When an Addict or Alcoholic enters a Treatment Center and confronts their addiction it is only the beginning of their journey. The physical detoxification is often so intense that many addicts leave the facility against medical advice and return to their active addiction.
For those that stay and face their habit they will undergo complex changes, both physical and psychological.

The medical staff will oversee the safety of the patient as the toxic chemicals are flushed from their system. The clinical staff will learn as much as they can about the patient through bio-psychosocial interviews, one on ones and group therapy sessions. As the patient becomes more introspective and accepting of themselves real change is then possible. If the patient has family involvement, sessions will be set to discuss issues that have affected that relationship. Patient goals, both short and long range, are established and a discharge date is set.

When a patient is discharged from a rehab they often have conflicting feelings of fear and tempered excitement. They are leaving a nurturing and protective environment and reentering society without their security blanket. When an addict returns to a family home, after treatment, their may be a shift in the balance of power. Long before an addict enters treatment they lose interest in some of the mundane but vital responsibilities that are essential to a functioning household. A spouse, out of necessity, takes over the responsibilities that were neglected when the addiction took precedence over household business. Conflict may arise when the returning addict attempts to reestablish themselves as responsible member of the family unit. The person that stayed at home and, out of necessity, learned new skills may be reluctant to relinquish their new responsibilities and the self-esteem they earned in the process. There is also a trust issue that is important to fully understand. The addict believes they have earned trust because they successfully completed treatment. The spouse may not be ready to fully trust and may have some resentment that will take time to process.

Patience and understanding are necessary from both parties. The recovering addict must continue to attend support groups and the spouse must seek out support if the relationship is to survive and grow. When the addict leaves drug rehab program and thinks the worst is behind them they soon see there are challenges that face them on a daily basis. Recovery is challenging but the rewards are well worth the effort.