If you are wondering how to deal with an alcohol partner, the first tip to remember is that you don’t have to go through it alone. Family support is important for addiction treatment, even if your partner doesn’t accept help or has experienced a relapse.
You didn’t cause your loved one’s alcohol use disorder, and you can’t fix it. However, you can take care of yourself and find healthy ways to support their recovery. Call The Bluffs today at 850.374.5331 for information about family support.
How to Deal with an Alcoholic Spouse
It’s difficult to accept that someone you love is exhibiting self-destructive behavior. It can feel like they care more about the next drink than about you and your family. However, this is not true. Addiction is a disease of the brain that can impair a person’s ability to think rationally and make good decisions. Regardless of their behavior or decisions, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and other family members.
Ask for Help
Whether it’s from friends, family, your church community, a recovery support group, or mental health professionals, reach out to others and let them know what you’re going through. Don’t let shame or guilt stop you from speaking about your spouse’s addiction or the difficulties it is causing. Consider seeking professional counseling if you don’t have other resources.
Put Yourself First
Neglecting yourself to take care of someone else can lead to resentment. You will soon become emotionally and physically exhausted if you don’t take care of yourself. Being rundown will make it even harder to offer your spouse support when it’s appropriate. Try to stick with normal routines for meals, sleep, and work. Include time to socialize with friends and do fun activities with your children.
Be Compassionate
Maintaining empathy for a spouse who is risking their own health as well as the family’s financial and emotional security is difficult, but it is also important. Remember that they are also struggling and in pain.
Remember What You Shouldn’t Do
While there are many things you can do to stay emotionally healthy and positive, there are also some things you should not do, such as:
- Don’t blame yourself
- Don’t enable your partner
- Don’t try to control your partner’s drinking
- Don’t manage their consequences
- Don’t give up important friendships, hobbies, or other activities because of your partner or their behavior
- Don’t stay in a situation if you are mentally, verbally, or physically abused or if you feel unsafe
The worst mistake you can make when figuring out how to deal with an alcoholic partner is to let their addiction rule your life out of fear of setting boundaries. Setting healthy boundaries is not a sign that you no longer love them. Instead, it shows your determination to end unhealthy patterns.
How to Deal with an Alcoholic Partner: Starting the Conversation
Addiction is a unique experience that few people are prepared for or knowledgeable to handle. Partners might argue, deny, or blame one another for the situation, but they don’t always actually just talk. Have a calm, loving conversation with your partner about their alcohol use.
Avoid any negativity, and don’t tell them what they should do. Instead, let them know you are worried about their well-being and want to support their healthy decisions in whatever way you can.
Find Support at The Bluffs
It can feel like taking two steps forward and one back when you don’t know how to deal with an alcoholic spouse. There is life beyond addiction, regardless of your partner’s choices. To learn more about alcohol use disorder and find family support, contact The Bluffs at 850.374.5331.
