Many family members of someone struggling with alcohol dependency try everything they can think of to get their loved one to stop drinking. Unfortunately, this usually results in leaving those family members feeling lonely and frustrated. To learn more about the treatment process and explore treatment options at one of American Addiction Centers facilities, reach out to an admissions navigator at . They can help you not only explore therapy options for your spouse and your entire family but also identify tailored treatment programs to meet the unique needs of your loved one. When you live with a spouse who has an alcohol use disorder, taking care of yourself is important.
Press Play for Advice On Finding Help for Alcohol Addiction
- In reality, an alcoholic spouse will likely not get better on their own, so doing nothing is not a wise option.
- In one study, for instance, researchers interviewed 30 women who were wives of alcoholics about the issues they faced and the coping mechanisms they used.
- It is important for the non-alcoholic spouse to understand the impact of alcoholism on their own well-being and learn effective coping strategies to navigate these difficult circumstances.
- Lawyers with experience in handling cases of divorcing an alcoholic spouse can provide invaluable insight into the process and what to expect in court.
- Courts will often consider evidence of alcoholism when making custody decisions.
Our free, confidential telephone consultation will help you find the best treatment program for you. We can also guide you in approaching a loved one who needs treatment. Codependency can continue to affect marriages even after your partner has become sober. It may require an intentional and lengthy process for both partners to learn how to rebuild trust within the relationship. Some couples can thrive immediately after the addicted partner becomes sober.
Taking Steps Towards Recovery
If you have a joint account with your alcoholic spouse, call your bank to see if you can lower the daily withdrawal limit. That way, if your spouse tries to make any unusual or large withdrawals, the bank may contact you for authorization first. As previously mentioned, your partner cannot begin their journey to recovery until they are ready. Alcohol addiction damages your partner but it causes harm to you as well. And you cannot start to heal from those wounds until you fully embrace the knowledge that you did not cause your partner’s addiction, you cannot control it, and you cannot cure it.
- You are not responsible for anyone else, especially if they are abusing you.
- Substance use disorder doesn’t only affect the person who’s addicted to drugs and alcohol — it affects loved ones as well, especially the partner who’s living with the person experiencing addiction.
Build a Post-Divorce Financial Plan
Do nothing.While leaving an alcoholic spouse this may sound like an awful option, it is the decision that many people with alcoholic spouses choose. Sometimes it becomes difficult to separate the person they married from the person their spouse has become. Research has also shown that children who experience alcoholism in their daily lives are more likely to suffer from emotional and behavioral issues.
Exploring Treatment Options
Again, getting up and leaving someone you love, alcoholic or not, can be a tough task. However, if you are experiencing emotional, financial, or health issues because of the relationship, it may be time to re-evaluate your situation. By taking steps to protect your assets during property division, you can ensure that you’re setting yourself up for a more stable financial future. This can help you feel more secure and confident as you move forward after the divorce. The supportive partner may also go through their own emotional process. It’s often very difficult for the partner to let go of the resentment, anger, and fear they’ve felt over the time their partner was using drugs and alcohol.
- However,breaking things off might end up being the most healthy decision for both people involved.
- Yet, even amid the tumultuous waves, remember that you are the steadfast lighthouse guiding your children toward calmer shores.
- If the person with SUD suddenly isn’t dependent upon their partner to take care of them, this can cause a disruption in the relationship as well.
In this section, we’ll discuss the importance of gathering important financial documents before beginning the divorce process. We’ll provide a list of documents that you should gather, including bank statements, tax returns, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and investment account statements. We’ll also provide strategies for finding and organizing these documents, such as using online tools or working with a financial advisor. Al-Anon is a 12-step based peer support group for family members of people addicted to alcohol and drugs. You can find a local or virtual support group, and access additional resources, on their website. Although many people recover from SUD every day, recovery is often a long and complex process.
