“Honey, I’m home!” Whether feelings of excitement or concern arise with the return of a spouse, there is much to anticipate and prepare for when a family member comes home after treatment. Understanding what to expect can help ensure a smooth transition before and after rehab.
Adjustment Period
Even if a spouse has made significant progress in recovery and is fully committed to leading a clean and sober life while rebuilding their home life, there will be a period of readjustment for everyone involved. It is essential to allow everyone time and space to adjust at their own pace—this includes the spouse as well—while maintaining open communication throughout the process.
It is normal for the recovering spouse to experience a range of emotions, from fear and depression to great joy. Family members may also feel this same spectrum of emotions. It will take time for everyone to navigate the new dynamic and address the issues that arose during active addiction.
The bottom line is that one should not expect everything to revert to how it was before addiction immediately. Readjustment takes time, and some aspects of life may need to be different permanently. Like everything else, it will require patience to adapt to life after rehab and establish a new normal.
Letting Go of an Expected Outcome
Naturally, there is a deep desire for a spouse to remain clean and sober, thrive in recovery, and once again be a loving and positive part of the family. While this may very well happen—and is likely the goal of the spouse as well—it is important to recognize that it is not the family’s fight, and control over the outcome is limited.
However, there are positive ways to support the spouse in recovery. For example, one might choose to:
- Attend group meetings with the spouse.
- Participate in family meetings independently to gain more insight into addiction and recovery.
- Join family therapy sessions with the spouse to address past issues and navigate current challenges.
- Engage in personal therapy sessions for objective guidance on a personal level.
Rebuilding Trust
Addiction is destructive and can fracture the bonds between close family members. It is both a psychological and medical disorder that leads to compulsive drug and alcohol use, often forcing individuals to sacrifice everything—including their personal well-being and the well-being of others—to sustain their addiction.
Many family members find themselves working toward trusting their spouse with finances during recovery or learning how to feel emotionally safe with them. This process can take time and may require the support of therapeutic professionals, but the effort invested is worthwhile.
The bottom line is that trust is not a gift; it is something that must be earned, especially after being damaged by addiction. The time dedicated to healing—both collectively and individually—will facilitate the rebuilding of trust.
Prioritizing Health
Although it often feels as if the focus has been solely on the spouse’s addiction and its impact on them and the family, moving forward requires attention to one’s own physical and mental health. If an individual is not strong and functional, they will be unable to care for others effectively.
Therefore, after the spouse returns home from rehab, it is advisable to:
- Schedule regular check-ups with a doctor and dentist.
- Address any acute medical issues or ongoing physical symptoms promptly.
- Maintain a consistent exercise routine.
- Prioritize quality sleep.
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
- Spend time with friends and individuals who are removed from the home situation.
- Develop a community support group for family members with loved ones in recovery.
Handling Relapse
While not an inherent part of recovery, it is essential to recognize that there is no cure for addiction, which is fundamentally a chronic disorder often marked by relapse. Although the goal is to prevent relapse, families should have a plan in place to address the situation if it arises after addiction treatment.
Each family will need to develop a strategy that suits their unique circumstances, which may include elements such as:
- Implementing at-home drug testing to monitor sobriety.
- Limiting access to household finances.
- Increasing attendance at group/individual meetings, personal therapy sessions, and/or holistic treatment options.
- Establishing a new family therapy plan.
- Considering a brief return to intensive outpatient treatment or residential rehabilitation to reconnect with active recovery.
About Sunrise Recovery
Today’s column is brought to you by the team at Sunrise Recovery. As a leader in substance abuse treatment in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Sunrise Recovery is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to support individuals and families on their journey to long-term wellness. With experienced medical professionals and evidence-based practices, Sunrise Recovery helps clients navigate recovery with dignity and hope.
