Can I Go To Rehab With My Significant Other?

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on March 27, 2020

If you’re wondering, can I go to rehab with my significant other, the answer is yes. While it may be possible to find a substance abuse treatment center that accepts couples into their programs, you and your loved one may actually want to enroll in separate rehab programs.

Can I Go To Rehab With My Significant Other?

A major reason why individual treatment programs might be more effective for each person is that one or both partners could be affected by stress and triggers in their home life that contributes to a dependency on drugs or alcohol.

Keep in mind that attending a recovery program separate from a loved one who is also seeking treatment does not mean that the loved one is not cared for.

An individual struggling with addiction must prioritize their own recovery so that they are healthy and stable enough to also support a partner.

Above all, attending a rehab program separate from an addicted loved one does not signify a lack of support or selfishness.

Substance Abuse Issues For Couples

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.2 million people in the U.S. over the age of 12 are in need of treatment for substance abuse.

This means that substance abuse issues are widespread throughout the U.S., and those who struggle with substance abuse issues may find themselves in relationships with partners who also live with addiction issues.

Navigating relationships with loved ones who also struggle with substance abuse can make seeking out recovery options a bit more complex.

While it is possible to care for a loved one who is struggling with addiction, it is important for addicted individuals to prioritize their own recovery.

Addressing addiction and recovery issues for addicted individuals is already a difficult process without the additional complication of navigating a relationship with someone who also struggles with substance abuse.

Seeking professional treatment to manage recovery is an effective place to start. Learn more below about how to find addiction treatment for couples who want professional help with their substance abuse issues.

Addiction Treatment Options For Couples

There is a range of addiction treatment options for couples seeking to address their substance abuse issues. There are both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment programs for couples to attend together.

Another option for couples who want to address their substance abuse issues together is to attend couples therapy sessions that focus on both partners’ addiction issues.

Those who are willing to travel away from their home to enroll in a rehab program for substance abuse may find that there are even more treatment options available to improve their odds at recovery. They may also find that they are able to focus on their recovery more intensely without the distractions of being close to home.

The appropriate rehab options for each individual vary, which is why it may be best for both partners to consider a combination of all recovery programs available.

For example, couples therapy may be a necessary supplement to outpatient rehab programs so that both partners are able to communicate and manage the triggers that arise at home and within their relationship.

Both partners should also be prepared to embrace different options for addiction treatment, including one partner entering outpatient recovery faster than the other. Along those lines, one partner may require inpatient care because of pre-existing medical issues that cause complications with their recovery.

What You Need To Know Before Heading To Addiction Treatment As A Couple

Codependent relationships can be a significant barrier to effective substance abuse treatment. Addicted individuals may find that their recovery process is inhibited by attending a rehab program alongside a loved one who also suffers from addiction.

Finding a specialized substance abuse treatment center that allows an individual to focus on their own recovery is one of the most important steps to take when beginning treatment.

It may be more beneficial for someone suffering from addiction to attend a rehab program on their own that treats their unique needs. For example, it may be safer and more productive for an addicted person to enroll in a rehab center that is men-only or women-only.

Further, medical professionals at the rehab center may not share information with each partner about how their loved one is progressing. For couples who are not married, there may be privacy concerns involved with accessing updates about their partner’s condition.

It is possible that one partner may be released from inpatient care before the other one. The length of a stay at a rehab center for each individual may depend on how well they are responding to treatment.

How To Find A Rehab Center That Offers Treatment For Couples

For help with finding a rehab center that accepts couples into their programs, contact one of our treatment specialists for a list of rehab programs that may be appropriate for recovery.

We assist those seeking treatment for drug and alcohol abuse issues with how to find addiction treatment for couples who want to enroll in a rehab center together.

Contact our team of treatment specialists for a list of potential alcohol and drug rehab centers that offer rehab programs for couples.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

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Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on March 27, 2020
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