man helping spouse who struggles with alcoholism

No one should go through alcohol addiction recovery alone. Alcohol addiction affects people of all ages, races, genders, and beliefs. No matter the stage of addiction recovery, support from loved ones and spouses is essential to successful sobriety. Learning how to support a spouse, finding the right help from alcohol detox centers, and understanding addiction are keys to long-term sobriety and a healthy home. 

If you or someone in your life is married to an alcoholic, seek help from a detox and recovery center today. Qualified therapists can help both you and your spouse with the tools you need for a healthy, alcohol-free relationship. 

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

Making and drinking alcohol is one of humanity’s oldest pastimes. However, alcohol addiction is common. Despite being legal, alcohol is highly addictive. When a person becomes dependent on alcohol, doctors and therapists consider them an alcoholic. Like any other addiction, alcohol addiction affects a person’s brain chemistry. 

Alcohol is a depressant that slows the nervous system and physical response time. This is why people may stumble or slur their speech when intoxicated. The more often a person drinks, the more alcohol they will need to feel the same soothing effects. For many people, it’s hard to tell the difference between habitual drinking and addiction. If a person craves alcohol, cannot go a day without drinking, and experiences withdrawal symptoms, seek treatment support for alcoholism today. 

How to Help an Alcoholic Spouse Recover

Unfortunately, alcoholism is common. Functioning alcoholism is also common and hard to spot. Functioning alcoholics don’t show signs of drunkenness because they have such a high tolerance. Alcoholics with a high tolerance often drink throughout the day. Some may drink in secret, while others are more open about their addiction. Like other addictions, alcohol can strain personal relationships and make it hard to communicate with loved ones. It can be even more challenging for loved ones to understand each other’s experiences. 

It’s essential for those married to alcoholics to know how to support their spouse while still supporting themselves. Here are some tips for supporting your loved one:

  • Be honest and know the facts. Accusing someone of addiction never goes well. Approach conversations around alcohol with open curiosity. Judgment can cause people to deny addiction, drink more, or engage in reckless behavior. Do your research and understand how alcohol affects the body and why your spouse might be drinking.
  • Begin couples therapy. For many people living with alcoholism, their need to drink stems from unresolved trauma, chronic stress, chronic pain, and undiagnosed mood disorders. A family therapist can help identify and treat these problems while providing communication tools to improve your relationship. 
  • Engage in self-care. Supporting a spouse with addiction can take a toll on a person’s mental and physical health. Be mindful of your needs; set boundaries where you need them. Exercise, eat well, and see your own therapist to support yourself on this journey.

No two relationships are alike. Neither are addiction stories. Understanding addiction, your spouse’s past and your own needs can help you approach healing together. Always seek professional help for addiction and mental health support. There is no reason to overcome addiction alone. 

Help Your Spouse Recovery from Alcoholism Today at an Alcohol Detox Center

Beginning detox and recovery for alcohol addiction can be overwhelming. It can also save relationships. If your spouse struggles with alcoholism, find a qualified detox center today. Programs around the country provide residential and outpatient detox and recovery. These addiction treatment programs also provide family therapy to help your relationship grow through every phase of recovery. Show your spouse they are not alone. Find a qualified center near you today.