Spouse & Significant Others

We understand how important it is to support a spouse or significant other during the recovery process. Most of the members of 449 Recovery have been in a recovery program at some time in their life and are continuing the process to this day. The support of a spouse or significant other is crucial to this recovery process. However, there comes a time when the spouse or the significant other needs to have a foundation of support as well. This is the main reason why 449 Recovery has developed the spouse and significant other counseling program. Within this program, a spouse or a significant other of the substance abuser can receive counseling and assistance to deal with the situation at hand.

Often times the spouse or significant other has been subject to an arsenal of challenges. They are the first person to be lashed out upon and the last person to be appreciated. Our spouse or significant other treatment programs allow this individual to speak their mind freely and gather information. The program is designed to walk the spouse through a similar recovery program in the same way as the addict themselves. We believe that recovery is not just about stopping the use of drugs or alcohol. We believe the process is about uniting families and friends together and developing a deeper bond between those that already share a close relationship.

When addiction is involved, it becomes impossible to maintain a healthy, functioning family system. Family members are affected physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. As the destructive progression of the disease continues, many family members become so focused on their loved one that they lose the ability to take care of themselves.

Physically, you may suffer from stress-related illnesses. You may not be eating well, sleeping well or exercising. Family members often become ill.

Mentally, you can become obsessed, preoccupied and forgetful. You may have a hard time concentrating because of fear, worry and racing thoughts. You can also develop mental defenses similar to those of the addict or alcoholic, such as denial and minimization.

Emotionally, you may be anxious, fearful, depressed, lonely, angry and overwhelmed, but the common way for dealing with these feelings is to bury them. Burying feelings can result in physical problems and overreaction to minor incidents because of a buildup of unresolved tension resulting from neglecting emotional wounds.

Socially, you might withdraw and become isolated, ceasing to participate in activities and hobbies that were once enjoyable. You can become disconnected from yourself, others and life.

Spiritually, you might find yourself violating your values to protect the addict or alcoholic and over time begin to lose faith, hope and a purpose for living.

If you or a loved one is experiencing challenges due to drug or alcohol addiction please take a moment to contact us today. We are here to help. Our family therapy programs are designed to help children, families, relatives and the addict overcome their addiction. There is a solution. You are never alone.