Substance abuse and intimate relationships

Substance abuse in couples takes its toll by creating emotional distance between the partners. They end up fighting and arguing a great deal which sometimes could become violent. The worst part is that the addiction and trauma will set a vicious cycle in which addiction creates conflict and the conflict in turn pushes the addict to resort to drugs for relief. As the addiction gets worse, it starts to take more and more time away from the life of the couple and they will be left depressed.

It has long been known that marriage and addiction do not work together. Eventually, the individual or family as a whole becomes isolated from social circles and relatives to hide the drinking or drug problem. This way, the life of the sober partner is affected in a big way. Having a partner who abuses substances feels almost like throwing a stone into a still pond: The effects of which ripple out and disturb the stillness of the water around too. Addiction creates an unending chaos in the life of the intimate partners of the addicts.

Addiction of a partner can prove life threatening to the sober one as violence increases with the progression of addiction and sometimes it could prove fatal for the victim. Also, the children in such households have the chance of ending up as addicts themselves because of lack of confidence and the aggressive behaviour resulted from the childhood trauma.

Is there a hope?

There are many effective treatments available for addicts with excellent rehab facilities out there. The first step to recovery is to research for the best rehab that suits the needs of the addict. The second step is to have a healthy discussion about joining the rehab and staying in the rehab. The third step is to comply with the principles of the rehab by co-operating with the medical staff and personnel at the rehab to make the process of recovery easier and faster.

How can the intimate partner help in addict’s recovery?

The immediate family and especially the intimate partner have a major role to play in an addict’s recovery. It is important for the partner to show compassion to the addict rather than judge his/her behaviour from the past and continue to blame him/her for the past doings during the period of recovery. Also, it is important to realise that the addict’s recovery is going to create a new and promising future for the couple. Recovery of an addict is possible only if the individual stays motivated throughout the journey. Therefore, keeping the individual motivated by talking of the new beginnings and a brighter future is all the more important. 

Can Intimate Relationships Be Repaired after recovery?

Intimate relationships can prove hard to repair once they are damaged. But, there is definitely a hope if both the partners decide to work hard on the relationship. Many rehabilitation programs are designed to help such couples by offering couple counselling and setting them on the right track to get back their lives.

It is important to work hard on intimate relationships during and after recovery as the addict may not find a good purpose in life after recovery if the individual does not have anyone to go to.