If you have ever loved an addict or alcoholic, you know how terrible the disease of addiction really can be and how directly you can be impacted. If you are married to an addict or alcoholic, they aren’t the only one that suffers in the marriage if they are still using. It is no doubt that addiction is one of the biggest challenges that marriage will ever face. Unfortunately, addiction is an all too common problem that many people face today.
Am I Married to an Addict?
If you think you may be married to an addict or alcoholic, it is important to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol use. If your spouse is drinking more, it may be pretty apparent that they are drinking more and also have other problems that are clearly related to drinking. If your spouse is using drugs, you may see signs such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Mood swings
- Unpredictable or reckless behavior
- Slurred speech
- Shaking or trembling
- Missing important obligation such as work
- Loss in interest in things they used to love
- Irritability
- Isolation
- A constant need for money; financial problems
Pros of Marrying an Addict
- If your spouse is in active recovery, they are engaging in consistent and constant self-improvement. A program calls for personal growth. As they progress through their step and their program, positive internal change naturally occurs within them. Ultimately this will lead to an improvement in your relationship as well.
- If your spouse is in recovery, being able to live as individuals is easy. As they go to their meeting and work their program, this allows for plenty of individual time apart. Having your own space is one of the key ingredients to having a happy and healthy marriage.
- Your spouse will be more emotionally available. By going to meetings and being a part of therapy sessions, this allows your spouse to be able to process their emotions and be open and honest about them, as well as your own. Addicts spend a lot of time working on themselves and their relationships with others.
Cons of Marrying an Addict
- The biggest con is, obviously, relapse. It is a very sad but very real possibility that comes along with sobriety sometimes. Addiction is a lifelong battle and with this life comes a level of uncertainty.
- Codependency may also happen. Addiction comes in many forms. This is basically the reliance on another person for happiness and stability. This is bad for any relationship, especially one that involves an addict because it can lead to the development of a toxic relationship.
- Whether your spouse is in active addiction or active recovery, a lack of trust can be a very real problem. Trusting an addict or alcoholic completely takes a lot of time and patience. Let’s be honest, addicts are masters at lying and this can cause you to feel the need to check up on them constantly.
We are Here to Help with Drug and Alcohol Addiction
It is very possible to overcome addiction and alcoholism with treatment. Your spouse may deny that there is a problem and it is only until they decide for himself or herself that they are, in fact, and addict or alcoholic can the real recovery process begin. One of the more important steps you personally can take is getting help for yourself by attending Al-Anon meeting, where you can learn about the disease of addiction and find better ways to cope. You may find that changing your own behavior can make a difference in the addict’s willingness to go to treatment and help them as well.
Drug addiction and alcoholism aren’t easy things to face. Luckily you or your spouse do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it.