Q&A with Dr. Hedelius

In July, our very own Dr. Matthew Hedelius Psy. D., LCSW, CSAT-S, was interviewed by AddoRecovery.com. We discussed his work at Paradise Creek Recovery Center and his achievements in the mental health space.

Addo Recovery involves a network of sex addiction therapists across the United States. Its mission is to flood the earth with specialized resources accessible at the pace therapists need them. As a result, Addo Recovery provides research, training courses, therapist Q&As, intensive training workshops, and professional support for sex addiction therapists.

In this article, you'll get to know a little more about Dr. Matthew Hedelius Psy. D., LCSW, CSAT-S.

Question (Addo Recovery): How long have you been involved in providing treatment for those who suffer from trauma or sexual compulsion?

Answer (Matthew Hedelius Psy. D., LCSW, CSAT-S): I have been treating those who suffer from trauma or sexual compulsivity for over 20 years. I've held over 40,000 sessions. I also provide supervision for therapists who are training to be sex addiction therapists.

Question (Addo Recovery): What has been your secret to helping men reach and stay in recovery?

Answer (Matthew Hedelius Psy. D., LCSW, CSAT-S): We use a combination of Cognitive-Neural Restructuring Therapy. It facilitates change at the cellular level of the brain. Likewise, we use a Task-Centered Approach designed by Dr. Patrick Carnes, PhD., the pioneer of sexual addiction treatment. When done correctly, combining these two models helps provide the patient with concrete recovery strategies. As a result, we may help facilitate sobriety and achieve long-term changes on a biological, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual level.

Question (Addo Recovery): Do you have experience treating clients in an inpatient treatment-type setting?

Answer (Matthew Hedelius Psy. D., LCSW, CSAT-S): Yes, I have experience in outpatient, inpatient, and residential treatment center settings.

Question (Addo Recovery): For those readers who are not familiar with your residential treatment center, what is Paradise Creek Recovery Center?

Answer (Matthew Hedelius Psy. D., LCSW, CSAT-S): Paradise Creek specializes in the treatment of sexual compulsivity disorders for adult men. It provides a home-like environment, offering safety and peace. As a result, patients are able to reflect and engage in a treatment plan designed specifically for them.

Paradise Creek Recovery Center is on a 16-acre campus located in Raft River Valley, Idaho. Men who attend treatment here cut all the anchors that hold them back from true freedom. For example, these anchors may include abuse, childhood trauma, death, divorce, or out-of-control sexual behaviors. Addressing each of these can lead to healing and freedom.

Paradise Creek Recovery Center has a treatment team with 34 years of experience in treating sexual issues. When a man enters our facility, they participate in 12-step meetings, therapeutic-based exercises, and experiential groups. Likewise, treatment may include activities such as ropes courses, fireside experiences, artistic expression groups, and music therapy.

Question (Addo Recovery): What tools have you found to be useful for treating your patients?

Answer (Matthew Hedelius Psy. D., LCSW, CSAT-S): Both bio and neurofeedback are useful tools in helping patients resolve their trauma issues and addictions. Likewise, I am trained in providing EMDR, which is a highly successful approach to help clients heal from traumatic histories.

Question (Addo Recovery): For new therapists just entering into their careers. What advice would you give them to have a successful career in the mental health industry?

Answer (Matthew Hedelius Psy. D., LCSW, CSAT-S): If you plan to provide individual and group therapy for addictive disorders, get involved in ongoing training. It is essential to stay on the cutting edge of addiction and trauma treatment.

Question (Addo Recovery): Just one more question: What activities do you enjoy in your free time?

Answer (Matthew Hedelius Psy. D., LCSW, CSAT-S): I enjoy any opportunity to help people. In addition, I enjoy running both half and full marathons.

Dr. Matthew Hedelius, thank you for your time today. It was a pleasure speaking with you. If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Hedelius or the Paradise Creek Recovery Center services, please call (855) 442-1912.

The Interesting Link Between Porn Addiction and Depression

Research surrounding porn addiction is limited. Although studies indicate a link between porn addiction and depression, there isn't enough evidence to prove it. However, the lack of an official diagnosis is one reason why there's a lack of funding for research.

According to Medical News Today, there are not enough specific criteria to identify the addiction as a mental health issue. Likewise, there's no conclusive evidence to link issues like depression and porn addiction. However, there does seem to be a consistent correlation between the two.

Let's discuss what we may know about depression and porn addiction.

Porn Addiction and Depression

In this article by Medical News Today, they discuss various studies that connect porn use and depression. In fact, they cite studies that indicate viewing porn may lead to symptoms of depression. For example, in a 2019 study, depression seems to increase the risk of addiction among those who view it to escape emotions.

There seems to be an interesting connection between depression and prolonged exposure. A 2017 study found 14.6% of those who view porn more than three times a week reported symptoms of depression. In contrast, 2.8% of those viewing pornography less than once a week reported symptoms. Furthermore, they retested, adding in improved physical activity and sleep patterns. However, the correlation between the frequency of pornography use and depression remained. As a result, the study concluded more frequent use of pornography leads to an increase in negative emotions.

Another key factor connecting pornography and depression is personal beliefs. For example, those who feel viewing pornography is morally wrong are more likely to experience shame and guilt after doing so. As a result, they are more likely to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression.

So, what is the most interesting link between porn addiction and depression?

The reality is, we simply do not have conclusive, scientific proof. As a taboo subject, porn addiction makes the process of gathering data for research more difficult. Between cultural differences and a lack of evidence, porn addiction may remain controversial for some time.

However, we do know many people struggle with an inability to control urges to view pornography and are desperate to stop. This is what makes porn addiction real and destructive. As the brain builds up a tolerance, content tends to be more explicit, and behaviors may become more risky. The good news is, treatment may help you escape from the vicious cycle of addiction.

Interestingly enough, there is a wide variety of therapeutic approaches to help with porn addiction. Even without a clear definition or formal diagnosis, treatment centers are widely available. All around the world, therapists are eager to help clients get their life back. Reaching and maintaining recovery is possible.

If you are eager to overcome your porn addiction, we may be able to help. Paradise Creek Recovery Center is a world-class residential treatment center. We specialize in sex and porn addiction treatment. We're here to help you acquire new skills and tools. Likewise, we want to help restore hope and peace in your life. Call us today.

Why Relationships Play Such a Powerful Role in Addiction Recovery

Family outings and gatherings can be so beneficial after your spouse leaves treatment. It's true; relationships are a vital component of relapse prevention.

The thought of life after addiction can feel daunting for anyone. After all, no longer relying on an addiction to distract from stress, boredom, or negative emotions can be overwhelming. As a result, relationships with family and friends can serve as a crucial lifeline. So, plan family time or a night out with friends. Doing so is a great way to remain actively engaged and focused on maintaining recovery.

Let's talk about the important role of relationships after treatment.

The Role of Relationships and Relapse Prevention

People say that a critical piece of life after treatment involves strengthening relationships. Leaving treatment can be both bitter and sweet. Upon arriving home, your partner will get to reconnect with loved ones. Yet, it also means going back to everyday life and the stress that it can bring. Soon, they will face the test of being able to overcome triggers. The good news is, no one has to do this alone. With support from local groups and your relationship, they're better equipped to remain steady on the road of recovery.

Maintaining recovery is a life-long process. However, studies show relationships play a powerful role in reaching recovery goals. Whether it's the support of a sponsor or the love and support you offer your spouse, having someone in their corner can be the key to success.

There are many benefits of healthy relationships. After all, they can provide security and a sense of belonging. Likewise, they can provide accountability and motivation, especially in moments of weakness. Furthermore, others can help to avoid feelings of loneliness, which can trigger a relapse.

Rebuilding Relationships After Treatment

Prior to treatment, your relationship probably took a hit. After all, addictions tend to take priority over everything and everyone. If this sounds familiar, there is likely repair work for your spouse to do.

Through meetings and therapy sessions, your partner can learn how to reconnect and restore trust with you. Meanwhile, both of you are likely to benefit from couples therapy. Many develop stronger, more authentic relationships through vulnerability, transparency, and hard work.

Summertime is a great time to work on rebuilding relationships after treatment. After all, there are often family trips or gatherings planned. Likewise, good weather makes it possible to get out of the house and enjoy an activity together. It could be as simple as going on a walk or engaging in conversations at a family BBQ.

At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we know relationships and recovery go hand in hand. As such, we address the need to repair and rebuild connections with those who matter most.

Leaving treatment and transitioning to a new way of life can be an adjustment for everyone involved. As such, scheduling time to be together can be crucial for both of you. In addition, doing so provides you with time to focus on reconnecting and enjoying this next chapter of life.

Visit our website to learn more about the treatment programs we offer.

Experiencing the Freedom Life Can Offer After Porn Addiction

With Independence Day upon us, you may be thinking about the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. However, as you prepare to celebrate, you may be creating an excuse list, just in case you need to tend to your porn addiction. Imagine how freeing life could be if you didn't have to worry about responding to the intense cravings of pornography.

What started as a harmless activity may now be controlling areas of your life. You may wake up every day ready to defy impulsive urges to engage in pornography. However, day after day, when thoughts come, you end up feeling defeated. An easy way to identify when a porn addiction has taken over is when your efforts to quit fall short.

Let's talk about how freeing life may feel after you reach porn addiction recovery.

Some of the Freedoms that You May Experience After Porn Addiction

When you try to stop but can't, it's then you realize your porn addiction is in control.

Like any addiction, when your brain demands a chemical release, you may feel driven to do anything, regardless of the consequences. Unfortunately, maintaining the same 'high' can become more difficult as your body builds up a tolerance. Over time, this can lead to risky behaviors. Likewise, you may begin to engage in activities that defy your personal values and beliefs.

On the contrary, there are a variety of freedoms that come with recovery. Let's highlight a few:

Leaving behind all that comes with porn addiction can be a scary thought. As you move onto the next chapter of your life, building a better future for yourself may feel overwhelming. Likewise, as you find a balance between the past and present, you may feel like you're walking a tightrope. However, this is often temporary. Establishing new routines can come with patience and perseverance.

Putting in the time to rebuild your mind and create new habits is hard work. However, experiencing life after porn addiction can be the sweetest part of the journey. Over time, you'll continue to adjust, and for every twenty steps you take forward, there may be only one step back.

Finding Freedom After Porn Addiction

Freedom and recovery are waiting for you. In fact, there is no judgment here, just support and guidance to the freedom you deserve.

The process of healing and recovery will be unique. As a result, treatment may involve a variety of therapeutic modalities to help you heal. Likewise, it will be vital to identify underlying issues that may be driving you to the porn addiction. Breaking the cycle and restoring impulse control can be a rewarding experience worth celebrating. As you gain confidence in your abilities, you can discover the endless possibilities life has to offer.

At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we specialize in treating porn addiction. With the right tools, support, and treatment, you can reach and maintain recovery. We are here to help you through the process of overcoming the addiction that is holding you captive.

Call us today to learn more.

Can My Trauma Make It Hard To Know If My Partner Is Ready To Leave Treatment?

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?

What is trauma?

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.

The Unique Way Sexual Addiction Treatment May Help With Your Recovery

There are many reasons why and benefits of going to a rehab center. However, let's talk about why it might be the first serious step towards sexual addiction recovery.

By design, treatment centers can help those with an addiction to sex, porn, and substances. The main goal of a rehabilitation center is to provide you with a controlled, safe environment as you work through issues and acquire new skills. Like many, you may not recognize you're no longer in control of your life. Oftentimes, going to treatment involves a family intervention to help encourage a loved one to seek help. Sexual addiction treatment is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to help addicts get their life back.

Let's discuss why a sexual addiction treatment center may be the first step of your journey toward recovery.

Why should I enter a sexual addiction rehabilitation program?

We live in a world where technology is ever-present. As a result, this can have a profound effect on our intimate lives. It seems like we are constantly plugged in and using phones for the majority of the day. However, this significantly increases the accessibility to fuel addictions, including sexual addiction.

Our center provides a safe environment that will address these severe outside distractions. At the same time, it allows you to focus on moving towards healing and living in recovery. Likewise, without all the distractions, you're more likely to learn the skills you need to overcome your sexual addiction. So, are you ready to take the first step toward recovery by enrolling in our sexual addiction treatment program?

Paradise Creek specializes in sexual addiction.

When we say that Paradise Creek Recovery Center wants to help you beat your addiction, we mean it. Our staff has over 50 years of combined experience in treating those who are battling sexual addiction. We do this through inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings.

Like alcohol or drug programs, sex addiction requires unique strategies and tools specific to this type of addiction. Paradise Creek Recovery Center is known for its work with pornography and sexual addiction. Our approach utilizes specific strategies to treat these addictions. As a result, many clients find themselves living healthier lives while in recovery.

Here's what you'll find:

Specialized Sexual Addiction Treatment

Sex addicts come from different life situations and have different levels of addiction. Unlike many counseling programs, treatment at Paradise Creek can offer customized care.

24/7 Care

Our facility is in a quiet, rural location that allows you to get away from everyday distractions. As a result, you're able to truly focus on your recovery.

In-Depth Assessment of Your Mental Health

A mental health professional will go through a complete assessment with you. During this process, you may discover your sexual addiction stems from other issues. For example, you may have co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, or impulse control disorders. Then, we combine your assessment results with your needs and goals to develop your unique treatment plan.

Paradise Creek Recovery Center has the know-how you need to get your life back.

Paradise Creek Recovery Center is a residential sexual addiction treatment center that aims to help you find hope and heal. At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, you can learn how to:

If you, or someone you love, has a sexual addiction, now is the time to get help. No matter who you are, sex addiction is a dangerous vice and one that should be properly treated with the help of a licensed professional.

Please contact us today for more information about our programs.

Do Any of These Symptoms of Betrayal Trauma Surprise You?

It might be hard to understand betrayal trauma if you've never experienced it. In fact, it's usually very complex and can be difficult to treat on your own. However, understanding it better may bring about insight and clarity.

Betrayal trauma occurs after there is a significant violation of trust within a close relationship. For example, discovering infidelity or your partner's porn addiction could lead to betrayal trauma. Likewise, children living with abusive or neglectful parents may also develop symptoms.

In this article, we will talk about what betrayal trauma is and what it may feel like if you're living with it.

Symptoms of Betrayal Trauma

Betrayal trauma happens because of abuse or a significant violation of one's trust. As a result, there can be many physical or emotional issues that accompany betrayal trauma.

 

Physical symptoms can include:

Emotional symptoms may include:

Many who experience betrayal trauma report feeling alone in their feelings. For example, you may not want to tell anyone about your partner's affair or addiction. Likewise, you may feel as if you are somehow to blame for your spouse's behavior. Although it's not your fault, believing it is can leave you looking inward instead of seeking outside support.

What Does Betrayal Trauma Do To The Brain?

When you experience trauma from someone you rely on for safety and security, it can lead to a variety of complications. RelationalRecovery.com helps us understand what happens when betrayal trauma occurs.

After betrayal trauma, you may enter into a survival mindset. For example, thoughts may lead you to an intense state of hypervigilance. Although exhausting, it's your brain's way to try and protect you from another blindside. As a result, you may become more anxious and irritable. Likewise, you may have a hard time shifting your focus to other things. The science behind this is the fear center of your brain takes over in an effort to prevent another painful blindside.

In situations where you're completely reliant on the relationship, you may try to ignore the abuse or betrayal in an effort to survive. For example, this is prevalent in abusive child-to-parent relationships. Likewise, if your spouse is the main provider, you too may feel it's necessary to endure. As a result, this evokes complex emotions and behaviors as you wrestle with the betrayal trauma and try to survive or maintain a sense of normalcy.

What Helps With Betrayal Trauma?

If you or someone you know is living with betrayal trauma, there is help. Like other mental health issues, talking to a doctor or a therapist would be a good place to start. For example, counseling may be a great way for you to begin to process the trauma you've endured.

It can also be beneficial to have coping skills to turn to when heavy emotions leave you feeling weighed down.

Examples of valuable skills include:

If you know someone who is living with betrayal trauma, it's important they have support. After all, this is a complex and difficult issue, and healing can take time. Furthermore, without help, you could suffer from symptoms indefinitely. Having a close friend or family member, in addition to professional support, can be crucial to your mental and physical health.

At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we offer help and recovery to those with sex and other addiction issues. Furthermore, we address the reality that you may be living with betrayal trauma due to your partner's addiction. You deserve healing and peace.

The Powerful Role of Self-Compassion in Sex Addiction Recovery

Sex addiction is complicated for a variety of reasons. Right out of the gate, some argue it's not an addiction. Why? Some believe society's role in defining acceptable or unacceptable sexual behaviors leads to the label of a sex addict. On the contrary, others think people may use the term based on morals and values rather than scientific evidence. That leads to the next issue of defining symptoms, and finding the right approach to treatment.

Although the debate may exist, for many, there's no question about the reality of sex addiction. After all, if you've lost the ability to control urges, you know all too well how real this beast is. So, what can you do to start down the path that can lead you to recovery?

Let's talk about sex addiction and the role self-compassion can play in helping you along your way to recovery.

What is sex addiction?

A simple way to define sex addiction is when you no longer have the ability to withstand the urge to act upon impulse, regardless of the consequences.

There are a variety of behaviors that may indicate you have a sex addiction. Examples include repeated affairs, multiple anonymous partners, or participating in unsafe sexual activities. Likewise, viewing porn, cyber or phone sex, prostitution, and voyeurism are all behaviors that can lead to or indicate you may have a sex addiction.

 

The Role Self-Compassion May Have in Sex Addiction Recovery

Another complexity of sex addiction is proving the powerful impact it has on the brain. However, many studies indicate it affects the brain the same way drug addictions do. As awareness increases, funding for more research tends to rise.

In the meantime, professionals who treat sex addiction have plenty of success stories to share. Treatment addresses topics such as toxic shame, relationships, healthy sexuality, and forgiveness. Likewise, the focus is also on emotional control, stress management, and relapse prevention.

Toxic shame and guilt seem to be a driving force of sex addiction. As a result, a great way to battle back is through self-compassion. Self-compassion allows you to shift your focus to your successes as you work toward change. This includes giving yourself permission to accept yourself as you are, rather than defining yourself by your past. Personal encouragement can lead to insightful growth. On the contrary, beating yourself up can leave you wanting to escape from painful thoughts and emotions.

Self-compassion is one powerful tool you can use on your journey toward recovery. Like any addiction, you'll need to teach your brain how to engage in healthy behaviors rather than responding to intense urges. This can take time. However, every time you choose to engage in a new behavior, you move another step closer to recovery. Over time, through consistent and frequent practice, your choices can lead to transformation.

Sex addiction is a battle many are facing today. You are not alone in your journey. At Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we understand the challenges and complexities of this addiction. As a result, our program is designed to set you up for hope, change, and success. Visit our website to learn more.

3 Helpful Ways to Support Your Spouse Entering an Addiction Treatment Center

Without a doubt, having a loved one in an addiction treatment center can be a rewarding and challenging situation. Now will be a good time to begin working through your healing process. But, what else will be vital to you and your spouse's success?

Although you're aware of the difficult task at hand, you feel comfortable standing by your spouse through this process. So, what is your role as your spouse enters an addiction treatment center? Is there anything you can do that may increase the chances of a successful outcome?

In this article, we'll discuss your role as your spouse prepares to enter an addiction treatment center.

Going to an addiction treatment center requires a leap of faith that can be frightening.

When your spouse agrees to seek help, you may feel reluctant to celebrate. After all, you've had commitments that have led to relapse time and time again. As such, you may not allow yourself to get your hopes up.

Likewise, entering an addiction treatment center can be frightening and full of uncertainty. On the contrary, it may provide reason to feel hopeful and optimistic. After all, it's often said admitting that the addiction is controlling your life and you need help is the hardest step. So, taking the next step to do something about it is could be a sign that this time could be different.

What is your role in helping make the addiction center experience successful?

We often hear, "The only thing you can control is yourself." and it's true. Now, with your spouse in treatment, you can spend some much-needed time on you. For example, now would be a great time to embrace self-care and focus on the healing process for yourself and your family.

Next, it won't be hard for you to recognize old behaviors that could signal a relapse. With that in mind, determine what boundaries will need to be set and the consequences that will follow.

Finally, identify areas you can improve. This may include ways you can refine your communication skills. Likewise, it may be working on restoring your self-esteem or self-confidence. It could consist of finding a hobby that you enjoy or working on wholehearted healing. All of these can contribute to a successful outcome after your spouse leaves the addiction treatment center.

3 Ways to Show Support While Your Spouse is in an Addiction Treatment Center

A key component of recovery is a solid support system. Examples include online support groups, outpatient therapy, and family support.

Let's discuss 3 ways you can show support through the addiction treatment center program and at home.

Prepare a Plan

The risk of relapse is high after leaving an addiction treatment center. So, preparing clear boundaries and consequences is an important part of the relapse prevention plan. A plan that includes new routines may also be helpful. Your therapist may also provide ideas to include in your plan.

Participate in Their Rehabilitation.

Your spouse's addiction treatment center program likely includes family therapy sessions. An essential part of your partner's recovery will be your ability to help carry out a new way of life together. As such, both of you will need new tools and strategies to turn to as you move forward together.

By participating, you can learn what to expect after the addiction treatment center. You may also learn skills to help you learn how to offer support while also getting your needs met.

Gain understanding, clarity, and compassion.

Understanding can lead to compassion and empathy. Life before treatment was likely emotionally and physically exhausting. As a result, you may have built up feelings of anger and resentment, and understandably so. Therefore, your ability to work through your feelings can allow both of you to find compassion for each other. Empathy helps create an environment conducive to healing.

The task at hand is not an easy one. Supporting a loved one at an addiction treatment center has its challenges. At Paradise Creek Treatment Center, we incorporate family participation into our program. We understand the unique and vital role you play in your spouse's success. We look forward to working with both of you on this journey toward recovery.

Why It's a Great Idea to Process Betrayal Trauma While Your Spouse Is in Rehab

If your partner recently started a rehab program, now is that time to focus on yourself. Is it selfish to shift your focus to your own healing and recovery? The answer is no. On the contrary, now is a great time to focus on processing your betrayal trauma so you can heal and get your life back.

In the upcoming weeks or months, you may not hear from your spouse as much, and that is okay. In fact, you may be feeling a sense of relief that they're getting the help they need for their addiction. So, what can you do to prepare for life after treatment? One of the best things you can do is process your betrayal trauma. As you focus on your needs, you'll likely discover you become a better version of yourself.

In this article, we'll discuss why it's a great idea to focus on healing your betrayal trauma while your spouse is in rehab.

It's a Great Idea to Process Your Betrayal Trauma Right Now.

Living with a spouse who has an addiction can be a traumatic experience. For example, betrayal often accompanies addiction, especially if you happen to discover it on your own. As a result, you may be living with many symptoms of betrayal trauma.

When your spouse enters into a treatment center, it can leave you wondering what your relationship will look like after rehab. As you plan to move into a supportive role, it will be equally important to ensure your needs are met. Therefore, working on yourself can be vital to both you and your spouse's success. Processing your betrayal trauma can help you return to a sense of normalcy. Through therapy, you can work toward alleviating your symptoms and improving your mental health.

Focusing on your mental and physical health is a great way to prepare to welcome your spouse home from inpatient treatment. Living with someone who has an addiction is not easy, and you deserve to heal. Likewise, with help, you can acquire the knowledge and skills you'll need to help yourself and your spouse enjoy life in recovery. However, if you're living with betrayal trauma after your spouse arrives home, it may inhibit recovery success.

Shifting Your Focus to Healing Betrayal Trauma While Your Spouse Works Toward Recovery

Whether the program lasts 30 days, or a year, through treatment, your spouse will be gaining valuable skills to aid life in recovery. What about you, though?

Addiction is a disease that affects everyone in the family. However, families don't always seek treatment for their own healing. As such, they miss out on the skills, tools, and strategies they need as they transition to a new way of life. Yet, with everyone working toward improving, relationships can heal. As a result, the odds of successful recovery also increase.

By focusing on yourself and healing from betrayal trauma, you're able to work through issues that may hold you back otherwise. Likewise, processing your betrayal trauma may help you work through problems that you may be unaware of right now.

What are the symptoms of betrayal trauma?

Living with betrayal trauma can negatively impact you in many ways. For example, you could be living with symptoms such as:

Keep in mind; there are many ways to support your spouse after they enter rehab. However, self-care is the best way you'll be able to help. By taking care of yourself, you'll be able to offer the best support possible. Remember, it isn't selfish to take care of your needs. In fact, working through your betrayal trauma may be the key to setting the two of you up for success.

At the Paradise Creek Recovery Center, we believe a large part of addiction recovery success lies within the family's recovery. Therefore, we strive to help families take the necessary steps to prevent relapse. Likewise, we want to help you build a rewarding and healthy life in recovery. Working through your betrayal trauma while your partner works on their addiction is a great way to help both of you reach the goal of recovery.