Entering rehab is taking a giant step towards reclaiming your life from the grips of addiction; however, when you’re in a relationship, the decision to seek treatment can feel more complex. It’s completely natural to have concerns about how rehab may impact your relationship. However it is important to remember that prioritising your health and well-being is what creates a solid foundation for building a stronger and more resilient partnership.
While your intention may be to strengthen your bond and support each other through recovery, there are certain risks and challenges to acknowledge:
Open Communication
One of the most crucial aspects of rehab is being able to communicate openly and honestly. Sharing your feelings, fears, and hopes with each other before, during, and beyond treatment is vital for creating an open and safe space. It’s important to lay the groundwork to create a supportive environment for both of you to express your needs and concerns as you foster trust and understanding.
There is also a risk that the stress and emotional turmoil of the recovery process may lead to breakdowns in communication and you may need extra support to navigate this.
Mutual Support
Entering rehab together offers an opportunity for growth as a couple, however individual therapy and healing is a necessity for individual recovery. Aim to provide each other with healthy support and encouragement. It is a good idea to discuss what couples counselling and therapy options are available as part of your addiction treatment. This can help to address any underlying issues that may be present and help strengthen your bond in a safe space.
Keep in mind that there is a risk of developing or exacerbating codependent tendencies within the relationship. This can happen when one partner becomes overly reliant on the other for emotional support or validation. This behaviour can hinder individual growth and recovery and it’s important to consider how you may address this should it occur.
Setting Boundaries
It’s essential that boundaries are set to help protect your progress and your relationship. Recovery requires dedication and focus. Establishing healthy boundaries with your partner is important for both of you. These boundaries need to address your expectations for communication, social interactions, and your support networks.
There is a risk that one or both partners may experience feelings of resentment or frustration towards each other at times, especially if progress is slow or if relapses occur. Despite good intentions, one partner may also enable the other’s addictive behaviours. This could involve making excuses for substance use, providing financial support for substances, or minimising the severity of the addiction.
Be prepared to adjust your boundaries throughout your recovery to ensure you are meeting your own needs to protect and support your own recovery.
Manage Expectations
Rehab doesn’t guarantee immediate results and a smooth journey. Be prepared for challenges that may arise and approach them with understanding and patience.
Recovery is a deeply personal journey, and individuals may grow and change at different rates. There is a risk that one partner may outpace the other in terms of personal development, which may create tension or feelings of inadequacy within the relationship.
There is also the risk of relapse by one partner which may strain the relationship and erode trust, especially if expectations and consequences were not properly managed.
The cost of rehab and ongoing therapy can place a significant financial burden on a relationship. This strain may exacerbate any existing stressors and impact your ability to focus on recovery.
Both partners may also experience a loss of identity as they navigate life without the influence of addiction. This process of rediscovery can be both exhilarating and disorienting, and may require patience and support from both parties.
Recovery is possible
It’s important for couples entering rehab together to be aware of these risks and to actively work on strategies for mitigating them. This may involve seeking professional guidance, attending couples therapy sessions, and prioritising self-care and individual growth alongside the shared journey of recovery.
Be prepared for your relationship to change as you start to understand yourselves and each other in new and different ways. And remember, if you are both on the recovery journey, it’s very likely your relationship will change in many positive ways!