Drug and alcohol abuse can impact every part of a person’s life. Substance abuse can take a toll on a person’s physical wellness, emotional well-being, and mental health. It can also have a significant impact on a person’s relationships.

When one partner in a relationship struggles with addiction, it can harm the relationship in many ways. But what happens when both partners live with substance use disorder (SUD)?

This article will explore substance abuse treatment for couples. You will learn:

• How addiction impacts a relationship
• How couples can go to rehab together
• The benefits of couples rehab programs
• What to expect in a couples rehab program

If you or someone you love struggle with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to learn about our rehab programs or to explore other treatment options. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

How Does Addiction Affect a Relationship?

Addiction makes it almost impossible to have a healthy relationship. When both partners struggle with substance abuse or addiction, both can face serious consequences. Some of the ways addiction affects relationships include:

• Increased risk of domestic violence
• Severe health complications
• Legal, financial, and social trouble
• Loss of trust and intimacy

As addiction takes over both partners’ lives, the risk of severe complications rises. Without a healthy partner to recognize the need for help, both partners’ addictions can worsen.

Can Couples Go to Rehab Together?

Couples where both partners are addicted may consider going to rehab together. During couples rehab programs, partners receive individualized care while remaining connected to each other. They may live together, engage in couples therapy sessions, and participate in other therapies together.

Couples addiction treatment programs provide tailored care for both people, allowing partners to confront and overcome addiction together.

However, going to couples rehab may not be right for everyone. Determining if attending rehab with a partner is right for each person is crucial.

Here are some signs that couples rehab may be beneficial:

• Both partners are equally committed to maintaining sobriety
• Both partners require the same level of care and type of treatment
• The relationship is healthy outside of drug and alcohol addiction

It is essential to consider these issues. Individual rehab may be more appropriate if one couple is more engaged and committed than the other.

In some cases, partners have different needs. For instance, one partner may require inpatient treatment while the other needs outpatient rehab. In those cases, couples may need to seek treatment separately.

Finally, it is critical to be aware of unhealthy relationship dynamics before seeking couples treatment. Codependency, a history of abuse, severe mental health issues, and other problems may prevent progress for couples in treatment.

Benefits of Couples Rehab Programs

Couples may benefit from seeking treatment together. Couples seeking treatment together can receive individualized care to address the roots of their substance abuse. Seeking treatment together allows partners to remain connected throughout detox and treatment.

Here are some of the most significant benefits of couples rehab programs.

Comprehensive treatment plans

Couples rehab programs include evidence-based and holistic therapies that address the underlying causes of their substance abuse. Both partners follow a plan that includes:

• Detox treatment (medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, supervision, medical care, assessments, and more)
• Individual therapy
• Medical and mental health treatment

Partners may engage in group therapy, family counseling, education groups, and holistic therapies together. Rehab centers may also allow couples to live together while undergoing treatment.

Learning together

Both members of a couple benefit from learning the same information and developing the same strategies to prevent relapse. Couples who learn the same techniques can support each other after rehab as they work toward long-term sobriety.

Family counseling

Couples struggling with addiction may require additional family counseling to move forward after addiction. During a couples rehab program, people may engage in couples and family therapy sessions in addition to individual counseling.

Couples rehab programs allow partners to get the care they need while remaining connected to each other. During rehab, couples can learn new strategies, build a support network, and get medical support. This can help them navigate each stage of recovery together.

What to Expect from Couples Rehab

Treatment facilities may offer multiple levels of treatment, including inpatient and outpatient programs. Before starting rehab, both partners will undergo an assessment to determine which level of care is right for their needs.

Generally, rehab programs begin with a medical detox program. This may consist of:

• Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety during the detox process
• Emotional support, including counseling and group therapy
• Holistic therapies like yoga, mindfulness, and nutrition support
• Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment

After completing detox, couples will continue treatment. Treatment programs may include:

• Behavioral therapies
• Mental health treatment
• Medical care and medication management, if needed
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare planning

Couples may engage in some parts of treatment together while following individualized plans to address their unique needs.

Find Rehab for Couples

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at Moving Mountains Recovery to explore our programs or schedule an intake appointment.