My Spouse Is In Rehab: 5 Tips To Help You Cope

It can be heartbreaking when your spouse leaves for rehab. When you send your partner to rehab, it's not uncommon for them to think that they are the only one hurting and that you don’t care about them or want to help. You might even be feeling guilty that you aren't doing enough.

However, there are many ways to support your loved one without being physically present. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how you can cope when your spouse is in rehab so you can also prepare yourself by the time they come home.

1. Don't Blame Yourself for Their Addiction

When your spouse is in rehab, it is quite normal to feel anxious and overthink what went wrong. Maybe you're asking yourself if it was your fault and the more times you think about this, you might actually start believing that you're to blame for the addiction. However, it is important for you to keep in mind that it's not your fault. Your partner's addiction is beyond your control so blaming yourself will not help the situation. It's normal to feel emotional during these times but keep in mind that addiction is a disease and it is not something you have caused.

2. Take It One Day at a Time

When your spouse is in rehab, you will eventually have to deal with their return home. You can find yourself constantly thinking about how it will be when they come home from treatment.

It's so easy to get caught in the downward spiral of negativity.

While this might seem daunting due to all of the things that are on your mind - don't forget about taking it one step at a time. For now, focus on things that you can control. Stay hopeful and positive. Try not to jump ahead because each day brings you one step closer to their eventual return which means something good has happened today, even if it doesn't seem possible at this point in time.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

Now, more than ever, is the time for you to take care of yourself. A lot of spouses tend to neglect themselves when their partners are in rehab like forgetting to eat, not sleeping well, and not having any "me" time. Make sure that you find time to do these things for yourself and take care of your own needs. While it is definitely not easy when there are thousands of thoughts going in your mind, you have to remember that you have to stay strong and healthy while going through this difficult time.

4. Don't Hesitate to Ask for Help

Having your partner in rehab means that you'll have to deal with everything on your own. Suddenly, you'll have to manage your household, your bills, your kids, your work, and everything else without the help of your partner. This stress combined with the emotional turmoil you're already feeling can be overwhelming.

While there's nothing wrong with being independent and standing on your own feet, there's also nothing wrong in admitting that you need a helping hand at this point in your life. Reach out to your friends and family members if you need to. They want to help you, and they'll be more than happy to lend a hand if you ask them for it.

5. Find a Support Group

The thought of sharing what you think and feel with someone else besides your spouse can be scary. A lot of people feel embarrassed and afraid to talk about their problems even with their closest friends and family members. That's because they are scared of being judged and misunderstood.

If you feel this way, a good idea is to look for a support group for family members of people who are in addiction recovery. One popular support group is Al-Anon. You can also check online for anonymous support groups that you can join or ask recommendations from the rehab your spouse was admitted in.

Being in a support group with people who share similar experiences can help you to feel less alone and you may find people there who can offer advice. You can also learn from the experiences of the other members. With Covid-19 measures, there are now online support groups that are available to join if you cannot leave the house.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.

Contact Anaheim Lighthouse today.