Are you trying to process your trauma while your spouse is working toward recovery? There's no doubt about it; discovering your partner has an addiction to pornography or sex is devasting. As a result, you can develop symptoms of trauma similar to those of PTSD. So, it's no wonder treatment, and recovery are vital to your relationship.
Trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, panic attacks, irritability, sleeplessness, and emotional dysregulation. In other words, unresolved trauma can impact many areas of your life. Of course, you want to be sure your spouse is prepared to come home from rehab. So, how do you know if your partner is ready to leave treatment?
Let's talk about trauma and if knowing your spouse is really ready to leave treatment could help alleviate some of your trauma symptoms?
Trauma is the after-effect of a disturbing experience. Likewise, it can consist of a variety of reactions to a distressing event. Any event that is shocking, horrible, and terrifying can be traumatic. As a result, it can affect how you think, feel, or act.
According to Mindwise.org, nearly 70% of adults in the US will experience trauma at least once in their lives. Furthermore, one out of five of those will go on to develop PTSD. There are many professions where the risk of exposure to traumatic experiences are all but guaranteed. Examples include those in the military, journalists, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs.
Similar to PTSD, you may be living with Betrayal trauma. The difference is, discovering your partner's addiction likely didn't put your life at risk.
However, the heartache and symptoms of that discovery can lead to very similar symptoms. Therefore, processing your trauma becomes as essential to you as treatment is to them. So, how do you know if your spouse is ready to leave rehab?
Trauma Can Make It Difficult to Trust That Your Spouse Is Ready to Leave Treatment The news your spouse is leaving treatment can spark a flood of emotions. After all, your fear of another blindside and experiencing more trauma is very real. Add in the mix of anger, sadness, and betrayal, and it can send you spiraling with many questions and concerns. As a result, you may be wondering if the work in treatment will be enough.
It's not easy to work through your healing process and support your spouse with their needs at the same time. Just as your spouse will attend outpatient therapy and support groups, you too will benefit from your own therapy and support group.
Here are some good indicators your spouse is ready to return home to continue working on their recovery:
First, has your spouse completed the whole program, or are they leaving early?
Next, are they committed to following outpatient protocols? Do they have outpatient therapy sessions and support groups lined up? Often this is vital because ongoing support becomes necessary to maintain recovery.
Another sign they're ready to leave treatment is their commitment to recovery. Do they have a desire to remain sober? Does your partner seem to accept the fact that their addiction is real, or are they in denial?
Finally, do you have boundaries, rules, and guidelines set up? This will be critical to rebuilding trust. Likewise, transparency may help you heal.
At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we understand the challenges addiction, trauma, and entering treatment can present. As such, we want you to be involved in the healing process for your whole family. We would love to talk to you. Call us today or visit our website to learn more.
