Coming to terms with the fact your spouse is an alcoholic can be emotionally painful. Depending on the degree of your spouse’s alcoholism, you may have suffered mentally, emotionally, financially, and physically. Confronting your spouse’s alcoholism can be a confusing, terrifying process. If you aren’t sure what to do, here are some tips to help you get assistance for you and your spouse.
Talk to Your Spouse Privately
Depending on the severity of your spouse’s drinking, their behavior, and their mental stability, it may be safe and wise to confront your spouse in private before bringing family members and specialists into the mix. If you think you have a good chance of safely and effectively talking to your spouse about their drinking, talking to them about it directly can be a good first step.
Hold an Intervention
If you can’t seem to get through to your spouse, it may be time to hold an intervention. An intervention is a meeting where the friends and family members of the alcoholic person come together to peacefully voice their concerns. Some families choose to call on therapists to preside over the intervention and ensure its effectiveness.
Call in the Professionals
Alcoholism is a complex disorder that often requires professional treatment. If nothing seems to be working for your spouse, it may be time for them to see a doctor or therapist who specializes in the treatment of alcoholism. You may also want to consider going to therapy for yourself so you are properly equipped to handle the emotions that may occur during this time. If you are in an abusive situation, you need to call on lawyers and law enforcement to keep you safe from your alcoholic spouse.
Consider a Treatment Program
In some cases, a substance abuse treatment program can be extremely helpful for the alcoholic person. Every program is different, so it’s important to find one that’s best for your spouse’s specific needs. When calling, make sure to ask questions and describe your partner’s situation.
Take Care of Yourself
Dealing with an alcoholic spouse can be difficult on many levels. From financial troubles to emotional pain, there is a lot to manage when your spouse is dependent on alcohol. Be sure to take care of yourself first so you can be safe and strong regardless of what your spouse decides to do.
Alcoholism doesn’t just affect the alcoholic person’s life. It affects everyone who loves and cares about them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating alcoholism, but by following these tips, you can get your spouse the help they need to heal and recover.
