The pros and cons of couples’ treatment
Couples’ treatment has many benefits, including a better recovery from addiction, improved relationship functioning, decreased domestic violence, increased compliance with medications, and fewer divorces/reduced chance of a family breaking up than individual treatment.
After Treatment, Couples Recovery
The process of recovery is not over once treatment is complete. For a couple to be able to maintain their sobriety and prevent relapses, they will need to continue their work on recovery. Aftercare plans are designed to help you stay sober and support you in other areas of your life.
