Living with an Alcoholic: What to Know and How to Cope
The person who is codependent may have low self-esteem and a strong desire for approval from others. If this happens, remember that anger comes after denial in the stages of acceptance and give eco sober house them the physical or emotional space to process this new emotion. If your spouse is related to someone with an AUD, that could be contributing to their problems with alcohol.
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AUDs could lead your partner to lie or fight with you about their use, and your sex life could also suffer. 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. Look at the list of AUD symptoms at the beginning of this article and determine how many of them your partner has so you can get an idea of the severity of the problem.
With time, patience, and the right resources, it is possible to navigate this challenging situation and come out stronger on the other side. When living with an alcoholic spouse, seeking appropriate treatment options is essential for both the well-being of the non-alcoholic spouse and the overall health of the relationship. Two potential treatment avenues to consider are individual therapy for the non-alcoholic spouse and couples therapy and family counseling.
- Their identity begins to revolve around that person and both people may form an unhealthy attachment to one another.
- The 8 strategies below offer a starting place for navigating your relationship with a spouse or partner who has AUD.
- When the money is spent, the financial burden can impact the entire household.
- People participating in Al-Anon understand the challenges and devastation of living and loving someone with a problem with alcohol.
When They Began Drinking
If you’re living with an alcoholic partner, you’ve probably faced a lot of challenges and experienced many different emotions. The staff is comprised of physicians, nurses, therapists, mental health counselors, psychiatrists, behavioral health technicians and many others. There are various differing treatment options available to someone who is looking to get help for their alcohol use disorder. Depending on what is available in your area, inpatient and outpatient options can be considered.
Do not tolerate hurtful or negative comments addressed towards them. Substance use disorder is a primary, chronic, and progressive disease that sometimes can be fatal. No matter your background or expertise, your loved one will likely need outside help. It’s common for someone with AUD to try to blame their drinking on circumstances or others around them, including those who are closest to them. It’s common to hear them say, “The only reason I drink is because you…” However, certain things you can do may help relieve the pressure and, in some cases, also better help your loved one start their path to recovery.
The Challenges of Living With an Alcoholic Partner
When the money is spent, the financial burden can impact the entire household. Erika Dalton,LMSW, Creekside Recovery Residences and Buckhead Behavioral Health therapist and case manager, adds that AUD can also raise your chances of relationship codependency. This dysfunctional dynamic happens when one partner begins to sacrifice their needs to better prioritize what they think their partner needs.
Whether you’re living with a functioning alcoholic, or someone with an alcohol dependency, life can be physically and emotionally draining. Learning how to deal with an alcoholic spouse as well as looking after yourself can be stressful and it’s likely you’ll need support to help you manage. We’ve put together some recommendations on how to look after yourself and the other people living in your household. If you prefer a more individual and private approach to getting support for coping with an alcoholic in your life, individualized therapy is a great option. The Nobu App also has many free resources to help you cope with an alcoholic family member. Studies have shown that spouses of alcoholics are the most affected by their spouse’s addictive behaviors.
It’s essential to understand that alcoholism affects not only the individual with the addiction but also their loved ones, particularly their partner. In this blog post, we’ll explore what it’s like to live with an alcoholic spouse and provide guidance on how to navigate the challenges with compassion and resilience. If you take the suggestions outlined in this article, you may be able to help your partner understand that getting treatment is the only way to stop the cycle of addiction and get them on the path to recovery. Living with someone who has an alcohol use disorder severe enough to be considered alcoholism presents a number of challenges. Spouses of alcoholics may suffer emotional harm, be victims of violence and domestic abuse, develop health problems, or even develop their own addictions.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the impact of alcoholism ripples through the entire family, causing distress among those of all ages. If your spouse is engaging in risky behavior, you may find your savings account depleted due to your spouse making erratic purchases or using the money to fuel their alcoholism. Keep in mind, too, that therapists typically don’t recommend couples counseling for relationships that involve any kind of abuse. “A therapist can help you navigate your thoughts and feelings about the relationship and explore your options for moving forward,” says Metcalf. When discussing treatment options, aim for a time when they’re sober, alert, and at ease. You might introduce this topic while relaxing on Saturday afternoon, for example, not right before bed after a long and stressful workday.
They might also be at risk for other forms of physical and emotional violence. Intoxication can also present other unpredictable events, including physical dangers. When under the influence, your loved one may become angry and lash out.