Dr. Robert Navarra – CoupleRecovery.org

Couples and Addiction Recovery: Why Partners Need Couple Recovery

There are many paths to recovery, one size does not fit all. However, over the years I have found a missing piece that limits the great healing potential for individuals, couples and families. That glaring difficulty for many, if not most, couples impacted by addiction and recovery is that they are discouraged to begin couple recovery. Instead, the advice is to limit the focus to individual recoveries for each partner and family members. The following are "composites" of the stories I have heard from couples when a partner has been in outpatient or inpatient treatment for addiction.

Want A Relationship Boost? Try This

Several years ago I recall working with a couple Jeff and Eileen (not their real names). In a session just prior to Father's Day, Eileen and Jeff were discussing their concerns about getting together with Jeff's parents for a family dinner to celebrate Father's Day. Jeff's sister and her husband would be there as well as his brother and partner. as well. It turns out that what happened that day changed Eileen and Jeff's relationship in a profound way, providing an impactful boost in intimacy, closeness, and trust.

What Happens When Fun Gets Dropped in Relationships?

Margaret and James used to have a good time together, then life and responsibilities seemed to loom larger and the fun times seemed to fade. They rarely fought during the times they had lively conversations filled with laughter and fun activities, they both saw this time as a time to bond. As less time was dedicated to spending some fun time together, not coincidentally, their relationship satisfaction dropped.

Family Recovery: What we Have Learned From Research

There have been many studies over the years on the impact of alcoholism on couples and on families, but nobody had ever asked the question: What is normal in family recovery processes? This research has potential implications for all families impacted by any serious mental health, behavioral, or physical disorder.

Shame: Toxic to Relationships

There is a difference between guilt and shame. Not knowing the difference puts at risk both individual recovery and relationship recovery.