How can I best support my partner when he completes inpatient rehabilitation?

recovery

#1

Hi everyone, new here, new to this realm, a little scared.
I have kind of a doozy to share, triggers ahead, so please be careful if you’re reading on.

On the night of the 17th, I found out that I was pregnant with my partner’s child. Days prior to this, it had come out that he relapsed with crack usage, and had been using for about a week. It was rough - he was stealing from me, lying about paying bills, etc. But when I shared with him the news of our baby- to- be, he held me tight and said that “this changes everything”. The next day, he checked himself into an inpatient rehabilitation center for men. He’s currently there, and plans on staying to heal for about 3-4 months.

All this said, when he graduates from the rehabilitation program, how can I ensure that his progress continues? As someone who has been on a mental health journey my entire life, and as someone who has struggled with alcohol abuse, I understand that progress is not linear. There might be hiccups here and there. I am hoping that the idea of raising a family with me will straighten him out pretty well, but I don’t know how to properly welcome him home after all of this is finished. I’m nervous about future relapses, especially with the idea of a little one around.

I love him beyond words. I will approach him with compassion, kindness, empathy, and open arms when he’s out, as to keep communication and honesty there.

I apologize if this is too much info. I could really use some advice and kindness for this situation. Again, I’m hoping to make a healthy atmosphere for him to continue to recover in when he’s out of rehab, I’m hoping to show him support through all of this.

Anything helps. Thank you.


#2

Hi @se7en - welcome to the Village, we’re glad you found us here. First off, congrats on your pregnancy! That’s amazing that this life change has motivated positive change in your partner. What a huge step!

Preparing for when he gets back from rehab - this is a popular topic in the community and we’ve put together a response that takes the CRAFT approach. You can read through the full topic below:

It sounds like you are ready and open to support him through recovery. Early recovery is hard, and throwing a new baby into it will make it even tougher. How is your support network? What are you doing to take care of yourself while he’s in rehab?

Have you heard about our CRAFT program? Our next group is starting up soon on November 4, 2024, and it addresses the kinds of things you’re looking for - approaching recovery with compassion, kindness, and empathy. Now might be a good time to join, before the baby comes and he comes back from rehab, so you’ll have these skills ready to go. Check it out and let us know if you have any questions: wethevillage.co