Dealing With Your Husband’s Addiction
Addiction is a difficult thing to deal with, no matter what your role is. If your husband struggles with addiction, you might feel lost, scared, and helpless.
You are not alone.
Many women and men find themselves in your shoes, wondering what they can do to help their husband without enabling his addiction.
The first step is to educate yourself on the signs of addiction and what resources are available to you and your husband. This will help you better understand his condition and give you a starting point for finding treatment that works.
Remember, you cannot force your husband into treatment, but you can be there for him and support him through his journey.
How to Support Your Husband Without Enabling His Addiction
As the wife of an addict, you want nothing more than to see your husband sober and healthy. You love him and want to help him in any way you can. But it’s important to understand that enabling his addiction will not help him in the long run; it will only worsen things. Here are some tips on how to support your husband without enabling his addiction.
1. Understand the difference between supporting and enabling.
Supporting your husband means providing emotional and moral support; it does not mean giving him money to feed his habit or lying to cover up his mistakes. Enabling his addiction means doing things that allow him to continue using without facing the consequences of his actions.
2. Set boundaries with your husband.
Tell him what you will and will not tolerate from him regarding his addiction. For example, you may tell him that he is not allowed to drink in your presence or that you will not enable his addiction by giving him money for drugs or alcohol.
3. Seek professional help.
If you’re struggling to cope with your husband’s addiction, seek professional help from a therapist or counselor specializing in addictive behaviors. This will give you the tools you need to deal with your situation in a healthy way.
4. Take care of yourself first and foremost.
It’s vital that you take care of yourself emotionally and mentally while your husband is struggling with addiction. This means setting aside time for yourself, maintaining healthy relationships, and getting involved in activities that bring you joy. Doing so will make it easier for you to deal with your husband’s addiction and be there for him when he needs you most.
Dealing with a husband’s addiction can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you need to take care of yourself first and foremost.
Seek professional help if you’re struggling to cope, and set boundaries with your husband, so you’re not enabling his addiction. By following these tips, you can support your husband while caring for yourself.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a mental illness that causes compulsive behaviors despite adverse consequences. People with addiction often continue using substances or engaging in behaviors even when they are aware of the harmful effects.
Substance use disorders (SUD) can lead to strained relationships, job loss, financial problems, and health problems.
Potential Signs of Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Many signs may indicate someone is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. Individuals who are addicted may:
- Neglect personal hygiene or appearance
- Isolate themselves from friends and family
- Experience sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Struggle to fulfill work or school obligations
- Engage in risky behaviors
- Show signs of withdrawal when they try to quit using substances or stop engaging in the addictive behavior
If you notice any of these signs in your husband, it’s essential to reach out for help. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away and could make the situation worse.
Getting Help For Your Husband, Yourself, and Your Family
Studies show that substance abuse takes a toll on marriages. When it comes to addiction, husbands are not alone. If your husband is addicted, many resources are available to both of you. Here are a few places to start:
- Alcoholics Anonymous– Alcoholics Anonymous is a 12-step program that supports people struggling with alcohol addiction. Many AA meetings are held across the country, so chances are there is one near you.
- Al-Anon Family Groups– Al-Anon Family Groups offer support for spouses and families of people struggling with alcohol addiction. These groups provide an outlet for sharing experiences and receiving emotional support from others who understand what you’re going through.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse– The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is a government organization that funds research on drug abuse and provides information on treatments for drug addiction. NIDA also offers free publications on topics such as the effects of drug abuse on families and ways to cope with a loved one’s addiction.
- SAMHSA National Helpline– The SAMHSA National Helpline is a free, confidential information service that provides 24/7 crisis counseling and referrals to local treatment facilities for people struggling with mental illness or substance abuse disorders.
Finding Substance Abuse Treatment in Florida
If your husband is dealing with addiction, know that you are not alone—many other women have found themselves in your shoes. The most important thing you can do is educate yourself about the signs of addiction and the available resources.
With patience, love, and support, your husband can overcome his addiction and build a healthy life for both of you. Contact Better Tomorrow’s addiction treatment helpline at (844) 989-1451 for more information.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine: HHS Author Manuscripts – The Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Families and Children: From Theory to Practice
National Library of Medicine: Open Access Maced J Med Sci – Experienced Psychosocial Problems of Women with Spouses of Substance Abusers: A Qualitative Study
Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders