Rehab Centers for Couples

Substance abuse is a widespread challenge in the U.S., affecting millions of people across the country. While many people struggle with addiction on their own, it’s also common for couples to struggle with substance addiction together.

Many types of treatment programs can be effective for anyone with a substance use disorder (SUD), but those whose partners are also affected by addiction may find a specialized program to be especially beneficial.

Read on to learn about couples rehab programs including key components of treatment, types of therapy used in couples programs, and the benefits of choosing a specialized program.

Couples addiction treatment programs are a specialized type of rehab program intended for couples in which both people are struggling with substance misuse. In other cases, couples in which only one partner has an SUD may choose to attend a couples program. They are designed to address the unique challenges couples with addictions face.

Compared to individual programs, in which people with SUDs enroll alone, couples programs allow both people (when both are struggling with addiction) to enroll in the same program and participate in certain treatment services together. In a standard individual program, participants attend treatment on their own, aside from group treatment services.

Choosing to go through treatment together can have many benefits for both the individuals and the couple. Many people experience benefits to their overall well-being, health, and mental health. As a couple, the individuals may see an improved bond in their relationship.

There are many issues that can come up during a rehab program. In couples treatment, this can include co-dependency and enabling behaviors, communication breakdowns and conflict resolution, and mental health issues in addition to substance abuse itself.

The number one priority of any addiction treatment program is to address substance abuse (also called misuse) and addiction (also called dependence). There are many ways to treat substance misuse or dependence, and you and your partner may choose to seek out a particular type to meet your needs. Most rehab centers offer treatment for alcohol, cocaine, heroin, meth, opioid, and prescription drug addictions.

There are two main methods of treating addiction: inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment is the most intense approach as it requires you to live in a treatment facility for the duration of the program. This allows for 24/7 care and supervision. For couples seeking treatment, inpatient programs may not be feasible if both individuals cannot leave their homes for an extended period of time. In couples in which one individual has an SUD, this can also create problems as the couple will not be physically together for a certain duration.

That being said, some couples opt for outpatient programs which involve traveling to a recovery center several times a week for treatment. All in all, the type of treatment you choose to pursue should be based on the extent of your addiction and the services you need. Some couples start with inpatient rehab and later transition to outpatient rehab as a step-down.

Another common issue that may come up during couples’ addiction treatment is co-dependency and enabling behaviors.

Co-dependency is a fairly common issue many couples face that involves excessive emotional or psychological reliance on one another. This can cause an imbalance in the relationship and make it difficult for people to function outside of their relationship. When co-dependency is compounded with addiction, the issue can be exacerbated. It is sometimes even called a relationship addiction.

On a similar note, many couples with SUDs also struggle with enabling behaviors. Enabling behaviors are those that support or encourage the other person’s addiction or dangerous behaviors. Overcoming addiction is very challenging on its own, but it can be even more overwhelming when your partner is enabling your actions.

As with many couples, couples with addictions may also face issues like communication breakdowns and difficulties with conflict resolution.

A communication breakdown, or any interruption or failure to understand one another while communicating, can occur for many reasons. However, in couples with addiction, this can occur even more frequently due to the way drugs and alcohol can alter your mental and behavioral state. As a result, couples may struggle with conflict resolution and effective communication.

In couples drug and alcohol rehab, you can expect to work through these communication issues and learn conflict resolution skills to use in the future.

Lastly, couples rehab programs often address mental health conditions in addition to other issues. This is not an issue exclusive to couples with SUDs, in fact, it is very common for people to experience mental illness while struggling with addiction. These conditions are known as co-occurring disorders.

Mental health problems commonly occur alongside addiction for a few reasons. In some cases, pre-existing mental disorders can be the cause of addiction, while in others, addiction causes the development of a condition.

Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and depression are a few of the most common co-occurring disorders.

Addiction treatment programs often use a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan to approach addiction. That being said, there are many components you may encounter in your couples treatment program.

Though you and your partner will receive some treatment services as a couple, there are some parts of rehab you will need to do on your own as well. One of these is individual therapy or counseling.

Therapy can come in many forms (several of which we will cover later on), but involves regular sessions between you and a therapist or addiction specialist. This is a time to talk about any behaviors, thought patterns, or co-occurring disorders that may be worsening or causing your addiction. You and your therapist will discuss how to make changes to lessen the effects of these issues.

On the other hand, counseling is a time to talk about anything you are feeling regarding addiction and addiction treatment. You may discuss your emotions, fears, goals, or achievements during this time. It’s essentially an opportunity to discuss your addiction and needs.

In addition to individual therapy sessions, you will likely attend additional joint therapy sessions with your partner. Couples therapy can take on many forms, one of the most common being behavioral couples therapy.

Joint therapy sessions can serve several purposes. This is a time to discuss issues you and your partner face, how these issues may affect your addictions, and how you can work through these issues.

You may also want to discuss how you and your partner’s addictions affect one another.

Many drug and alcohol rehab centers offer group therapy and other forms of peer support as part of their program.

Group sessions involve you, your peers, and a counselor or therapist. Group therapy can be extremely beneficial in addition to individual and joint therapy as it is a great opportunity to hear about your peers’ experiences with addiction. It can help remind you and your partner that you’re not alone.

Peer support is also very important in addiction treatment. Group counseling and group activities are a great opportunity to connect with your peers and even form a support system. For couples struggling with co-dependency, this can be particularly beneficial as it can help you and your partner branch out a bit.

Yet another therapy modality you may encounter in treatment is family therapy. This type of therapy may not be for everyone, but it can be beneficial in certain dynamics. Family therapy involves you, your partner, relevant family members, and a therapist or addiction specialist.

Having you and/or your partner’s family members present during therapy sessions can help reveal issues related to your addiction and help repair familial bonds.

Your family also may be able to point out issues your addiction has caused in your relationship. This is an opportunity for everyone to discuss addiction, how it has affected them, and their needs.

Addiction treatment can vastly improve anyone’s life in many areas. That being said, couples rehab programs have additional benefits that may address you and your partner’s unique needs.

Common benefits of general alcohol and drug rehab:

• Reduced risk of death due to alcohol or drug abuse
• Improved mental health
• Improved relationships
• Reduced risk of overdose
• Improved physical health
• New friendships
• Improved career/academic life
• New, healthy hobbies

As for couples rehab programs, one of the biggest benefits many couples see is a strengthened relationship through recovery. This can be due to many variables. For one, going through a challenging experience together can improve your bond. On top of that, the therapies and rehab treatment options involved in couples programs can help you address any issues that may be weakening your relationship.

Another benefit of a couples program is mutual support and encouragement. One of the most important parts of addiction recovery is having a good support system. In a couples program, having your partner by your side allows for unique support throughout recovery. It can also be very helpful to have your loved one encouraging you and vice versa along the way.

Many couples who attend couples rehab also find that they are able to build healthy relationship dynamics they did not previously have. This is because treatment and therapy are all about changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that could be contributing to your addiction and the breakdown of your relationship.

Lastly, couples rehab can enhance your commitment to sobriety. When you go through addiction treatment with your partner, you may feel more accountable for holding up your end of the bargain. Additionally, you may feel encouraged by the thought of you and your partner staying healthy for one another.

Therapies and treatments in couples rehab can range based on the needs of you and your partner. Some common evidence-based services include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused therapy, and relapse prevention strategies.

CBT is a type of talk therapy that prioritizes reframing your thoughts and perspective as well as changing any behavioral patterns that may be worsening your mental health and addiction.

In couples rehab, you may use CBT to improve your communication skills or work on your problem-solving abilities. This can also include reframing or challenging your thoughts toward one another that may be contributing to the problem.

DBT, on the other hand, is based on CBT but is meant for people who experience emotions very intensely. It can help treat PTSD, addiction, BPD, anxiety, and depression.

The main focus of DBT is learning to regulate your emotions, accept yourself, and feel safe in your body. In couples treatment, DBT can be used to improve communication, resolve conflict, and regulate emotions related to one another.

Trauma-focused therapy is also used in addiction treatment programs frequently. It can look like CBT, DBT, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or exposure therapy.

EMDR and exposure therapy aren’t used in couples as frequently, so there may be therapies you receive on your own, but it is dependent on the needs of you and your partner.

Relapse prevention strategies are another essential part of addiction recovery. Essentially, these are strategies and tools to help you and your partner avoid relapse.

Relapse prevention can look different for everyone, but you may choose to live in sober housing temporarily, attend regular therapy sessions, or attend a local support group.

In couples treatment, having relapse prevention strategies you can practice together can be especially helpful. It is also important to know how to identify a relapse.

Rehabilitation can be very difficult as is. Consequently, there are some challenges you may face in couples rehab.

1. Co-dependency and enabling. It can be hard to address the fact that you and your partner may be co-dependent or enable one another. You may find it challenging to navigate this and learn how to operate in healthier ways.
2. Individual vs. joint treatments. Sometimes, it can be hard to manage both individual and joint treatments. This can mean more treatment time and more mental and physical effort. Additionally, you may have a hard time with one or the other.
3. Navigating conflicts and disagreements. As with any challenging time, addiction treatment may bring up more conflicts and disagreements than usual. Navigating these while in rehab can be even more challenging.
4. Equal commitment. It can be hard to gauge at times if both partners are equally committed to recovery. In some cases, one partner may be more invested which can lead to imbalances and other relationship issues.

Choosing the right program for you and your loved one can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, there are several ways you can identify a reliable and reputable treatment center.

When choosing a rehab facility look for the following:

• Accreditations (Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities [CARF], etc.)
• Positive client reviews and testimonials
• Experienced staff and healthcare providers

Questions you may want to ask prospective substance abuse treatment centers:

• Do you offer couples rehab programs?
• What certifications and licenses do your staff have?
• Is your program inpatient or outpatient?
• How long is your treatment program?
• What is the cost of your treatment program?
• What aftercare support do you offer?
• How will my treatment plan be developed?
• What are your visitor restrictions?
• What do your housing arrangements look like?
• Do you allow pets?
• Do you offer payment plans/scholarships?

After completing rehab, it’s important to partake in continuing care or aftercare. These are services you continue after a treatment program to ease the transition out of rehab and prevent relapse.

Aftercare is a very individualized part of the recovery process, so you and your partner can determine what will be most beneficial for your needs. Common approaches include regular therapy sessions, 12-step meetings, sober living, and alternative therapies like art therapy, music therapy, or even acupuncture.

Couples who are struggling with addiction together might benefit from a couples rehab program more than a standard treatment approach. Couples treatment is a fantastic way to strengthen your relationship and work through a challenging task together. It can involve many different therapies and treatment methods.

If you and your partner have more questions about couples treatment and where to find a program near you, don’t hesitate to call our phone number today.