Couples Counselling: When Addiction Impacts your Relationship

1. Couples Counselling: When Addiction Impacts your Relationship The relationship a couple has can be turned upside down when one of them is struggling with an addiction. Often, the situation will continue to get worse until there is some type of outside intervention. This includes counselling and treatment for the addiction. Holding that person accountable is very important, but harder than you may think. Often, an addiction can lead someone down a path they never intended to be on. Their behaviors can change too. They may be lying to cover up what they are doing or the extent of it. They may be creating financial problems or they may be in trouble with the law. They are aggressive and can’t be trusted. All of this can cause serious trouble for the couple and the future of that relationship. It is hard to be with someone who is addicted to something. Some tough decisions have to be made. Boundaries have to be set and a plan of action to help them with recovery. A professional can assist with that because it is very difficult to try to do it all on your own. Tough Decisions What you allow is what will continue, and you certainly don’t want to enable an addict to continue with self-destruction. They tend to harm everyone in their path emotionally and sometimes physically or financially along the way too. The addiction is all they care about, and that makes it hard to communicate with them. Through counselling, some tough decisions can be made. Showing that person you love them and care about them is important. Yet they also need to know you aren’t going to stand by and allow them to behave in such a manner. Hopefully, they will agree to work through their issues in counselling and to seek treatment. Set Boundaries Boundaries have to be set and accountability put into place. Showing a lowing but firm stand on where you are with all of it matters. Be consistent and don’t allow them to manipulate you. This can include changing where you reside or

2. Where they reside for the time being. It can include full disclosure about where they are and who they are with. Such boundaries can also include not letting them have access to any money that could be spent on the addiction. They may not like your boundaries, but if they are willing to abide by them and respect them in is a step in the right direction. The direction and assistance of a counsellor can help you to set those boundaries and to share them with the addict. Treatment Discussions The ultimate goal is to get the addict to a point where they are accepting responsibility and they will seek treatment. The discussions have to include what type of treatment will occur and where it will take place. Depending on the type of addiction, they may be able to take part in an outpatient program. This allows them to stay at home and to keep their job most of the time. Other addictions will require inpatient treatment where they reside at the facility for the duration of treatment. Find out what options are available and what is recommended for the individual. As a couple, decisions have to be made about what to pursue treatment. The goal is to help them get better, to show them support, and not to let the addiction continue. Counselling after treatment for the couple is highly recommended. The relationship can be greatly shaken due to an addiction. It is going to take time to work through issues, to rebuild trust, and to ensure the risk of a relapse for the addictive behaviours is lessened. About Us: At https://londontherapyfoundation.com/ you can obtain the very best mental health services. You will attend sessions with qualified professionals who have a passion for assisting others. They can customise a treatment plan so you can get the best possible help for your needs. They will challenge you, encourage you, and help you to explore a variety of tools and techniques that can help you have the best quality of life possible. We continue to expand our services and we are dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to affordable services. We offer services for individuals, couples, families, and children.