While this is a worst-case scenario, it’s crucial to acknowledge the possibility and be prepared. Even when you employ the right strategies and communicate effectively, living with an alcoholic spouse can still be extremely trying. Coping involves not only understanding your spouse’s condition but also safeguarding your own emotional and mental health. By maintaining your own health and well-being, you will be better able to help your spouse eventually seek treatment. Encourage your spouse to explore treatment options and be prepared https://ecosoberhouse.com/ for setbacks. Every step toward recovery is progress; your support can make a significant difference.
Paying for Treatment
With that in mind, here are seven tips that you must read, review, and remember to help living with an alcoholic spouse you cope with your alcoholic spouse. You’re affected from the time you wake up in the morning to the time you go to sleep at night. Still, when you know how to deal with your alcoholic spouse, life can become better. In fact, it may even lead to your spouse getting the help that’s needed to recover. Late-night discussions after a few drinks aren’t going to yield productive results.
Begin Your Recovery Journey Today
- When he is sober, tell him that you are concerned about his drinking and the impact it is having on your family, and encourage him to seek treatment at a qualified rehab facility.
- If you are enabling the alcohol abuse, you need to stop taking those actions immediately.
Likewise, if you find yourself saying, “My wife’s drinking is ruining our marriage,” you’re not alone. If she has started drinking Drug rehabilitation more than recommended or is consistently defensive, withdrawn, or volatile when under the influence, it may indicate a deeper issue. A loving, constructive conversation may not solve things immediately, but it can plant the seed for seeking professional help.
- And of course, if there is any violence or domestic abuse in the home, leave immediately and go to a shelter or other safe place.
- Spouses of alcoholics may also enable their actions by covering for them when they call in sick due to a hangover or bailing them out of jail after a drunk-driving arrest.
- Explain that their drinking habits are concerning because you are worried about their physical and mental health and your relationship with them.
- 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.
- You will also want to commit to family counseling and support groups, which can help rebuild any frayong bonds of trust between the two of you.
- You might notice minor but concerning signs—she drinks more than she used to, hides how much she consumes, or becomes irritable when questioned about alcohol.
Don’t enable your alcoholic spouse or try to prevent consequences
It could be a personal conversation with your spouse or in the presence of others who they respect or care about. It’s important to let your significant other know how badly their actions affect you. Confronting an alcoholic spouse is a delicate matter and can end badly if not well handled. Find the most appropriate time to bring up the issue, and don’t talk about it when they’re inebriated. Raise your concerns without sounding accusatory, and listen to what they say. It is advisable if you set up a time to discuss this with your spouse that is mutually beneficial to both of you.
Seth brings many years of professional experience working the front lines of addiction in both the government and privatized sectors. Alcohol significantly increases the chances of a marriage ending in divorce. This study indicates that the consumption of one liter of alcohol per capita increases divorce rates by 20%. Alcoholism treatment is usually a long process, and relapses are not uncommon. However, a relapse should not be viewed as a failure but a temporary setback on the path to full recovery. Doctors may also prescribe medication like disulfiram and acamprosate to help stop or reduce drinking and prevent relapse.