Substance abuse problems can wreak havoc on the life of an addict, and it also is typically extremely detrimental to their relationships. If your spouse has suffered with addiction, you are likely overjoyed when they are ready to commit to their own recovery. However, that doesn't mean that things will be smooth sailing from then on. According to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, the effects of an addiction can be long-reaching, but counseling and addiction treatment can help both the recovering addicts and their spouse.
Make a Commitment to Go to Couples Counseling
After the harm that an addiction can do to a relationship, going to couples counseling can be one of the building blocks to healing the relationship. It can help prevent any future enabling behaviors and open up the addict's eyes to the damage their past behaviors have caused. It offers the chance for the couples to open up about the trauma that the addiction has had on each other, and the counselor can help them talk things out and grow closer in the aftermath.
Create a Substance-Free Environment
Even if you are not an addict yourself, it's best to keep all substances out of the home and work environment where your spouse will be. If you want a drink every now and then, you may arrange to indulge at a restaurant or a friend's house when you go out without your spouse. Helping to foster a substance-free home environment will make things much easier.
Express Your Emotions
If you ignore lapses in sobriety or even temptations that your spouse may face, you may be enabling the addict. While the addict is responsible for their own decisions, refraining from enabling behaviors is a way to provide a great support that can help your spouse stay sober. If you are upset about a situation or frustrated with how your partner is behaving, express the emotions even if you have to make a note of it and do so only in therapy at first.
Encourage Healthy Habits
It's easier to stay sober when one is not fixating on past substance abuse. Plan fun activities where the recovering addict is not likely to face any temptation. Encourage your spouse to try new hobbies and experiences. Invite your spouse to exercise with you and help you cook healthy food. Feeling good can help keep relapses at bay.
Finally, keep in mind that you cannot ultimately control someone else's choices. Simply continue to provide love and support and talk issues out in couples counseling. If the former addict is truly ready to stop, this support system can help empower them to stay clean and be a good, sober partner.
For more information, visit sites like http://www.counselingservicesfortwayne.com.
Share27 May 2016
When I was younger, my parents didn't like us to talk about our problems. Instead of voicing our concerns, my parents encouraged us to work on our issues privately. Although this attitude taught me a great deal about personal strength, it has made it hard for me to talk about my problems with other people. After two failed marriages, I realized that the lack of communication could hurt my ability to work well with coworkers, spouses, roommates, and friends. In an attempt to correct my bad habits, I started working with a professional counselor, which made an immediate difference in my life. I know that counseling can help you too, which is why I created a website dedicated to communication and counseling.
