The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines addiction as “a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence.”
Addiction, clinically known as substance use disorder is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic brain disorder. It is characterized by compulsively engaging in rewarding stimuli without regard for consequence. An individual that struggles with addiction will prioritize satisfying his or her drug craving above all else. This will affect all areas of one’s life and can lead to damaged relationships, financial strain, legal complications, and a slew of adverse health consequences.
Treatment
The recovery process for individuals struggling with substance abuse and/ or addiction can be challenging, and romantic partners that struggle with addiction can make the process even more arduous. Often when both members struggle with substance abuse and/ or addiction, unhealthy relationship patterns develop (e.g., emotionally distant, deception, etc.), which can perpetuate and reinforce substance-abusing behaviors. Although few and far between there are treatment options available for individuals struggling with substance abuse and/ or addiction, including rehab options for couples.
To yield the most successful results, rehab for couples requires a significant amount of additional customization. Couples in treatment typically benefit from each having their own therapist as well as a shared couple’s therapist. Couples in crisis often do best by engaging in an intensive therapeutic experience lasting a few days long and then attending weekly couples therapy sessions along with weekly individual therapy sessions. Some rehab programs utilize four-way couple’s therapy sessions. This model includes each member bringing their personal therapist to the couple’s therapy session. Though recovering from substance abuse and/ or addiction is a personal process, individuals in committed relationships may benefit from attending a couples addiction treatment program. Couples rehab can help each party learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, as well as a variety of effective communication strategies and additional tools and techniques to successfully overcome obstacles, prevent relapse, and achieve long-term recovery.
Further Information and Support
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all-consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. At {Upwell Advisors}, we offer unique, customized concierge therapeutic services to provide our clients with unparalleled support throughout every step of the recovery process.
Feel free to reach to contact us anytime via email at [email protected] We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
