In addiction recovery, the spouse plays a key role. It is important to take steps to support your partner’s sobriety. This can be done through group therapy and individual counseling sessions. You may also want to consider attending Al-Anon meetings. These groups are a resource for spouses of alcoholics. They provide a safe environment to deal with the negative emotions that accompany addiction.
One of the biggest components of supporting your spouse in recovery is trust. By building trust, you create an environment where accountability is in place. The more you believe in your spouse, the more likely he or she is to feel motivated to stay sober.
Another way to support your spouse is by letting them know how their drug or alcohol use has affected you. If you have children, try to encourage them to talk with you about their parents’ addiction. Children often think that their parent’s behavior is because of them, which can cause guilt and shame.
Resources: Brookdale Recovery
In addiction recovery, your spouse needs to learn new ways to cope with stress and cravings. He or she may feel isolated and lost. Make sure to find a support system of friends and family members. Also, make sure to practice healthy self-care. For instance, get enough sleep and exercise. Eat a healthy diet.
If you are concerned about your loved one’s addiction, seek help from a behavioral health professional. Many professionals specialize in addiction and can provide you with a wide array of resources. Some state governments offer a list of low-cost, inpatient rehab facilities.
Support your spouse by setting boundaries. You may not be able to help your partner stop using drugs or alcohol if you give them money to purchase them. But you can set up a boundary so that you don’t allow your spouse to use drugs or alcohol. Examples of enabling behaviors include walking on eggshells or taking on extra tasks for your partner.
Having regular date nights is a great way to get to know your spouse. Your partner may not have much time to spend with you, but spending a night out together can help you heal past hurts. Similarly, trying out new activities or going to coffee shops with your spouse can help you bond in a whole new way.
Learning how to support a spouse in addiction recovery is not a simple task. There are many aspects of the situation that must be handled with patience and empathy. However, a positive outlook is the key to getting through this. Ultimately, you and your spouse need to work together to achieve sobriety.
You can begin by cultivating your own interests. Developing hobbies and interests helps you learn new things and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. Once you’ve cultivated these interests, you can plan sober activities to do with your partner.
You can help your spouse recover by supporting their decision to enter a treatment program. While you cannot force your spouse to seek treatment, you can attend Al-Anon meetings or Nar-Anon meetings. Not only can these help you get better at dealing with your loved one’s addiction, but you can develop a stronger relationship with your spouse.
