How to Heal a Marriage Hurt by Addiction

At the time, I knew nothing of his substance use disorder. I perceived him as an accomplished executive with a relational leadership style appreciated by his colleagues. Alcoholism destroys https://ecosoberhouse.com/ trust, intimacy and our ability to forgive. It leaves the collateral damage of resentment and the spouse’s defence mechanisms in its wake, and enough pain to last a lifetime.

• I was eager, at times perhaps too much, to get us back on track.
• The person with the substance abuse disorder has become dependent and unreliable while the other is the super fixer.
• It can take a toll physically, as the person in recovery is going through withdrawal symptoms that can be very intense.
• I knew that without it, he would eventually destroy our relationship and his life.
• The single most driving emotion I needed to heal was anger.

Strategies on How to Support a Recovering Alcoholic Spouse

Consider delving into the specific reasons that make the idea of leaving challenging. Understanding your fears can help you address them and make a decision marriage after sobriety that aligns with your best interests. If you or a loved one has gone through NuView Treatment Center, leave us a review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook.

How Do You Support Your Sober Partner in Recovery? 13 Real Strategies

• You have to get out of a cycle of relying on other people for your happiness.
• If you have a problem with alcohol or drug addiction, then it’s likely that you don’t yet recognize that you have a problem.
• If you and your loved one are experiencing the negative consequences of addiction and your marriage is suffering, it is important to get help.
• It can also be very helpful to have someone else to talk to about your experiences.
• Remember that alcoholism is a progressive and incurable disease but recovery is possible.
• Many books address the challenges of an individual getting sober from substance use disorders.

After I crushed my spouse’s soul, I asked for loving support in exchange for promising to not crush it again. Whether one or both of you struggle with a substance use problem, there is hope. Here are a few strategies to consider as you set out to rebuild your marriage after the devastation of addiction.

Learn about substance use disorder

• This may be difficult, especially if your brain is still foggy after getting off of drugs and alcohol, but making an earnest attempt will help earn back your loved one’s respect.
• Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction.
• Sobriety topples these roles, and the partners realize they don’t even know how to talk to each other.
• However, it’s not a cliché to say that our journey was far from linear.
• Addiction to drugs or alcohol is often experienced by one partner in a marriage.
• When there’s a family unit, alcoholism significantly changes the family dynamics.

Regardless of whether you choose to remain in the relationship or part ways, approach the situation with compassion for both yourself and your partner. Reflect on the emotional toll of being in this relationship. There is no guarantee that any marriage will work out. However, it is important to keep a positive and optimistic mindset. After all, it is possible for a person to recover from an addiction, and marriages also can be healed.

Some couples can thrive immediately after the addicted partner becomes sober. If your partner is recovering from addiction, the process can come with challenges, and it may take time to cope with those challenges, but you’re not alone. Recovery from substance use disorder can cause many changes in your marriage — not all of them positive.

But we survived.

The positive effects were attributed to focusing on positive emotions, adapting to challenges, and recognizing strengths. Try to avoid using blame or shame, and focus on the impact of the situation rather than assigning fault. Express your care and support for them as a person, beyond the addiction.

Substance abuse can create a rift between spouses, causing trust issues, communication breakdowns, and financial strain. This means that when someone enters recovery, it is not only a personal journey but also a journey that impacts their loved ones and their closest relationship. Finding new activities and habits to enjoy is essential for addicts to have a healthy and lasting recovery. However, often addicts in a relationship will feel guilty about limiting the options of their spouse or partner.

Particularly in the early stages, try to keep your shared space sober-friendly. Research has shown that addicts in early recovery are much more likely to be successful if they live in a sober space. No couple is perfect, and adding addiction recovery to the mix can put your relationship under considerable strain.

When it’s time to have a conversation with your partner, try to choose a calm and appropriate time to express your concern for their well-being. Use “I” statements to convey your feelings without sounding accusatory. If you need a calm, peaceful place to work through the 12 steps, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery for information on our residential recovery programs. We are here to help guide you on your path to recovery.