Supporting a Spouse During Addiction Recovery

01 Sep Supporting a Spouse During Addiction Recovery

Recovering from addiction can be a lonely and difficult time for addicts. Even though it is often difficult for spouses and loved ones as well, those closest to addicts can be of the greatest support. Here are some ways you can support those you love as they begin their journey to recovery:

Take care of yourself

If you have a loved one who struggles with addiction, you’ve probably endured a long and difficult struggle. While your loved one has certainly suffered a great deal due to their addiction, you should not forget your own needs. You yourself may need to find healthy ways to cope with stress. Give yourself time and space. They need you to be happy and healthy yourself. You can’t help them if you are in a bad place emotionally, mentally, or physically.

Fortunately, several rehabilitation programs involve spouses and other loved ones in the patient’s recovery. Both parties receive counseling and instruction on how to improve. This is especially helpful when the family members of addicts act as enablers or become codependent. If this is the case, take the necessary steps to change your own role so you can become a positive influence in the life of your loved one.

Communicate openly

It may be difficult for you to be open with your spouse because of their addiction. There might be hurt feelings, resentment, or even fear of being disappointed again. These are natural feelings but they are not productive. Work with your loved one’s therapist, or your own, to develop skills and goals to open the lines of communication again.

While you should be open, avoid negativity. Be positive and optimistic about your spouse’s achievements. Individuals usually relapse when they feel they do not have the support of those closest to them.

Prepare for the possibility of relapse

While it is not guaranteed your loved one will relapse, it remains a possibility. Do not take their relapse personally. Get them back into a recovery program and focus on whatever progress was made. Being there for them as a positive influence can help them move forward from such a setback.

Educate yourself

Learn everything you can about the recovery process. Learn about the potential risk factors, the likelihood of relapse, and the particulars of your spouse’s prevention plan. Be open with your loved one’s therapist and ask questions. The more you know and understand, the greater support you can lend your spouse.