The support system to back you.
Having a family that loves you and supports you through this trying time can make all the difference, but what’s lost on most people is the support of the doctors and staff and the rehabilitation center. My husband chose an all male center as he assumed that being with other men – some with families, like ours – would help him to learn from people in the same situation. The same sex approach turned out to be a good one for him, as hearing what other men had gone through, and how some had lost their wives and families because of their behavior was a real eye-opener.
The commitment to post-treatment sobriety.
This one is often overlooked. You don’t go to rehab and come out a sober adult. Addiction is a lifelong struggle and without post-treatment therapy and on-going support, most will never remain sober after the program concludes. Find a good post-treatment group, or addiction specialist, and continue your lifelong fight to remain sober.
We’re now creeping up on the 18th month of my husband’s sobriety. I couldn’t be more proud of him, and I hope that any of you that have a similar story will look into effective treatment options that could not only save your marriage, but your spouse’s life. Remember, one day at a time.
Do you have any additional help for someone who has a family member or spouse caught in addiction?
