Drug and alcohol addiction can impact your health, functioning, and relationships. Marriages or partnerships where one person struggles with addiction can be challenging. It is difficult to have a healthy, happy relationship when one person lives with substance abuse or addiction.

When both people in a partnership struggle with substance use disorder (SUD), having a healthy relationship can be even more challenging. Without a sober or healthy person in the relationship, both members are more likely to experience worsening consequences. Both may live with a more severe addiction. Both people may be less likely to seek treatment without outside intervention.

Recognizing the signs of substance abuse and addiction is the first step in getting help to overcome it. After realizing the need for help, couples must choose whether to go to rehab together or separately.

This article will outline some of the benefits and disadvantages of attending rehab as a couple. You will learn:

If you or someone in your life struggles with addiction or needs recovery support, you are not alone. Reach out to the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.

How Does Addiction Impact Couples?

Alcohol and drug addiction can impact couples in many ways. Some of the most significant ways addiction impacts couples include:

Addiction can come between people in a relationship, leading to communication breakdown, physical and emotional exhaustion, and shame.

When both people in a relationship struggle with addiction, they may lose their connection with one another. Drugs and alcohol can become their priority, and both people spend their time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using these substances. One partner may introduce new substances to the other, putting both people at risk of polysubstance abuse and overdose.

Without one healthy partner, both partners’ addictions may worsen. Untreated addiction and mental health issues can become more severe as time goes on. This can result in life-threatening consequences for both partners’ mental and physical health. It also means that an outsider needs to recognize the addiction and take action.

When is it a Good Idea for Couples to Go to Rehab Together?

Couples who struggle with alcohol may explore the idea of going to rehab together. Some addiction treatment programs provide programs for couples. This allows them to receive high-quality substance abuse treatment at the same time.

However, couples rehab programs are not for all couples. Here are some signs a couple may benefit from seeking treatment together.

They require the same level of care

No two people have the exact needs during detox, treatment, and recovery. Many levels of care are available to meet a wide range of needs. Drug and alcohol rehab programs occur in both inpatient and outpatient rehab centers.

It is essential to determine that both people in a couple require the same level of care. For example, if one partner has significant mental health needs and the other does not, they may require different types of treatment.


It is crucial to ensure both partners receive the type of treatment and level of care they need to work toward long-term sobriety.

They are equally committed to recovery

Couples rehab has the best outcomes when both partners are equally dedicated to recovering from addiction. If both people are dedicated to overcoming addiction, a couples substance abuse treatment program may be beneficial.

The relationship is otherwise healthy

Considering whether the relationship is healthy before seeking couples rehab is important. Both people must feel safe and free to explore the roots of their substance use. Couples rehab is best for couples who support each other and do not have a history of coercion or violence.

When Should Couples Go to Rehab Separately?

There are several cases where a couples treatment program may not be effective. Here are some things to consider when choosing to go to couples rehab.

An unsafe relationship

Relationships with a history of violence, coercion, or intimidation can make people feel unsafe during rehab. Safety and freedom to express feelings is critical to making progress in recovery.

Codependency

It is crucial that both people in a relationship focus on their own recovery journeys during rehab. Treatment involves exploring the unique roots of a person’s substance abuse. People must also develop the skills to care for themselves as they work toward lifelong sobriety.

A codependent relationship creates an unhealthy environment for change. It may mean that people spend more time and energy focusing on their partner’s needs than their own. This can lead to stalled progress.

Increased distractions

Comprehensive addiction treatment programs require a person’s full attention and energy. They typically involved participating in a range of treatments, including:

People must have the time and energy to focus on these therapies. If attending rehab with a partner is too distracting, going to rehab independently may be a better choice.

Some addiction treatment centers offer both individual and couples rehab programs. It is important to consider your needs and make the decision that will best serve you and your partner.

Find Treatment Now

If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, effective treatment programs are available at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team today to learn more about our treatment facility and programs.

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