America’s Overdose Dilemma: How Couples Rehab Could Help
During their methamphetamine-induced haze, Margaret Fitzgerald and Danny Holder lost custody of their baby.
Fitzgerald told AZFamily she struggled with deep depression and used drugs to cope. They were left homeless, but even that didn’t matter. All they cared about was getting high.
After nearly five years, they found an addiction treatment center. The good news is that they’re sober, no longer living on the streets, and have regained custody of their daughter.
Today, Fitzgerald and Holder are giving back to their community by sharing their story and urging others to get help.
Our Sunshine City Counseling blog takes a look at the how they got help and found a new life, together as a family, in recovery.
The U.S. Addiction Crisis
They are the lucky ones. R Institute says the country has been in the grips of an overdose crisis for more than a decade, largely because of the proliferation of fentanyl.
Although down from the 2023 peak of about 114,000, drug overdoses still claimed nearly 90,000 lives last year.
Arizona, especially, has seen a marked decline. Cato Institute believes harm-reduction initiatives, addiction treatment services, and medication-assisted treatment could be responsible for the decrease.
And, like Margaret Fitzgerald and Danny Holder, many couples are seeking addiction treatment by entering residential treatment programs together. Below, we’ll discuss whether couples rehab could be the right choice for you.
A Chance at Recovering Together
The debate continues over whether couples should attend rehab centers together.
While some studies suggest that the shared environment hinders the recovery process, some facilities offer a unique approach to treatment.
Getting help for you and your spouse together could be the catalyst for being and staying sober and drug-free.
Couples who seek help via inpatient treatment together support each other, gain a deeper understanding of addiction, and strengthen their relationship.
Changes Healing Center cites a SAMHSA study showing that Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) effectively works. BCT combines addiction treatment and relationship counseling to improve recovery outcomes and strengthen partnerships.
The biggest gain is that couples rehab programs offer a supportive space for addiction recovery and rebuilding a healthy relationship.
Barriers to Accessing Treatment Programs
While other states have taken a more restrained approach, Arizona Senate Bill 1257 created some discourse between community leaders and politicians.
The bill aims to expand court-ordered stabilization for individuals with drug addiction, allowing up to five days in detox.
Ted Maxwell, president of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, said the five-day detox will help people make informed recovery decisions. But how can individuals make informed decisions when not given access to treatment
Cost is one of the biggest barriers to accessing these programs. One solution is the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
Introduced by Arizona’s Medicaid agency, AHCCCS is a joint federal-state program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals.
Entering a treatment center that accepts Arizona Medicaid is the logical and most cost-effective choice.
Rebuilding Bridges
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a high mountain to conquer. Throw in a couple’s dynamics, and recovery is 10 times harder.
Feelings of anger and resentment are normal and often bubble to the surface. If left to fester, they can lead to more serious issues such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
With effective strategies, both can get to a place of peace, healing, and mutual respect. And it starts with trust.
Spouses who enter rehab together find rebuilding trust in their relationship the most difficult. Even after rehab, it’s important to focus on ways to create trust and connection.
Embracing Healthy Habits Together
Leaving rehab is one of the hardest parts of recovery. No one holds you accountable; you have to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders.
Psychology Today says mental health and recovery go hand-in-hand. So, it’s no surprise that about 38% of adults with SUD suffer from mental health challenges.
A strong support system and mental health treatment help prevent relapse. Embrace healthy habits together.
A healthy habit routine includes:
Nutritious meals
Exercise
Attending NA meetings together
Counseling and journaling
Let’s not ignore the obvious and cover it with sprinkles. Addiction can put significant strain on a marriage, but seeking help is a vital step toward recovery.
Professional counseling offers couples effective tools to strengthen their relationship after rehab. Through therapy, couples improve communication and address underlying issues affected by addiction.
Choose a Program to Meet Your Needs Together and Individually
Rehab centers offer countless treatment options. Take advantage of outpatient programs and behavioral health services. Attend group therapy and spend time with support services. All of these choices aid your recovery journey.
Substance abuse recovery is a lifelong process. Some days will be tougher than others. However, leaning on each other for support and encouragement is half the battle won.
You (and your special someone) can attain renewal for your relationships in recovery, but making that crucial move for support is the steppingstone to get things started.