Spouse – Helping with addiction
Spouse. If your partner is struggling with an addiction, it undoubtedly affects you and your life significantly, potentially leading to long-term consequences. Supporting them is likely a top priority for you, but it’s equally important to ensure that you and any children involved receive the necessary support as well. There are numerous factors you might need to consider, which could encompass: how to identify if your girlfriend/boyfriend, husband, or wife is facing an addiction issue how to approach your partner about their need for assistance with alcohol or drug use making sure that the help you provide does not inadvertently enable their addiction addressing domestic abuse what steps to take if your finances or credit score have been impacted by your partner’s addiction the effects on children when a spouse struggles with alcohol or addiction the situation when your partner is addicted to pornography or has a sex addiction where to seek help for both you and them.
How to identify if your girlfriend/boyfriend, husband, or wife has an addiction issue
There may come a time when you are completely certain that your loved one is dealing with an addiction. Prior to that realisation, there might be months, years, or even decades during which you, they, or both of you are in denial or unsure whether their drinking, drug use, gambling, or other behaviours truly constitute an addiction. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of alcoholism and addiction can be beneficial in recognising when your partner requires help and can help you maintain your conviction that they do. Signs and symptoms of addiction may include: you, others, or they being concerned about their behaviour the presence of withdrawal symptoms failing to fulfil responsibilities or disappointing others due to drinking, gambling, or drug use prioritising the addictive behaviour over other important aspects of life. Not all of these factors need to be present for an addiction to exist. Many individuals are able to pursue their careers and maintain the facade of being in control of their lives while functioning as alcoholics or addicts.
Spouse – How to approach your partner about their need for help with drinking or drug use
Discussing the issue of addiction with a partner and expressing your belief that they require assistance takes considerable courage. This is a sentiment you may have expressed during moments of heightened emotion or conflict, but it is unlikely to be well received in those situations. Even if you adhere to all the guidelines for conducting an effective intervention, it may not be well accepted and could provoke your partner to react negatively – either verbally or even physically. If you have any concerns that your partner might become violent, it is crucial to seek support immediately, especially before bringing up this topic. Introducing the subject of a partner’s addiction is more likely to yield a positive outcome if you remain calm and concentrate solely on your feelings, the concerns you have, and the effects their behaviour is having on you. Phrasing such as: “I’m worried you have a drinking problem,” “I love you and think you may need help,” or “I feel concerned and upset when you take drugs,” may be effective. This conversation might need to be initiated multiple times before your spouse is ready and willing to listen and engage.