What to Do When Your Spouse Is an Addict
Marriage is hard work and not every couple will be able to make it. Unfortunately, if your spouse is an addict, the odds are even more against you.
Signs Your Spouse is an Addict
Some possible signs your spouse is an addict include:- Neglected household or work responsibilities
- Prioritizing getting high or drunk
- Getting defensive when confronted about their substance use
- Lying or downplaying their substance use
- Being disconnected
- Spending time away from home and possibly lying about it
- Money disappearing
- Being intoxicated in front of the children
- Driving while intoxicated
If your loved one is showing signs of addiction, you could be married to an addict. While this may be overwhelming, there are some things you can do.
How to Deal with A Spouse with Addiction
Addiction is a toxic disease that affects the addict’s loved ones as well as the addict themselves. As a rehab in Boca, we are sharing some tips on how to cope with your partner’s addiction.Stop Enabling
What many people may not realize is that their behavior may be supporting their spouse’s addiction. This type of behavior is called enabling and can be detrimental to both the addict and their partner. Learn what behaviors qualify as enabling and how to stop it.Educate Yourself
If your spouse is an addict, you should spend time learning about their addiction. Addiction is a disease that affects the whole family. The more you know about it, the more likely you will be able to learn to cope with your spouse’s substance abuse and possibly get your loved one into a treatment program like our residential rehab in Boca.Get Outside Support
Being married to an addict is hard. You should not have to go through this alone. Addiction affects more than just the addict, so it is important to get help for yourself. Talk to close friends or family. There are also psychologists and support groups that can offer help for spouses of drug addicts and alcoholics. Especially if your loved one’s addiction has turned violent, reach out for help immediately.Get Them Help
This part is tricky because a lot of addicts and alcoholics refuse to accept that they have a problem and to get help. If you have both been sweeping your addicted spouse’s problem under the rug, it is time to clear the air. If your spouse is an addict, they will never get help if their problems continue to just be ignored. If you have tried talking to them before about their addiction without progress, it may be time to get the assistance of a drug interventionist.Leave
Addiction can lead to a toxic relationship and coping with a spouse’s addiction for years without progress can do serious damage to your own mental health. They may be distant and neglect their household responsibilities. Their addiction may also be negatively impacting your children. Especially if your addicted spouse becomes violent when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it may be time to leave. If your addicted husband or wife won’t get help, you need to remember that you can only do so much on your end.If your spouse is an addict, it is natural to feel overwhelmed or helpless. At Banyan Boca, we want to help your family move past substance abuse together. Call us today at 888-280-41763 to learn more.
Sources:
- ScienceDaily - This is your brain on exercise
- Business Insider - 'Expressive Writing' Is A Super Easy Way To Become Way Happier
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.
