Addiction recovery is a perfect example of how people can be a great tool in promoting health and wellness. At Chapters Capistrano, our guests are welcomed by peers and staff that provide an excellent support system—showcasing just how important personal relationships are in sobriety.

However, it is also important to recognize that while relationships can prevent addiction, addiction can also impair relationships. Family and friends often play a major role in motivating individuals toward addiction recovery. Significant others, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives also mark important sources of inspiration for sobriety; these romantic relationships may also challenge addiction recovery and prevent it from happening. This is especially true if both individuals within the couple are engaging in substance use disorder.

What Substance Use Disorder Does to a Relationship

Whether one is using drugs or alcohol alongside or apart from a significant other, it is important to understand how this behavior will impair a relationship. For instance, substance use disorder can:

• Breed Dishonesty in a Relationship

Individuals who use drugs or alcohol while in a relationship may eventually develop a tendency to lie—even if the person is lying to someone they have typically been truthful with. Whether one is lying about what they spend money on, being under the influence or engaging in other illicit activities, losing trust in a relationship can dramatically ruin the bond that two people share.

• Build Aggression

Substance use disorder can severely change an individual’s mood and present behaviors that do not reflect the true intentions of the person. For some, being under the influence can cause severe mood disruptions—contributing to feelings of stress, depression or hostility.

While it may be hard to notice changes in behavior if an individual is an addict, partners will recognize these shifts—especially if the individual is behaving aggressively. Whether physically or verbally abusive, addiction may not just take its toll on the abuser, but also on the person found at the receiving end.

Although many significant others will try to stay in abusive relationship brought on through substance use disorder, it is important to remain safe and contact authorities if there is a sense of endangerment. Unfortunately, these actions can cost an individual his or her relationship.

• Promote Deeper Addiction

In cases where just one partner is using drugs or alcohol, there is a great opportunity for the other partner to recognize the issue and help encourage addiction recovery. However, some may find that a partner’s substance use disorder enables them to use as well, creating a dangerous environment for addiction.

A couple fully engaged in substance use disorder may not only encourage the addiction to continue, but may also make it much more difficult for either party to reach out for help. For instance, a husband may not want to stop using if his wife is not ready to.

Addiction Recovery Recovers Relationships

If recognized early enough, individuals can protect their partner from some of the most severe consequences of addiction. Recognizing signs of relapse, substance use disorder and other mental triggers can encourage many to provide support to their loved one when needed. Facing addiction in a loved one with support is one of the best ways to help ensure that he or she enters a treatment program.

Those who embrace addiction recovery, particularly flexible treatment, explore several different counseling approaches to help build better confidence in themselves and their relationships. For instance, the family program at Chapters Capistrano works to help those in recovery restore trust and gain tools for support in personal relationships.

If you want to stop addiction from ruining a personal relationship, please call Chapters Capistrano as soon as possible at 1-888-831-1553.