If you have support and can safely leave, it’s a good time to step away from your spouse. And doing so doesn’t reflect poorly on you – your responsibility is also to your children and yourself. And, if you’ve done everything you could to help, the rest is up to your spouse. You’ve likely been through extensive back-and-forth with your spouse over this issue. Promises can be made – and even kept – for periods, but if you still find yourself asking if it’s okay to leave an alcoholic spouse, there has clearly been no long-term change.
You Feel You Are In Danger
Remember that alcoholism is a disease and recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. Being married to an alcoholic is not your biggest problem, you are. An independent, healthy woman, would maybe give someone they were dating who is an alcoholic six months.
Understanding Alcoholism
- This will give you some protection if they try to take out loans or run up debt in your name.
- After all, most people who struggle with substance abuse are in denial about the severity of their problems, and that’s especially true for functional alcoholics.
- If you are even thinking of divorcing an alcoholic, you may wonder how alcoholism will affect your divorce.
- She should not marry a man who abandons her when she most needs him.
- If your partner becomes verbally, emotionally, or physically abusive when drinking, your safety and well-being must come first.
Living with an alcoholic partner often means facing a daily barrage of emotional challenges. You might be on the receiving end of verbal aggression – harsh words, criticisms, or humiliating comments, especially during times of heavy drinking. Behavioral changes from alcohol can see the loving, kind spouse you know turn into an angry, violent person you don’t recognize. Studies show that alcohol use can trigger intimate partner abuse and compound, aggressive tendencies. On the other hand, if you decide to stop drinking while your partner is in recovery, it could send a powerful message of support and solidarity. It could also make it easier for them to avoid temptation and focus on their own sobriety.
- My wife and I brought her home from the hospital, and she’s staying with us.
- Resources like Al-Anon and private counseling can provide the support and guidance needed to make informed decisions.
- So, if you feel that it’s time to leave an alcoholic spouse, trust your instincts.
- Living with an alcoholic spouse can be fraught with emotional distress, financial strain and a deep sense of uncertainty.
The Mindset Shift That Helped Me Get (And Stay) Sober For Good
Be sure to quickly change your cell phone number and email address. It will be more difficult to move on with your life, if you continue to talk to him. Accept the fact that you can’t leaving an alcoholic force your husband to stop drinking. Your love and care for him, no matter how great, isn’t enough to break his addiction.
We have a comprehensive list of financial and legal documents to gather in preparation for departure. If an alcoholic spouse is wreaking havoc on your life, organizing these documents can have an even greater impact. Many of the ways marijuana addiction to prepare yourself are the same, whether you’re dealing with alcohol abuse or not. Check out our leaving your husband checklist and how to leave your husband with no money for the basic details. When you seek divorce from someone with any kind of substance abuse disorder, there are some things that you can do to protect yourself. When communication is difficult, it can be hard to resolve conflict.
Over time, the relationship may become defined by mistrust, resentment, and emotional exhaustion. There are numerous alcohol treatment options for your loved one struggling with alcohol or drug abuse. Your doctors will help you take care of yourself and focus on your well-being and self-care. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. The best tip for how to talk to an alcoholic spouse is to express concern while avoiding criticizing or blaming. Explain how alcoholism has negatively affected them and the family, and offer a chance to go to treatment.
Reasons someone stays in a relationship with an alcoholic
They can hold down a decent job, be responsible for their bills and even be a good parent. AUD in America directly impacts about twice as many men as women. That being said, when you begin to notice the above signs in your relationship, chances are that it has become entirely unhealthy, and you deserve a life that is free from this level of chaos. You cannot expect yourself to provide professional treatment, and you have not failed your partner if you are unable to cure them.
Live Addiction Free Life!
It’s hard to be objective when determining whether or not your significant other has a problem with abusing alcohol. Also, it’s not always easy to know how much is too much within a culture of social drinking. Attending a rehab center and receiving alcohol detox may be a first stage of treatment followed by individual and group therapy practices. If you or a family member are struggling with alcohol abuse, contact Bedrock Recovery Center today.