What to Expect When Your Partner Comes Home From Rehab

Inpatient rehab is the most effective way to treat addiction and serious substance misuse issues. It can help with physical dependency, detox and withdrawal symptoms, as well as addressing the psychological aspects and root causes of substance abuse.

Even a comprehensive rehabilitation programme will not mark the end of the recovery process. It’s an ongoing process that will present plenty of challenges, but a supportive partner can certainly help.

Everyone’s situation is unique, but here are some insights into what to expect when your partner comes home from rehab.

What to Expect When Your Partner Comes Home From Rehab

Choosing to face an addiction and substance misuse problem is always a brave and positive step. In the long run, it will be beneficial for everyone involved, but the recovery transition at home can be a difficult period.

For the person who went to rehab, there is likely to be an aftercare programme, which may involve regular sessions or catch-ups. They might also attend mutual support group meetings, either in person or online.

They are making major changes to their lifestyles, their ways of thinking, and their behaviours, and this can make it a time of major adjustment for both the individual in recovery and their partner. Patience, open communication and realistic expectations are important from both sides.

Common Challenges and Emotions for Both Partners

Adjusting to life after rehab can take time and can be a challenging period for both partners. The fear of relapse can cause stress and anxiety, and there may be some major and minor changes to your lifestyle, routines and relationships.

Rehab can be a confusing time for many people, as they are likely to have addressed difficult issues – not only directly related to their drinking or drug use but also the root causes of that behaviour. This could include looking at elements of their relationships during therapy or counselling sessions, which may lead to further changes in the dynamics of the relationship.

Feelings of worry and stress are perfectly normal in such an important and transitional period.

Establishing a Supportive Environment at Home

Supporting a partner after rehab can be incredibly important to their recovery. Removing triggers and maintaining a calm, relaxing environment can be very helpful – although everyday stresses can’t always be avoided. Healthy, steady routines are generally very helpful.

Removing temptation is certainly advisable, which means no drugs and avoiding drinking in front of the person in recovery. Not everyone stops drinking when their partner goes into recovery, but if you struggle to put it on the back burner during this period, you may have a problem yourself that needs addressing. Christmas and other celebrations can be particularly challenging and should be discussed and planned.

A supportive home environment after rehab can be very valuable, but you also need to set healthy boundaries for both of you. In particular, you should never allow yourself to be used or abused during another person’s recovery.

Communicating Openly and Effectively

Communication and honesty are very important in every relationship, but communication in recovery can be even more vital. It can be a very raw emotional time, and effective communication can help address needs, expectations and any concerns that arise.

You can read up or otherwise learn about skills such as active listening, checking in regularly with each other and discussing feelings openly without judgment.

Recognising and Managing Relapse Triggers

A relapse occurs when a person in recovery returns to alcohol or drug use. During a comprehensive rehab programme, the person undergoing it will have learned how to recognise their triggers and developed techniques to cope with them. They may also have relapse prevention support as part of an aftercare package.

It can also help the partner to learn about these relapse triggers, though. Common triggers can include stress, certain social settings, negative emotions and exposure to drinking or drug use. You can also talk to your partner about their own individual triggers and work together to create strategies for navigating them safely.

Practising Self-Care as a Supportive Partner

Partner support in recovery can be very important for the person who went to rehab, but you should also recognise the fact that you both have your own needs within that relationship. As well as looking out for your own health and well-being, it’s worth noting that you will not be able to offer effective support if you burn yourself out.

It’s important to take time for yourself and maintain friendships and family relationships. Counselling can be valuable – either joint or individually – and there are also helplines, charities and support groups that will provide support for partners of people in recovery.

Building a Strong, Healthy Relationship in Recovery

While the recovery process can put a strain on relationships, it can also, ultimately, strengthen them. Part of the rehab process will involve an honest evaluation during therapy sessions, and this honesty can be brought forward into the relationship. It will also be a positive change that many of the issues directly related to addiction and substance misuse – from dishonesty to aggression, mood swings and money problems -may have been resolved.

Maintaining recovery and celebrating milestones can become a shared goal that brings you both together. You might also discover (or rediscover) new passions, hobbies or pastimes together without the crutch of drugs or alcohol.

What to Expect When Your Partner Comes Home From Rehab: The Key Takeaways

Rehab can help you to get clean and sober and provide you with all the skills, tools and information you need to keep that recovery going when you leave. There is still a lot of work to do, though, and there will be challenging times ahead. A supportive and understanding partner can help immensely with the recovery process, but it can be challenging for both parties. It’s important to approach this new phase with empathy, patience and mutual honesty.

If you need help with your own addiction issues, Action Rehab is here to provide support for both individuals in recovery and their loved ones throughout this journey.

Posted on Friday, November 8th, 2024 at 11:47 am in Latest News, Rehab.