Alcoholism Can Be A Difficult Topic To Speak About With Anyone, But Here’s How To Start A Conversation
If you’re married to someone struggling with alcoholism, it can be hard to know how to talk to them about it. It’s a delicate topic and one that needs to be approached carefully, so as not to cause offense or push your spouse away.
In this article, we’ll look at how you can approach the conversation and give helpful advice on communicating with your spouse who is battling an alcohol addiction problem. We’ll cover topics such as managing expectations, understanding their viewpoint and providing support without enabling dangerous behaviors. Read on for more information.
The Conversation Starter Kit
If you think your spouse has a drinking problem, it’s important to have a conversation about it.
If you’re worried about your spouse’s drinking, it can be tough to know how to start the conversation. You might be afraid of what they’ll say or how they’ll react. But talking to your spouse about alcoholism is an important step in getting them the help they need.
The first thing you need to do is educate yourself about alcoholism. This will help you better understand the disease and how it affects your spouse. There are many resources available online, at your local library, and here in our blog. Once you have a good understanding of alcoholism, you can start to build a support system for yourself and your spouse.
Keep in mind, alcoholism is a disease rather than a moral failing or a failing of willpower. While your spouse may have done things to hurt you because of their alcoholism, these actions— while not excusable— are one facet of the disease.
Next, find out what treatment and payment options are available in your area, or that are available to you nationally. Sometimes it can be a good idea to completely get your spouse out of an environment that is triggering them to drink. Having these financial and local options ready for the conversation will help immensely for getting someone into treatment quickly before they change their mind.
The Conversation
Find a time when you and your spouse are both sober, and you have no pressing time commitments, like childcare or work.
You should approach your spouse in a loving way. Let them know that you’re concerned about their drinking and that you want to help them get treatment. Be prepared to listen to what they have to say without judgment. It’s important that they feel like they can openly talk to you about their alcoholism.
Talking to your spouse about alcoholism can be difficult, but it’s important to do it in a way that is supportive and non-judgmental. You can start the conversation by expressing your concerns and telling your spouse that you’re there for them. It’s also important to listen to what they have to say without interrupting or judging them.
Also, stay calm. Anger can often make people create barriers to what you have to say, because of how you say them. You very well might have the right to be angry, but focus on solving the problem at this stage, and getting your loved one into treatment. Calmness will help everyone be more logical and likely have better outcomes.
Offer your support and assistance in getting treatment. There are many resources available to help people with alcoholism, including 12-step programs, counseling, and rehabilitation centers like ours. If your spouse is willing to seek help, offer to go with them to meetings or appointments, offer to make the phone calls and deal with all of the details. Recovery is possible with the right support!
After The Conversation
If your spouse doesn’t want to talk about alcoholism, there are a few things you can do. First, try to find out why they don’t want to talk about it. It could be that they’re embarrassed, or they may not want to face the problem. Whatever the reason, try to respect their wishes and give them space.
If they’re open to talking, start by asking how they’re feeling and if they want to talk about what’s going on. Listen without judgment and try to offer support. If they’re not ready to talk, that’s OK too. Just let them know that you’re there for them when they’re ready.
Your spouse may not be ready to talk about their alcoholism right away, but it’s important to let them know that you’re there for them when they are. If they are struggling with addiction, there are many resources available to help them get the treatment they need.
If you have tried multiple times to talk to your spouse to no avail, it could also be time to speak with a professional. An intervention may be in order, but this is often best done with the help of a professional.
The Steps In Order
In summation, here are the steps to going about speaking to your spouse about their drinking problem:
- Educate yourself on the disease, as well as treatment and payment options
- Choose a time when you’re both sober and can have a calm discussion.
- Explain why you’re concerned and share your observations.
- Stay calm.
- Listen to what your spouse has to say without judgment.
- Express your support and offer help, if desired.
- If your spouse denies there is a problem, be respectful but firm in expressing your concerns.
- Try again at another time.
- Seek professional help if you’re struggling to communicate or the situation is becoming unmanageable.
- Know that help is available, and this is a disease that can be effectively managed with the right help.
Need Support For A Loved One With Alcoholism?
Talking to your spouse about alcoholism can be a difficult and painful process, but it is an important step in helping them seek treatment. By understanding the options and knowing how to start a healthy dialogue with your spouse, you will be better prepared when addressing this issue.
Remember that alcohol addiction is a serious disease, and effective management requires professional help and support from loved ones. With patience and compassion, you can provide the guidance they need to take control of their life again.
Give us a call at (844) 989-1451 and we can help discuss treatment options and how to talk to your spouse.