Although alcoholism or alcohol abuse can affect everyone, it can be especially challenging for the spouses of men or women who battle this disease. Often they experience psycho-emotional, physical, and social trauma related to their partner’s problematic drinking. Research has indicated that substance abuse might co-exist in as many as 40-60 percent of all domestic abuse.

If your husband or wife is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s essential to understand how to best approach the topic of treatment, to learn more about what professional addiction treatment involves, and to identify what steps you should take to keep you and your family safe should the situation turn hostile or violent. Alcoholism is a complex yet very treatable disease that can be managed through intensive, inpatient detox programs to help individuals regain control of their well-being and begin to sustain a life of sobriety.

Am I Married to an Alcoholic Husband or Wife?

People who can no longer control their alcohol use experience emotional distress when they are not drinking or compulsively abuse it despite adverse consequences may suffer from a substance abuse disorder

• Being unable to reduce alcohol use despite a desire and multiple attempts to do so
• Drinking alcohol in higher amounts or for a more prolonged period than initially intended
• Spending significant time obtaining, using, and recovering from alcohol’s effects
• Cravings or strong urges to consume alcohol
• The development of tolerance, such as needing to drink increasingly large or more frequent amounts of alcohol to achieve the sought-after effects
• Using alcohol in dangerous situations, such as driving or operating machinery
• Being unable to fulfill significant obligations at home, work, or school because of alcohol use
• Continuing to abuse alcohol despite adverse consequences or social problems that are likely due to alcohol consumption
• Giving up previously enjoyed or important social, occupational, or recreational activities in favor of alcohol use
• Continuing to abuse alcohol despite a psychological or physical problem due to alcohol use.
• Developing withdrawal symptoms when attempts are made to stop using alcohol

It takes courage to be able to get sober and seek help for alcoholism. However, people who are addicted to alcohol are often resistant to exploring recovery options or acknowledging that they have a problem in the first place. If your partner is still refusing to seek help, it may be time to stage an intervention.

A health professional, substance abuse counselor, or prevention specialist, as well as loved ones, may be involved in an intervention. During an intervention, the focus would be on informing the participants that his addiction is affecting them and urging him to seek clinical support.

Participants in an invention will also be expected to provide detailed examples ahead of time, provide a pre-arranged therapy program, and provide results if he continues to seek assistance. You must be prepared to carry out the repercussions outlined, regardless of whether he initially agrees to treatment.

Other ways to plan for a conversation with a partner include:

1. Talk with him only when he is sober and open to what you have to say. To get your point across, you may need to have many short, truthful, and straightforward conversations.
2. Become knowledgeable about the disease of alcoholism and treatment services available in your area.
3. Talk to a alcohol detox center counselor, therapist, or support group about getting help for yourself.
4. Seek professional help right away if you ever feel physically or emotionally unsafe in your home when your husband is under the influence of alcohol. Do not attempt to solve the problem on your own.
5. Don't take his inebriation personally; it's not your fault.
6. Maintain the family routine throughout his or her actions in order to maintain a sense of normalcy and balance at home.

Getting Professional Treatment

Recovery is often a lifelong process that certainly does not end once treatment is completed. But with the proper approach to rehab, a solid support network, and aftercare services, you, your spouse, and your family can go on to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

NPAC alcohol detox center offers individualized, multifaceted, long-term residential treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction