But for some people, alcohol use can turn into alcohol misuse and even alcohol addiction. It can be challenging to talk to children about their parent’s alcoholism. It is important to be honest with them in an age-appropriate way and reassure them that they are not responsible for the situation. If your spouse becomes violent when they drink, it is important to prioritize your safety and the safety of any children involved.
Seeking support and guidance is essential for your own well-being as the spouse of an alcoholic. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can provide a listening ear, empathy, and advice. Educating yourself about alcoholism is crucial in understanding the nature of the disease and its impact on your spouse and family. By learning about the causes, symptoms, and effects of alcoholism, you can gain insight into your spouse’s behavior and develop empathy and compassion.
By understanding the disease, communicating effectively, setting boundaries, seeking support, and trusting God, you can navigate this difficult season with grace and resilience. Remember that God is with you every step of the way, offering His strength and comfort. As you lean into His promises, you can find hope and healing—both for yourself and for your marriage.
Below are some of the most common ways that living with an alcoholic spouse can affect you and your family. Our team of experts provides comprehensive support for those facing alcoholism. The physician-led facility offers medical detox, residential rehab and partial hospitalization programs. Reach out today, and a recovery advocate will guide you through the admissions process. Research treatment options in your area before you begin the conversation.
However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, depression, and anxiety. Maintaining your physical, emotional, and mental health gives you the strength to cope. Simple practices like eating healthy, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can make a big difference.
- Treatment options vary, and what works best can depend on the severity of the addiction, co-occurring mental health conditions, and the individual’s personal circumstances.
- Developing healthy coping strategies can make a significant difference in your well-being.
- If your spouse is resistant to the idea of therapy or rehab, consider involving a professional interventionist who can help plan a structured intervention with close family members or friends.
- The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
- By actively supporting your spouse’s sobriety journey, celebrating their progress, and acknowledging setbacks with compassion, you can contribute to their recovery process.
Can I control my spouse’s drinking?
Emphasize that there is hope for recovery and remind them that you’re willing to walk that path alongside them, provided they also take responsibility for their actions. A spouse’s alcohol use disorder (AUD) can trigger a variety of negative emotions in you. Feelings of sadness, resentment, or even anger may arise due to repeated broken promises, chaotic or unpredictable behavior, and disappointment in seeing your loved one struggle. Many spouses also experience anxiety or depression, especially if they are shouldering the bulk of household responsibilities or if they fear for their spouse’s safety and health.
How to Help an Alcoholic Spouse
Supporting your spouse during recovery involves patience, understanding, and emotional support. It’s important to encourage their participation in treatment, celebrate small milestones, and help them avoid triggers. At the same time, make sure you’re taking care of your own emotional well-being by seeking counseling, setting boundaries, and engaging in self-care. While you can offer support, love, and encouragement, alcohol addiction is a complex disease that often requires professional treatment.
Long-Term Strategies for Healing When Married to an Alcoholic
Yes, it’s important to continue engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. However, it may be necessary to set boundaries around drinking when in social situations. Consider attending events where alcohol isn’t served or limiting your own consumption while out with friends. Make an effort to truly understand your spouse’s perspective and validate their feelings.
What Support Groups Offer
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
- Many treatment facilities, like New Paradigm Recovery, feature testimonials from families.
- Living with a spouse who struggles with alcohol addiction can be incredibly challenging.
- Alcohol addiction doesn’t just affect the individual suffering from it—it also deeply impacts those closest to them, especially their spouse.
- Consider seeking the guidance of a therapist or support group to help you navigate this difficult decision.
You may find yourself feeling isolated, helpless, or overwhelmed by your partner’s addiction. The emotional rollercoaster that comes with alcohol addiction can be intense. Feelings of guilt may arise, and you might begin to believe you are responsible for your spouse’s addiction. It’s not uncommon for spouses to internalize shame, worrying that others may judge them for staying in the relationship. While you might encourage your spouse to seek individual therapy, joining couples or family therapy is also good.
Taking care of your own physical and emotional well-being is crucial. Ensure you have time for activities you enjoy and find ways to reduce stress. Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that takes place within the context of a family unit. It includes not only any biological relatives but also nonrelated members of the household, such as children and intimate partners, where appropriate.
Programs & Tracks
These sessions provide a structured environment where family members can discuss their feelings and concerns. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), involving family in therapy can significantly improve recovery chances for the alcoholic. Therapy helps address both the addiction and relational dynamics that contribute to or result from substance abuse. By participating in therapy, you can develop healthier coping strategies. Seeking therapy is a proactive step toward healing for everyone involved.
Taking Steps towards Healing
Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize these feelings as a natural response to a tough situation. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), chronic exposure to such stress can harm your mental and physical health. To manage this emotional burden, find healthy outlets for stress relief.
Neither you nor your spouse should have to go counseling for spouses of alcoholics through this process to cut back on or quit drinking alone. It’s vital to help them seek professional help when they show signs of addiction. While you seek professional help, don’t make excuses for their behavior while drinking, and do your best to keep alcohol away from your spouse. As a partner, you have a critical role to play in the recovery process of this person that you care about. Continue to care for and encourage them, while working not to neglect yourself in the process.
A crisis plan for high-risk situations is also helpful,” says Burse. It’s also important that you be aware of what you may experience as the partner of someone who is overcoming addiction. Anger, frustration at the situation, helplessness, and fear are normal feelings for a partner. When a person is addicted to drugs, it can impact their ability to make decisions, their memory, and their behavior. And all of those factors impact the unpredictable nature of the recovery process.
