The dos and donts of dealing with an alcoholic partner

There can be several devastating social effects of living with an alcoholic spouse. In some cases, an alcoholic spouse might do loud or embarrassing things at parties or in public spaces, becoming disruptive. It’s so helpful for spouses of alcoholics to know that they’re not alone, that others living with an alcoholic spouse are going through much the same as they do. Let’s start by taking a look at the warning signs of alcoholism.

Persistent Health Problems

• In couples therapy, the therapist helps the couple navigate the challenges that arise from addiction, facilitating open and honest communication.
• These children are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, educational difficulties, or substance abuse problems in the future.
• Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life.
• You can offer to attend counseling sessions with them or help research local rehab facilities, showing that you are supportive of their journey.

However, until the individual makes the decision to deal leaving an alcoholic with their drinking, the disease of AUD remains unabated. ‘I turned to my husband and said, “I am so grateful you are such a responsible, light to moderate drinker.” A positive Spouse-Fulfilling Prophecy was born in that moment.’ . And so I find ways to survive that just can’t be good for a marriage. I wrote a few books about what I learned and accidentally started a worldwide movement of women who practice The Six Intimacy Skills™ that lead to having amazing, vibrant relationships. The thing I’m most proud of is my playful, passionate relationship with my hilarious husband John–who has been dressing himself since before I was born. For example, if he was drinking and I began to feel anxious, I would immediately turn to my own self-care.

Detoxification and Medical Stabilization

Rachel, I’m amazed by your Substance abuse commitment in being willing to try such a different approach. It must have been so disappointing and discouraging when your SFP didn’t work. You shouldn’t have to deal with your man sneaking around hiding his drinking from you.

Unhealthy Coping Strategies

The partner of an alcoholic husband tends to grow ashamed and embarrassed by the state of their life and relationship, leading to them avoiding family and friends, as well as social situations. You may feel like you must bargain to get your partner to events or ask them to monitor their drinking. Or, once at a social event, you may feel stressed and anxious about your partner’s behavior leaving you feeling unfilled at every outing.

Paying for Treatment

Addiction reprograms the brain, and recovery is a time-consuming process. Most individuals go through cycles of relapse before establishing long-term sobriety. Recovery is a continuous process that needs consistent effort, self-reflection, and support,” says Will Burse, Chief Executive Officer of True Self Recovery. When a person is addicted to drugs, it can impact their ability to make decisions, their memory, and their behavior.

Although your old memories are comforting, they offer no real value. Instead, focus on the present moment and the problems at hand, so your suffering in the future is reduced. You can also learn more about what you can do to help by contacting Al-Anon, a group set up by and for people just like you. You may find it a relief to know that other partners are going through much the same as you. However, once you’ve decided what you stand for, what you want to do, what your values are and what your boundaries are, it really does become much easier to stand up for yourself.