Some couples are inseparable. Like “partners in crime,” they do almost everything together. They may even abuse drugs or alcohol as a pair and often struggle with codependency. This makes it increasingly difficult for either one of them to quit. But, what if they were able to attend couples rehab for their shared substance use disorders?
When they finally commit to seeking addiction treatment, they should be allowed to go to the same rehab if its practical. Some rehab centers in South Florida provide drug therapy for couples. However, factors such as the severity of their addiction and each of their mental health needs may affect the decision to treat them as a couple.
Couples drug treatment can be done inpatient (residential) or outpatient and usually begins with detoxification followed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Recovery will also involve couples therapy to address codependency — a problem which is often at the heart of their addiction.
Addiction in a Codependent Relationship
Codependency between a couple is where one partner feels responsible to care for and meet the physical and emotional needs of the other. Codependency is commonly found in people who have close relationships with someone who struggles with substance use disorder or addiction. One way it manifests itself is when both intimate partners abuse drugs.
Couples in codependent relationships tend to do whatever it takes to please the other partner, including abusing drugs or alcohol together—if that’s what it takes. Codependency also results in a partner neglecting his or her own needs. This makes it much more difficult than normal for them to seek treatment let alone encourage the other partner to get clean.
Benefits of Going to a Rehab For Couples
There are several benefits of couples drug therapy if you and your partner are determined good candidates for treatment at the same rehab.
1. Higher Chance of Completing Treatment
It is common for clients to abandon treatment due to missing their significant other, children, or the comfort of home. Codependent couples themselves have difficulties being away from each other for long periods. Being in treatment together means they can provide emotional support to each other at times when withdrawal symptoms or strong overpowering cravings become overwhelming making them want to quit rehab.
2. Treatment for Codependency
Codependency is associated with underlying issues. Those issues being low self-esteem, lack of financial resources, absence of boundaries, or a caretaker mentality. These issues fuel drug abuse between couples and make it harder for them to quit.
Mental health treatment for codependency can help break the cycle of the couple enabling each other’s bad behaviors. It can foster interdependence to help the couple set boundaries and recognize and satisfy their own needs.
3. Reduced Risk of Relapse
According to the Institute on Drug Abuse, 40 to 60 percent of those who seek treatment for addiction will relapse. Notwithstanding, couples who get treated together tend to have a higher chance of staying sober.
Under normal circumstances, significant others, family members, and other loved ones are expected to support and motivate the addicted individual to get help and stay clean. After rehab, the couple can guard each other’s behaviors to reduce the risk of relapse.
4. Couples Therapy
Addiction itself plus codependency often destroys the relationship, although the couple stays together. However, couples therapy has proven to have a positive effect on the relationship even when only partner is in treatment.
During couples therapy, the parties will get a chance to address problems in the relationship associated with drug abuse and codependency. These include financial problems, domestic violence, and neglect of responsibilities. Many couples see improvement in their interaction after understanding how addiction affected them individually, as a couple, and as a family.
5. Post Recovery Support
Addiction treatment doesn’t end after leaving rehab. Staying sober requires using the tips and tools provided in the relapse prevention plan. Couples who are committed to abstaining from drugs or alcohol can help each other manage triggers and cravings.
They may attend 12-step meetings or join sober groups where they can benefit from group therapy. Some couples even sign up for outpatient aftercare services to help keep them on track.
When Couples Drug Treatment is Not Practical
It is sometimes not practical for a couple to get treated at the same time and at the same facility. This may be due to factors such as differences in recovery needs or ongoing domestic problems between them. If you are forced to seek treatment separately, know that your love for each other and the commitment to quit can inspire a successful recovery.
Attending a Rehab for Couples in South Florida
In a codependent relationship where both partners lack control over their addiction, it is much harder for either of them to seek help. Some rehab centers are aware of this and provide structured programs to accommodate and help couples recover together and stay sober. All it takes is one phone call to ask about admission for you and your partner. Call us at 855-936-4435.
