Unfortunately, for as many years as it has taken folks to get into recovery, they’d like to make up for lost time and be all better by next week. Sobriety isn’t a magic answer to all your problems – it only offers you the opportunity to stop making things worse. A person in early recovery often feels like things keep getting worse, but in truth, abstinence just lets you see clearly what a wreckage your life has become.
It can be particularly difficult to open up and communicate with your spouse when you’re in the midst of an addiction. You and your spouse may be going through a hard time right now in your marriage. You may be in the early stages of healing from addiction, or you may be on your way to recovery but feeling stuck. Whatever challenges you and your spouse are facing, it’s never too early or too late to heal your marriage.
Try to stop enabling behaviors
First, attending a family education program offered by a center while my husband was attending its residential program. Those three days informed my understanding of what was happening to Bill and us as a family unit. It reinforced the notion that sobriety was only the first step. Recovery can also sometimes uncover marriage after sobriety underlying mental health conditions that have contributed to substance use disorder. For example, up to half of people with substance use disorder have also experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are over 40 million people in the U.S. alone living with substance use disorder.
Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery. The first thing you can do is keep an open mind and try to be understanding. People confronting their addiction are likely feeling a lot of guilt or shame already. As their partner, the last thing you want to do is add to that.
Recovery Treatment Available at Gateway
There will be ups and downs but if you are willing to put in the work and get through the difficult early phase, then you can have a normal, happy life with your sober partner. The most common cause of relapse for addicts is being exposed to triggers. For some addicts, that can mean moments of emotional distress or loneliness. It is important for you to talk to your partner and identify their triggers so that you can be aware of them. That way you can help them to avoid them where possible and recognize times when they may need additional support from you. If you and your loved one are experiencing the negative consequences of addiction and your marriage is suffering, it is important to get help.
- If you’re reading this, it’s likely because your spouse is struggling with addiction.
- Living with an alcoholic spouse can be draining and frustrating.
- Reflect on the emotional toll of being in this relationship.
- The time alone gave me space to do my own soul work and attend to my own life.
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