In today’s day an age, it is quite common for couples to share an addiction to drugs or alcohol, while many are fearful of attending drug rehab due to the traditional way of treating people separately. That has now changed.

Due to the growing crisis of drugs that has affected over 23.5 million Americans, many treatment centers have noticed and begun offering recovery treatment options for couples.

While attending rehab with a loved one can seem like the best idea, some relationships require a different approach, and that’s okay. When both people in the relationship are committed to getting help together, it can motivate them as a team making the outcome much better, whereas if one person is not so sure, it can cause them to either quit the program or break up. For many, the idea of rehab can seem overwhelming, and when they have the option to experience with their partner, it can be comforting.

Most of the couples rehabs available are modeled after a particular treatment approach known as behavioral couples therapy or a variation called integrated behavioral couples therapy. According to a study printed in the journal Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, substance abuse and marriage problems can “generate a destructive cycle in which each induces the other,” BCT and IBCT focus on “restructuring the dysfunctional couple interactions” to support a sober life. This includes discovering what each other triggers are and working together to avoid them.

Counselors also push couples to learn how to spend high-quality time together that does not surround drinking or doing drugs. They are encouraged to plan recreational activities that couples might have abandoned due to their strained relationship. Couples are often embarrassed by the actions resulting from drugs or drinking.

Each rehab is different. However, most couples go through the same process. Most treatments begin with an intake which will determine the right detox, which is usually done alone, then the couple is moved to couples therapy. Some treatment centers may make the couple room in different areas; however, there are a few that allow pairs to stay together. Just like standard rehab, couples can choose from inpatient, outpatient, or both, for example, one would attend inpatient while the other does outpatient due to their circumstances and cases.

Typically, couples rehabs can last from 30-90 days, depending on the individual and the program, but for the most part, couples should be prepared to expect 12 and 20 outpatient sessions over a three-to-six month period through BCT.

Despite, previous research showing that couples-based therapy results in greater abstinence, happier relationships, and fewer divorces than individual treatment, many of those studies have focused on one partner having the addiction or substance abuse issue while the other is considered the “enabler.” Whereas fewer studies have analyzed the outcomes of BCT in couples where both partners are battling from a drug or alcohol addiction.

However, Behavioral couples therapy should be avoided if couples struggle with a recent history of severe physical aggression. Experts suggest those situations are better off handled by attending domestic violence while the other partners enter rehab for their addiction.

Also, Codependent couples may find it challenging seeking treatment together, in fear of the reaction of the other to wanting to change and become clean. They may find it hard to express themselves freely while the other is in the room or apart of the treatment or grow too focused on the others treatment and at the end neglecting their own.

All in all, just like in every situation, there is always Pro’s and Con’s, but a website is making sure to answer any questions regarding couples rehab therapy, www. Couplesrehabs.org has dedicated their time to making sure couples around the country have up to date and correct information at their fingertips. They offer a 24-hour helpline that will direct any couple in need in the right direction no matter the area if anyone requires assistance or would like more information on couples rehab contact (888) 325-2454.

 

Organization: CouplesRehabs

Phone: (888) 325-2454