Drug Rehab for Couples

Private Alcohol and Drug Rehab for Couples

In general, couples that are under the control of a drug or alcohol addiction are unable to find rehab facilities where they can stay together and fight their addiction as partners. With Capo by the Sea you can work toward overcoming drug and alcohol addiction by staying together with your partner. We have a friendly team of staff that helps couples to give up on their addiction. Our therapists help them change addictive habits by focusing on the root cause of their addiction and helping them process and heal these underlying issues. We teach couples how to mutually help each other to overcome drug addiction by equipping them with effective coping skills and recovery tools.

In prior years, it was believed that couples in which both partners had a substance use disorder should go about getting addiction treatment separately. The idea was that each person, independent of the other, should work out their addiction issues on their own in different treatment settings. It was felt that having both partners together in rehab would be distracting and might cause difficulties in the treatment process. This theory was found to have no real merit, so has been predominantly abandoned.

Currently, couples rehab programs are based on the idea that both partners can process through the recovery process together, while also working on core relationship issues that must be worked out in order for recovery to be sustained. If these problems are not resolved or given a roadmap for moving forward, all the stressors, frustrations, and relationship dysfunction will soon cause the parties to relapse.

At Capo by the Sea, our couples rehab program seeks to guide partners toward more effective communication skills, while also demonstrating and practicing conflict resolution techniques. Issues like codependency, enabling, and other destructive behaviors that often accompany couples addiction are identified and replaced with new healthy ways of relating that will help solidify recovery.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG THERAPY FOR COUPLES

Nowadays, it is common for couples to be victims of drug abuse. Couples can become trapped in a cycle of addiction that is further reinforced through manipulative behaviors like codependency and enabling. Couples battling drug or alcohol addiction benefit by going through the treatment process with other couples who share the same problem. Together in treatment, couples can work toward the goal of sustained sobriety together, enjoying the mutual support of this goal with other couples in the rehabilitation program.

The Benefits of Couples Drug Rehab

When both members of a marriage or committed relationship find themselves in active addiction it can lead to serious disruption. A couple that battles alcoholism or drug addiction may find it not only damages their relationship but can also result in neglect of responsibilities, such as tending to children or housework, which impacts the whole family. Worse, a couple’s substance abuse can lead to domestic violence, family instability, legal problems, and divorce.

Couples rehab allows both partners to receive addiction treatment at the same time, aligning themselves with a shared mission—a commitment to sobriety and recovery. Couples who get sober together in couples rehab will work as a team toward resolving the underlying issues that may be driving the addictive behaviors. As each other’s primary source of support, couples in recovery watch each other’s back and cheer each other on, while being accountable to each other.

AIDING COUPLES IN IMPROVING THEIR RELATIONSHIP

Our program is designed for couples where both partners are suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Our programs are customized based on the needs of the couple and by enrolling yourself to the program, we would guide you in the right direction to give up on your habit. Upon completion of the rehab program, you and your partner will return as a wonderful couple with deeper bonding, tolerance, and mutual support towards each other, helping to make your relationship succeed. Couples work includes:

• During each session, the therapist inquires about the progress made since the previous session and also confirms that the couple did not partake in substance abuse again.
• Progress is tracked based on the targets set for couples in the previous session.
• The couples are also given homework to do that is designed to reinforce what is taught in the program to help them overcome the addiction and is evaluated by the therapist during each session.
• Problems, either pre-existing or ones that have arisen recently, are discussed by the couple and the therapist, so that there are no underlying friction between partners.
• During each session, the therapist inquires about the progress made since the previous session and also confirms that the couple did not undergo substance abuse again.
• Progress is tracked based on the targets set for couples in the previous session.
• The couples are also given homework to do and this is evaluated by the therapist during each session.
• Problems, either pre-existing or ones that arise newly are discussed upon by the couple and the therapist, so that there are no growing differences between partners.
• Homework and assignments designed to help couples overcome their substance abuse addiction.

Coping Skills for Couples

When the relationship dynamic involves addiction, treatment will be tailored around acquiring new recovery skills that double as support for the relationship itself. Addiction can fuel disharmony in the home, which shows up as anger, frustration, and resentment. Depending on the specific substance involved, the drug or alcohol can lead to thought distortions, paranoia, delusional thoughts, and irrational thinking in general. This can lead to increased fighting, including domestic violence. By coaching couples to improve their interpersonal skills, conflicts or frustration can be managed in a more productive way.

Couples rehab will center on psychotherapy; individual, couples, and group sessions. If there are any underlying mental health issues, such as trauma, abuse, or grief, these will be examined and treated. It may be that one partner has a co-occurring mental health disorder or a trauma disorder, such as PTSD. The program will address each individual’s unique emotional issues as separate parts of the whole. When each individual is working on overcoming their personal issues then the couples element will rest on a stronger foundation going forward.

In addition, relationship and coping skills will be introduced as helpful tools to be accessed in the couple’s recovery. Many times, the couple will have entrenched dysfunction in their relationship dynamic. Learning how to better relate to each other and manage conflicts will aid the recovery process. These skills include:

Communication Skills

Couples will benefit when they learn how to communicate feelings, concerns, or grievances in a way that is fair and non-confrontational. Becoming aware of the impact of eye contact, body language, ineffective accusatory phrases, and active listening will increase awareness about how to improve the communication aspect within the relationship. Effective communication skills help couples convey their thoughts and feelings clearly, whether they are positive or negative in nature.

Anger Management

Drugs and alcohol can fuel frustration and emotional outbursts, possibly even leading to potential verbal and physical abuse within the home. In fact, in the majority of domestic violence cases, drugs or alcohol were involved in the altercation. In recovery couples learn how to better manage emotions like frustration and stress without resorting to anger or violence.

Conflict Resolution

In recovery, learning how to calmly address misunderstandings or differing opinions within the relationship is key. Using special techniques, such as not putting the other person on the defense, and restating the issue before launching a verbal attack, emotions can be cooled down and more rational discussion can ensue. Couples learn methods for conflict resolution that they can use in all aspects of their lives.

Stress Reduction Techniques

As a common trigger to relapse, stress is the number one challenge to a sustained recovery. Learning how to reduce stress through techniques such as deep-breathing exercises, mindfulness, yoga, guided meditation, or massage therapy can help partners learn methods to regulate stress in their relationship while also reducing the risk of relapse.

COUPLES REHAB TREATMENT

WHAT IS BEHAVIORAL COUPLES THERAPY (BCT)?

Addressing a substance use disorder that is afflicting both partners in a marriage or relationship is going to rely on a menu of treatment elements. A core treatment modality for couple’s addiction rehab is called behavioral couples therapy, or BCT. This type of psychotherapy is focused on improving relationship and family functioning in couples who are seeking treatment for a substance addiction. The partners create a “recovery Contract” where they state their intentions to remain abstinent and promise to be supportive of each other’s recovery efforts.

BCT is based on the theory that couples in recovery who have better communication styles and conflict resolution skills will experience lower relapse rates. The short-term program offers couples assorted assignments or exercises that help them improve the bond through positive and affirming attitudes and actions. BCT is often utilized as an adjunct therapy with individual psychotherapy.

COUPLES REHAB TREATMENT ELEMENTS

Couples may opt for either an outpatient program or a residential program. The residential program offers a higher level of care and intensity and may allow the couple to remain in housing together, although each rehab program has their own policies regarding the housing. Outpatient rehab is suited for individuals who have an emerging or mild substance use problem but offers various levels of intensity based on the severity of the substance use disorder. Outpatient rehabs include intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP), with the PHP being the highest level of outpatient care.

Treatment elements include the following:

Detox and withdrawal

Detox is the process during which the body is eliminating the residual substances, which is accompanied by withdrawal symptoms as the body attempts to stabilize in the absence of the substance. The symptoms are caused by the brain responding to the absence of the substance of abuse. Symptoms may emerge as early as 6 hours after the last drink or dose, but usually begin after 12 hours of abstinence. Detox is monitored by qualified professionals who will provide various interventions as the withdrawal symptoms intensity. On average detox and withdrawal takes 7-10 days.

Therapy

Psychotherapy is provided in both individual therapy sessions and in group therapy sessions. Both of these formats help the partners learn individually or together as a couple the areas of dysfunction that have allowed addictive behaviors to become established. Any underlying emotional problems, such as a past trauma or loss of a loved one, will also be examined in therapy. If either partner has a co-existing mental health issue, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, it will be treated simultaneously. Group support sessions allow other couples to share about their own challenges and can help group participants become supportive of each other during the rehab process.

MAT

Some individuals may be prescribed a medication that assists in maintaining sobriety. These drugs, such as naltrexone, buprenorphine, or methadone, bind to the opioid receptors in the brain and dramatically reduce the effect of the substance which leads to lower levels of drug craving. This leads to a reduced interest in engaging in substance abuse, which can help to prevent a relapse. MAT can dramatically improve stability in the first year of recovery.

Complementary activities

One of the many benefits of a luxury couples rehab program is the range of spa-like amenities available. Assorted experiential activities can enhance the overall treatment experience, as well as improve mood and reduce stress levels. All of this “complements” the traditional psychotherapy and group therapy sessions. These activities include acupuncture, exercise and nutritious meals, learning mindfulness techniques, yoga classes, art therapy, therapeutic massage, recreational therapy.

Twelve-step recovery programming, or similar

Couples rehab offers the option of a traditional 12-step group or a non 12-step program such as SMART Recovery or LifeRing. Local chapters allow couples in recovery to attend the meetings as a part of the rehab programming.

Relapse prevention planning

Prior to completing the couple’s rehab program the partners will develop their own individual relapse prevention strategies that are based on their personal triggers. The more detailed these plans are the more useful this exercise is in recovery. Couples are encouraged to be completely honest when considering the situations that might trigger a relapse. While in rehab many of these issues can be dealt with in a productive manner, hopefully giving each partner helpful coping tools to use in recovery.

How to Reinforce Sobriety After Couples Rehab

Successfully completing the couples rehab program is only the beginning of the recovery journey. Putting the recovery tools into action takes some time and practice before they become new healthy habits. Couples will find that continuing care offers them important protective measures that reinforce recovery. These might include:

Couples sober living

Transitional housing can be helpful in the early months of recovery, providing an alcohol and drug-free living environment with a built-in deterrent to relapse. This can be helpful if the partners lack confidence in their ability to keep substances out of the home, or if one partner is stronger in recovery than the other.

Outpatient therapy

Ongoing weekly couples and/or individual counseling can help couples navigate bumps in the road in early recovery. Therapy provides the partners timely support and a safe, objective place for the couple to vent any frustrations. The access to ongoing therapy is significant for couples in recovery, as a clinician can identify dysfunctional behaviors that may be interfering with the commitment to sobriety. The therapist can then provide specific guidance through homework assignments that they can incorporate into their daily interactions.

12-step or similar recovery group

Participation in a recovery community can provide opportunities to form new sober friendships and a source of peer support. Chances are they will meet many other couples who are in recovery together, and who might become friends. This can help reinforce the sober lifestyle in recovery, providing some opportunities to socialize with other couples who are also committed to sobriety. Some examples of recovery communities include A.A., N.A., SMART Recovery, and LifeRing.

Even with these important aftercare actions in place, couples have a particularly challenging situation simply because they live together. This means that when one partner is struggling it can impact the other partner’s sobriety, putting both partners at a risk for relapse. Being cognizant of the threats to recovery means being proactive about getting extra support when needed. Maybe taking in extra meetings each week or adding an additional counseling session can help to resolve the issue and put the couple on firmer footing.