Many people deal with addiction every day. For most, it is a difficult and painful experience that affects the people around them in many negative ways. Unfortunately, addiction also comes with higher levels of abuse and violence. For people in relationships, substance abuse can make everyday challenges and arguments more pronounced.
It is important for people to recognize the signs of addiction and address them as soon as possible. The more you let your addiction take over your life, the more difficult it can be to overcome it and get on the path to recovery.
For people that are in relationships, it is important to know there are specialized couples addiction treatment options available. It’s important to seek out the right resources for you as a couple, and follow through with the program.
Besides seeking treatment together, there are many other ways you can show your support and start to deal with the issue of addiction in your relationship.
Be There for Your Partner
For most addicts, their addiction is not something they are proud of. Having an addiction can bring on strong feelings of shame and regret. Because of that, it is important for an addict’s partner to show their support by being present, actively listening, and helping their partners through their struggles.
Understand Recovery Is a Journey
Becoming sober and recovering from addiction is not a quick, linear process to a final destination. For most people, there are plenty of bumps in the roads, many moments of relapse and many other challenges that can take the addict off-track. It is important to know this beforehand, so you can be more understanding in the long run. Becoming sober and recovering from addiction is a journey that an addict will be on for the rest of their life, so it is important for partners to accept this and prepare to go on the journey together.
Explore Options Together
There are plenty of options available for recovering addicts and their loved ones. To start the process, consider calling one of the helplines available to talk to someone about the struggles you are having in your relationship, and seek guidance and help for the addiction. There are also specialized facilities, rehab centers and support groups that individuals and couples can access, in order to find the support they need to move forward.
Rehabilitation programs are often available with inpatient or outpatient options, depending on the addicts specific needs and lifestyle. No two people’s journey to recovery will look the same. Therefore, it is important to know there are many options and treatment plans available. Support each other and speak to the professionals together to explore the options.
Attend a Program Together
With addiction, you are not alone. The person dealing with the addiction does not only affect themselves, but also their loved ones and everyone around them. Because of that, there are plenty of options that allow couples and families to go on the journey of recovery together, with counseling groups available for the individuals, as well as a group.
End the Stigma
Most diseases like addiction have a certain stigma associated with them that can often deter people from dealing with their problems and speaking about their struggles. Understand that it is okay to have struggles, and it’s okay to let go of some of the guilt that comes with addiction.
As a society, people are starting to end the stigma around mental health issues as we become more aware. The good news is that it is becoming more accepted to ask for help. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help end the stigma by talking about your experience together. Your commitment to recovery and your relationships can also help inspire others in the same situation.
Reach Out
Since addiction affects an addict along with those around them, it is important for everybody involved to understand that they can reach out and ask for help when they need it. If you are experiencing addiction in your relationship, it’s important to know that there are specific resources available to you.
Reach out to learn about resources you can access whenever you feel you need additional support.
