When both individuals in a relationship struggle with substance abuse and addiction, it can be twice as difficult to seek help. Though they enable one another in their addiction, the good news is they also have the ability to keep each other accountable in recovery. This is why couples therapy is a powerful treatment option.
Couples therapy seeks to break harmful relationship habits and help rebuild new, healthy ones. Because the addiction has inevitably created harmful patterns of behavior, couples therapy teaches the couple new ways of communicating, dealing with conflict, and remaining sober. According to an article from the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, this type of treatment has reduced the risk of relapse significantly, even in couples where only one partner is abusing drugs or alcohol.
Couples who have gone through therapy together now have a built-in accountability partner who has their best interests at heart. By offering day-to-day support and encouragement, couples can rely on one another and utilize vital tools learned in rehab to promote continued sobriety.
Depending on the strength and health of the relationship, including the couple’s commitment to recovery, some couples will do best completing treatment separately. If there is a history of violent behavior, or medical or psychological issues, treatment facilities may decide to place the couple in separate rehabs as well. However, accommodations can be made to integrate couples therapy into their unique programs. By creating a new relationship standard, couples can now better manage conflict and build a life of sobriety and abstinence together.
If you and your loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, do not hesitate to call us at (888)507-1355 for a free, confidential addiction assessment. Our trained treatment specialists can create a recovery plan suited to you and your partner’s unique needs. Couples therapy may be the key to your success!
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” -Lao Tzu
