Addiction is a serious concern in the family, especially if two people in a relationship are affected by it. Couples having substance abuse issues are problematic since either one of them influences the other to do it. Without proper intervention, the couple won’t be able to recover from addiction.
Whether you or your loved ones are considering going to rehab to treat their Fentanyl addiction, you should know what to expect in the program. We want you to be comfortable with your decision of going into rehab, and educating you is the best option.
What is Codependency in Addiction?
Codependency is also called relationship addiction. This kind of relationship is one-sided since the partner with addiction will only influence the other for the worse. If the other person is not that strong to say no and motivate his spouse to recover, then both of them will go down that route to substance abuse.
It is inevitable for codependency not to happen in couples, that’s because of the great influence or connection one has to their partner. Now, if one of them is abusing drugs like Fentanyl. When that happens, that will be problematic, especially if the spouse won’t be able to encourage his partner to stop abusing the drug.
What are the Signs of Drug Abuse in Couples?
Knowing that you are under the influence of Fentanyl is difficult since denial will be there. Even being aware that you are codependent is hard to detect. That’s why medical intervention is necessary for you to know that you need help to get sober.
Being aware that you are under the influence of substances is the first step to recovery. Here are some obvious signs that Fentanyl addiction is present in couples:
- Consuming the drug more frequently than what is prescribed by the doctor.
- Inability to perform well at work, home, or school
- Allocating more time to drug abuse while letting go of other activities
- Uncontrolled use of the drug even when driving or looking after children
- A sudden shift of mood from depression to euphoria
- Domestic violence
- Developing drinking habits
- Isolating yourself from others while discreetly using the drug
Can Couples Attend Drug Rehab Together?
Yes, couples can attend rehab together. Many rehab centers are offering this since it helps them motivate one another toward sobriety. They offer this program, especially those couples that have a strong bond together.
Mutual motivation is necessary for the well-being of the couple. Constant motivation and guidance are critical for the success of rehab treatment. That’s why counseling and family intervention are also included in the services offered by rehab centers.
What is Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT)?
This behavioral therapy for couples focuses on helping the couples change their unhealthy behaviors. The therapist will help you restructure your dysfunctional behaviors so that you can recover from Fentanyl addiction.
Most couples with substance use disorder that received behavioral therapy showed great improvements in their recovery. It helped them strengthen their relationship while reducing cravings for the drug. Moreover, it helps couples reduce the risk of domestic violence in their home.
Here are the things included in behavioral couples therapy:
- Planning for an aftercare program once the couple completes their rehab treatment
- Better verbal and non-verbal communication
- Promoting healthy activities that help them forget about consuming the substance
- Motivating the couple to be proactive in group therapies
- Helping them monitor their medication and therapy sessions
What is Couples Inpatient Rehab?
If the couple’s Fentanyl addiction is severe, then going for inpatient rehab is a must. The couples need to be in a controlled environment to help them be away from triggers. This helps the couple maintain focus on recovery while motivating their spouse to be sober.
Inpatient rehab is also a must for intense addiction problems since withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. When this happens, you need a nurse or doctor to look after you 24/7. In case you need help when your vital signs go down, then you have a professional who can immediately help you.
Additionally, there are different kinds of residential treatment centers near you that you can explore. They offer various kinds of inpatient rehab programs, so you need to figure out which one suits well for you and your partner.
What are the Benefits and Setbacks of Fentanyl Rehab for Couples?
There are pros and cons of rehab treatment for couples, however, the overall benefits always outweigh their setbacks. Once a couple enrolls in rehab, both of them will undergo a series of therapies and medication that will help them reshape their dysfunctional behaviors. After completing their treatment, you can expect the couple to have a stronger relationship and a better understanding of each other.
We have seen a lot of couples getting back to their happy life after completing their treatment. They were able to improve their communication with their partners and be a good influence on their success. But to ensure both will retain sobriety, you need to have an aftercare plan. It could be having a constant appointment with a therapist or counselor to help you check on yourselves.
What to Expect for Couples AfterCare Program?
Completing couples rehab is a great achievement, yet sobriety is a lifelong process, so you need to be careful every day. One thing that can help couples stay sober is to have an aftercare plan that will help them stay on track with their health.
An aftercare service can be like an inpatient, yet you have more freedom since it’s just a way to remind you to stay sober for life. Some of the common things you can have for an aftercare plan are support group sessions, a 12-step program, and individual or couples counseling. It’s like a duplicate of the things in inpatient rehab, yet not all will be included in your aftercare program.
If you feel the need to enroll in a couples rehab treatment, then you’re right. It takes courage to embrace one’s weakness from addiction, and you’ll need external help to overcome it.
Don’t be afraid to go into rehab since that will be for your good and the welfare of your partner.
