Typically, when a person comes to us with an alcohol addiction, they will go through an addiction treatment programme. This includes a free addiction assessment, medically-assisted alcohol detox and a residential treatment programme made up of intensive therapy and 12 months of free aftercare. Once you realize that your spouse has a problem with alcohol, you will probably try to cover for their behavior or make excuses to others if your partner’s level of drinking is noticed.
Living with an alcoholic spouse can have a significant emotional impact on the non-alcoholic partner. It is not uncommon for them to experience a range of emotions such as anger, frustration, sadness, and even guilt. They may also feel a sense of isolation, as the stigma surrounding alcoholism can make it difficult to seek support and understanding from others. If you have a loved one who is suffering from alcoholism and you need support, there are many resources out there.
Family Roles in Addiction
This reversal of responsibilities can lead the child to develop a pattern of codependency in future relationships. For example, if your loved one passes out in the yard and you carefully help them into the house and into bed, only you feel the pain. The focus then becomes what you did (moved them) rather than what they did (drinking so much that they passed out outside). Protect your children, and don’t hesitate to keep them away from someone who drinks and does not respect your boundaries. Growing up in a home where alcohol use is common can leave lasting scars. But the reality is that not even the person dependent on alcohol can control their drinking, try as they may.
Therapy
The contemplative stage ends with the decision to make a change, yet further steps such as preparation, action, and later maintenance and likely relapse are usually needed before the addiction is controlled. In other words, their behavior, rather than your reaction to their behavior, becomes the focus. It is only when they experience their own pain that they will feel a need to change. What might seem like a reasonable expectation in some circumstances powerless over alcohol might be totally unreasonable when it comes to someone with an addiction.
- They may try to prevent moments of discomfort that the person with an alcohol use disorder may cause.
- They are taught by licensed professionals and include topics on understanding addiction, how addiction affects a family and how to get a plan in place.
- It’s important to approach the topic with empathy, understanding, and without judgment.
- Your partner’s drinking doesn’t mean they want to hurt you or don’t care about you.
Maybe you have some concerns about your spouse or long-term partner’s increasing alcohol use but feel unsure about the best way to bring up the changes you’ve noticed or offer them support. Never try to talk to or reason with someone when he or she is intoxicated. Wait until they are sober and make sure there is plenty of time to talk, and there is quiet and privacy. Be honest but emphasize concern for the individual’s health and well-being rather than listing personal complaints. These are unhealthy because they ignore the real problem as it gets worse. Explore drug rehab program durations, from short-term to long-term options, tailored to individual needs.
Know when to walk away from the relationships
It is important to address the issue, to take steps to help the individual who struggles with drinking, and to know when to leave for self-protection if necessary. Each of these medications can have side effects, so it is essential to talk with your healthcare professional about the best medication and overall treatment plan for you. There are many treatment options available for people misusing alcohol. Medication and psychological treatments are shown to be effective, according to 2019 research. A specific type of codependency can occur in children of those with AUD. Called “role reversal,” this is when a child feels responsible for their parent.
Remind them that setbacks do not define their journey towards sobriety and that each day is an opportunity for renewal and progress. Supporting relapse prevention is an integral part of the recovery process. Help your spouse create a supportive environment by removing triggers and temptations from the home. Encourage them to attend support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where they can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Additionally, provide emotional support and be patient during their journey, understanding that setbacks may occur. Recovery from alcoholism is a challenging and ongoing process that requires perseverance and support.
When under the influence, your loved one may become angry and lash out. They likely don’t even realize they’re behaving this way, and they may not remember once the effects of the alcohol wear off. Someone with AUD may also become angry or irritable when they don’t have access to alcohol because they’re experiencing withdrawal. Having someone intoxicated on a consistent basis can be stressful and cause anxiety over what’s going to happen next.
Allow your spouse to explain his or her life choices to others
With that in mind, here are seven tips that you must read, review, and remember to help you cope with your alcoholic spouse. As a brain disorder, AUD can be considered as either mild, moderate, or severe on the disorder’s spectrum. However, unless the alcohol consumption is not controlled, it will undoubtedly worsen. Even if you know or suspect that your husband or wife has a problem with alcohol, it’s important to know the scope of the problem itself.