Living with an Alcoholic: What to Know and How to Cope Leave a comment

In the UK, between 3% and 5% of the population suffers from a drinking problem at any one time. And in the US, up to thirty-eight million people have an alcohol addiction at some point in their lives. This will only impede your ability to communicate and can result in frustration instead of understanding. On the other hand, if your husband or wife is hungover, remorseful, etc., it might be a good time to talk about the negative consequences of their drinking. When you’re married to someone with an AUD, your relationship will often come second to their relationship with alcohol.

The dos of talking to your alcoholic partner about their drinking

The impact of an AUD isn’t always limited to the one suffering from this chronic medical condition. AUDs may affect not only the person with the drinking problem themselves, but also their family, their loved ones, and others around them. Just because your alcoholic partner won’t get help now, doesn’t mean they won’t ever enter rehab. Alcohol addiction treatment can be effective at any stage of readiness.

Find resources and support

You may begin to notice that a couple of beers after work has turned into a six-pack or even a case. As time goes on and tolerance increases, they may attempt to hide the growing problem, and a growing number of empty bottles or cans, from friends and family. “A therapist can help you navigate your thoughts and feelings about the relationship and explore your options for moving forward,” says Metcalf. It may be worth getting support from a therapist as you attempt to navigate a marriage or committed partnership with someone living with AUD. “Addressing AUD as early as possible can help prevent further consequences, like health issues or relationship damages,” she explains.

Don’t have any sort of conversation while you or your partner is under the influence.

It’s important to let your significant other know how badly their actions affect you. Confronting an alcoholic spouse is a delicate matter and Dealing and Living with an Alcoholic Spouse can end badly if not well handled. Find the most appropriate time to bring up the issue, and don’t talk about it when they’re inebriated.

• Drunk driving, violence, destruction of property, and other criminal activities an alcoholic may engage in could have legal consequences for their partner.
• Learning how to deal with an alcoholic spouse as well as looking after yourself can be stressful and it’s likely you’ll need support to help you manage.
• There are too many broken promises and too much distrust in a relationship with someone with addiction to feel comfortable, safe, and respected.

Online Therapy Can Help

• Remember, setting boundaries is not about controlling your spouse’s behavior but rather protecting yourself from the harmful effects of their addiction.
• No matter your background or expertise, your loved one will likely need outside help.
• Some spouses hold onto memories of the person they first knew and cling to hope that this person will return on their own.
• If your spouse is losing interest in being intimate with you, it’s time to talk to them about seeking help.
• This can help you deal with issues and challenges more easily and effectively.
• Discover the life-changing benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for mental health.

A lifestyle that revolves around alcohol

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