The process of recovery and sobriety is often filled with different challenges and can progress over many years. Addiction affects the entire family and friends; however, those who suffer most are the immediate family members. When your spouse is battling an addiction to substance or alcohol abuse, it can mark the lowest point in a marriage union and especially if it involves physical abuse.
The emotional rollercoaster can be too much over the years to the point of even threatening the marriage. Whereas recovery from addiction is never easy (for both spouses), seeking much-needed treatment for the addict and offering them support are ways that your marriage can weather the storm leaving your relationship intact. Here are a few tips on how to cope for the long ride ahead:
Accept That Treatment is the Best Option for Your Partner
For starters, relax and know that your spouse is in good hands. Accept that your partner had a substance abuse disorder and had to seek professional help. If your partner feels supported and accepted by the closest person to them, it can improve their chances of a successful recovery and for the long-term. Also, when the addict feels like giving up on treatment, your support can be the thin line between success and failure.
Take Care of Yourself
When giving support to a partner who is actively addicted to drugs and alcohol, it’s crucial that you also take care of yourself. It’s important to balance helping your spouse navigate recovery and treatment options available, as you also focus on being physically, emotionally, and psychologically healthy.
Learn How to Be Supportive
Start by doing some research about healing and the recovery process. A little knowledge can be valuable when someone you care about needs to confide to someone they trust about something sensitive concerning the recovery process.
Encourage Open Communication with Your Spouse
Communicating openly and honestly ensures that you maintain a connection between the two of you. Encourage your spouse to talk to you anytime and about anything. However, avoid pressuring them into divulging any information they aren’t comfortable with. Honesty helps you understand what the other person is feeling, their struggles, and how to help them cope.
Praise All Progress
Show genuine happiness about your partner’s progress and encourage them to do better. Do encourage them to attend set recovery workshops, therapy, check-ups, etc., even when inconvenient.
Prepare for Setbacks and Accept Them When They Arise
Even after the rehabilitation process, your spouse may face challenges on the journey towards sobriety. Struggles may range from selfishness, lying, and relapsing. If your partner falls back into old habits, continue showering them with support and get them to seek help once again.
Spend More Time Together and Work on Forgiveness
Your spouse’s current behavior may leave you questioning your relationship and the wisdom in remaining with them after recovery. Do get to know them again as you learn to forgive the person they had become previously. While you may feel pain and anger, avoid holding grudges and focus on rebuilding your severed connection.
Get Involved in Your Spouse’s Recovery Process
If you are the husband or wife to an addict, feelings of loss, anger, and hopelessness may overwhelm you. While you may have been previously hurt by their actions, being involved in their recovery journey at some point is likely to make the treatment successful. Address problems in your relationship with the help of professionals since they can’t magically disappear once the substance use ends. A healthy relationship is one of the key ingredients in enjoying long-term sobriety.
If you need help with your spouse’s detox treatment and recovery treatment, a reputable addiction treatment center can help you. The pain of caring for someone who can’t control their lifestyle habits can be too much to handle. We are here for you. Contact us today at (855) 797-1061 for any inquiries or to schedule an appointment.
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