If you recognize the warning signs that your loved one has a problem with alcohol, the first step to helping them is to learn all you can about addiction and alcohol abuse. In these difficult times of the global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and high unemployment, many people are drinking more than they used to in an attempt to relieve stress. While it’s easy to understand, that doesn’t make it less of a concern. Consuming alcohol to cope with stress, deal with difficulties, or to avoid feeling bad, may be a sign that your loved one’s drinking has become a problem.
Emotional difficulties
It’s essential to seek support for yourself and explore ways to prioritize your well-being. Reach out to support groups for spouses of alcoholics, such as support for spouses of alcoholics, where you can connect with others who understand your experiences. Establishing boundaries with your spouse is also crucial for maintaining your own mental and emotional well-being.
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Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today. Some agencies and organizations offer treatments at no cost. No matter the reaction, you should stay calm and assure your person that they have your respect and support. Walking Towards Love is a website dedicated to providing informative articles about love, relationships, flirting, and related topics.
- One way to do this is by seeking support in the form of private counseling and/or peer support groups (such as Al-Anon).
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
- It can be hard to know how to help an alcoholic husband because there are so many different types of treatment and routes to take to get them help.
They become a different person when under the influence
When someone reaches a crisis point, sometimes that’s when they finally admit they have a problem and begin to reach out for help. This episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, featuring multi-platinum award-winning singer Bryan Abrams, shares his sobriety journey and how he found a treatment that actually worked. “Put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others.” You won’t be able to help your partner if you can’t help yourself.
- Talking to an addiction counselor can help you better understand the situation and work through your feelings.
- However, you may need an intervention if they keep resisting your efforts.
- If you can make that task a little more manageable, your loved one is more likely to take advantage of the work you’ve put into their well-being.
It takes time to rebuild trust and navigate a new normal for your relationship. Some form of counseling and therapy can make a big difference for both of you, through the treatment process and beyond. Sometimes, no matter what you do to support your partner, their substance use has progressed to the point where they are unable to make rational decisions to cease their substance use.
No matter what, continue to be supportive throughout their recovery.
In reality, an alcoholic spouse will likely not get better on their own, so doing nothing is not a wise option. Sobriety and recovery will seem a lot less daunting if they have a starting point. Be ready to direct them to a treatment program you think may be a good fit or to online resources. There is a wealth of information about recovery, and it can be overwhelming to decide where to start in the early stages of sobriety.
- AAC is recognized as a leading provider of alcohol detox and rehab.
- Make a table like the one below, weighing the costs and benefits of drinking to the costs and benefits of quitting.
- These hobbies foster expression and relaxation without the need for alcohol.
- It is important to remember that you are not alone and that there are resources available to help you cope.
- Give them time and space to make an honest decision, and listen to what they have to say.
Express your concerns in a caring way and encourage your friend or family member to get help. Try to remain neutral and don’t argue, lecture, accuse, or threaten. Build a sober social how to overcome alcoholism network – If your previous social life revolved around alcohol, you may need to make some new connections. It’s important to have sober friends who will support your recovery.
Talk to someone
It is also important to seek professional marriage counseling if you need help handling your marriage with a spouse trying to overcome addiction. The love and support of your family can help you cope during this difficult time and give you the encouragement you need to get back on track. Committing to getting sober and seeking treatment for alcoholism takes courage. Yet, often times, those struggling with alcohol may not immediately be receptive to discussing treatment or admitting that they have a problem. If your husband isn’t yet ready to seek treatment, don’t be confrontational. Focus on getting them to at least talk to a doctor if they won’t talk to you.