Addition maybe a singular problem for the user, but the fallout is greatest in the family that surrounds them. Whether it is abusive behavior directed at family members, failing to meet responsibilities like hold down a job or misdirecting family funds to a drug habit, it all has harmful influences for family members especially a spouse.
Getting your partner into a drug or alcohol rehab program can be challenging enough, completing the program is a bigger mountain to climb, but in the right setting success can be achieved and a life of sobriety is waiting for you. Getting the man or woman you married back from the abyss of drug or alcohol addiction should be the number one priority and keeping them there should be the second. There are many things we can do to be a supportive spouse once the rehab program has ended and with a little knowledge and information, we assure our partner of strong support.
Here are some important ways you can help support your spouse after rehab:
Get Counseling
The first thing a person needs to do to be a successful supporter of an addicted spouse is to get help themselves. After witnessing our loved one go through the depths of addiction, we experience our own set of negative emotions that cause lasting harm and injury. It is imperative to get some type of counseling to help us deal with the trauma brought on by substance abuse in our partner.
Stop Blaming
The blame game that is a ritual of addicts’ spouses must be put to an end immediately. “I lost this,” “it is their fault this happened,” “we have no friends because” are hurtful statements that are vindictive in nature and have no place in the recovery process. After all, our spouse has made the long the journey to sobriety, and they don’t need a guilt trip to haunt them due to their past behavior
Strength in Numbers
Finding a support group after alcohol or drug treatment can work wonders for the healing process and it is true that there is strength in numbers. There are many support groups locally that have people just like you who are need of help and having confidence in knowing that we aren’t alone can build resiliency.
The Element of Trust
Trust is another big component of support for the addicted spouse. They need to know that you believe in them, and when they tell you they aren’t using you need to believe them. There will always be a tinge of doubt, because as human beings the saying goes, “burnt once, twice shy.” It doesn’t have to be this way; you can develop trust and create an environment that will provide accountability for your partner and help them build confidence as they become stronger resisting their addiction.
Be Vigilant
As we watch out partners struggle with addiction, don’t be surprised if there is a relapse to bad behavior – it happens more than we want to acknowledge. Keep a caring, watchful eye on your spouse – you’ve been down this road before and know what addiction looks like, so you’ll recognize it immediately.
If that happens, get help right away before your partner spirals out of control again. The period of transition that you and your partner will pass through will have ups and downs, but anything will be better than what you had. Take concrete steps to build a solid recovery plan for the both of you and don’t feel that you are being selfish rebuilding your life as a survivor of spousal addiction. Call Beachside today for more guidance on how you can help your spouse. (888) 762-7943.