Being in a relationship with a person who is or was addicted to drugs or alcohol is a challenge, to say the least. Addiction becomes a disease that not only affects the user, but also the whole family when spouses or partners and children are affected. Thus, the whole family needs treatment. For a recovering addict, that may mean a long period in rehab, so families should be prepared for the addict being away from the family for a time. The rest of the family should attend therapy such as Al-Anon or private sessions with an addiction specialist. The goal is to heal from any emotional damage the addict has done and learn how to change living patterns to coexist with the newly sober family member.