Photo by Reza Mehrad on Unsplash
Differences and disagreements are often part of a relationship that many couples refrain from talking about. While their impact may not wear out after a few days, the damage such instances can cause is severe. As a matter of fact, many couples silently struggle to rebuild their bond at times, not knowing where to start. With the involvement of addiction, the relationship may become even more strained.
Couples therapy at facilities like Healthy Life Recovery aims at helping couples undergoing addiction treatment resolve their differences, understand the triggers, and build a coping mechanism that helps them grow together. That said, the concept of therapy or counseling is still alien to many, and the taboo that surrounds them further makes it challenging. The involvement of substances or alcohol adds to the hesitation. But, the long-term benefits of getting couples therapy will ensure all differences and triggers are resolved before chapters of life unfold.
Here are more details to know about:
How Does Addiction Affect A Relationship
Addiction often hampers a person’s ability to think clearly and fuels risk-taking behavior. It also results in individuals retracting from fulfilling their obligations towards their loved ones, leading to quarrels that can take the shape of isolation or, worse, domestic abuse.
While it may seem viable to let the person engage in their addictive behavior to maintain the peace of the household, this approach is severely damaging in the long run. As the person with an addiction sees avoidance to engage in conversations or corrective behavior as encouragement, fueling their actions further.
This tendency only grows with time, reducing the integrity and value of the relationship to dust. Seeking professional help ensures the couple receives appropriate counseling and assistance to get out of the addiction and work to build a future for themselves.
Signs A Couple Is Struggling With Addiction Behavior
- The couple is isolating themselves as the addictive behavior progresses. It can often be the person with addiction manipulating their partner to avoid meeting people and instead focus on their relationship.
- Arguments, conflicts, and eventually violence become their relationship. Substance is often the trigger in such cases, and all rational explanations are treated as void.
- The person with addiction may start withdrawing from their professional and personal responsibilities, leaving the other person to fulfill all the obligations by themselves.
- In some cases, the only emotional bond that the couple may have is a shared interest and cravings for the substance.
- There’s always a chance that the person not affected by substance use tries to cover up for their partners with exaggerated explanations for their behavior.
How Therapy Aims To Help
As you begin to explore the possibility of drug rehab for couples, it is vital to understand the long-term benefits. Seeing it as an opportunity to change the course of your life will be an important mindset shift to expect. These are the benefits to know about:
- It offers emotional support
Emotional support is an important aspect of a relationship that often gets crushed due to addiction. The couple can rebuild their resilience and confidence in each other through therapy.
- Instills a sense of responsibility
When a couple goes to therapy together, they develop a sense of accountability towards the process and each other. As treatment progresses, the couple is responsible for being their best selves.
- Allows free expression
The topic of addiction is heavily surrounded by taboo and shame, making it nearly impossible for the person to express themselves. During therapy, the couple is provided with a judgment-free ambiance where they can freely express themselves.
- Create a safe space to be vulnerable
The confidential nature of therapy sessions ensures that a couple can share their deepest disappointments, expectations, and memories without fear of volatile reactions. The continuous support and encouragement further facilitate opening up.
- Gives a second chance at life
Therapy allows couples to regain control of their lives as a unit and as individuals. It encourages them to work on improving aspects of their lives that caused the addiction.
Bottomline
Getting into couples therapy is a practical and safe way to mend relationships while simultaneously working on improving one’s life. Addiction can take a toll on everyone’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and therapy ensures people are given a second chance at life by addressing core values and reasons that result in addiction.
Daniel J. Morgan is the founder of Invidiata Magazine, a premier publication showcasing luxury living, arts, and culture. With a passion for excellence, Daniel has established the magazine as a beacon of sophistication and refinement, captivating discerning audiences worldwide.
