Couples tend to face a lot of challenges the longer they’re together, as life throws different situations their way. If you’re with a significant other who has been struggling with addiction, it’s sure to cause some major challenges for you both. By recognizing some of the main obstacles you’re both facing, you will be able to work through them more effectively in couples therapy; addiction recovery can take a major toll on the relationship but by being proactive and learning about what you’re each going through during this vulnerable time, you’ll be one step ahead in healing and restoration.
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) notes that when addiction is involved, couples are often unhappy. Substance abuse tends to take more time away from the relationship, and once it becomes the reason for arguing, couples tend to see a vicious cycle appear:
- A couple argues about substance abuse
- One partner then abuses substances as a way of coping with the tension and stress from arguing
- Conflict escalates as both partners continue to argue over substance abuse
In addition to this vicious cycle, couples may experience challenges with intimacy, trust, missed work related to substance abuse, episodes of domestic violence, the discovery that both partners need to abuse substances in order to relate to each other, isolation from friends, and more. Couples therapy is meant to help partners work through the harsh effects that addiction has caused in many areas of their life; with a neutral party, couples can engage in meaningful discussions while understanding each other with greater clarity.
Couples therapy isn’t easy – in fact, it takes a lot of time, effort and dedication from each partner. If a couple is truly going to succeed and heal from the damage caused by addiction, however, they will need to seek out support. Don’t wait any longer to start the healing process. This is the one and only way your relationship will thrive.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
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