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 contribute to a substance use disorder.

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 Use Disorder Issues For Couples

According to SAMHSA’s 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 54.2 million Americans aged 12 or older needed substance use disorder treatment in the past year, which is more than double the estimates from just a few years prior.

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

Navigating relationships with loved ones who also struggle with substance use disorder 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, addicted individuals need 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 use disorder.

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 use disorder issues.

Addiction Treatment Options For Couples

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

Another option for couples who want to address their substance use disorder 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 use disorder may find that there are even more treatment options available to improve their odds of 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 can 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.

Virtual couples therapy and telehealth-based outpatient programs have also expanded treatment access significantly. These allow couples to engage in professional addiction treatment from home when in-person options are limited by location, cost, or scheduling.

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

Codependent relationships can be a significant barrier to effective substance use disorder 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 addiction 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.

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.

Understanding Enabling In Addicted Relationships

When both partners in a relationship struggle with addiction, enabling behaviors can become a significant barrier to recovery. Enabling occurs when one partner shields the other from the natural consequences of their substance use. Examples include covering for missed work, providing money that goes toward drugs or alcohol, or avoiding difficult conversations to keep the peace.

While these behaviors often come from a place of love, they can unintentionally make it easier for a partner to continue using. Recognizing and addressing enabling patterns is an important part of the recovery process for couples, and a therapist or counselor who specializes in addiction can help both partners identify these behaviors before entering treatment.

How To Find A Rehab Center That Offers Treatment For Couples

Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff