Dealing with anAlcoholic Spouse

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Do you live with someone that may be an alcoholic?

Does your spouse’s drinking impact the running of yourhousehold?

If it’s to the point that you’re wondering whether or notthey’re an alcoholic, they probably are.

Here are some things that can help you to encourage themto get help, and also help you deal with their addiction.

First of all, don’t nag and don’t be a martyr. Yes, you needto have a conversation with your spouse if their drinking ishaving an effect on your life. However, you have to learnhow to approach the topic and how to deal with them.

Step One:

Educate yourself about alcoholism. It is a disease and aterrible addiction. Learn everything you can about it, it willhelp you to understand what they are going through andhow to proceed.

Step two:

Have a conversation with them when they are sober.Whichever option you are choosing, you need to discussthe choices you’re making and how it will affect their life.Make it clear that you will not cover up for them. You won’tmake excuses for them. If they drive under the influenceyou will turn them in. If they are arrested you will notrescue them.

Step three:

Take care of yourself. Living with an alcoholic can beunbelievably difficult for the spouse. You need to knowwhat your options are and you need support for whateverchoice you make.

Step four:

Stay and do nothing. Be prepared for a long and bumpyroad. It may be fraught with mental or physical abuse andhumiliation. Are you ready for that?

Ways to take care of yourself:

Leave. Pack up and get out. Sever all ties, hope they gethelp. They most likely won’t. Are you ready for that?

Ways to take care of yourself:

Stay, with options. This means you both get help. Thespouse who is drinking needs to get into a program, sodoes the one who is sober, and you should both seekcounseling. Are you ready for that?

Ways to take care of yourself:

Does this all sound like tough love?Yep, it is.

The first step in recovery has to be admitting there is aproblem, and coming to the conclusion that they wanthelp. They need to see what they will lose if their behaviorcontinues. But they also need to see how it can be if theystop.

There is usually a reason why an alcoholic gets to wherethey are. Until they see the “why”it will be difficult to seethe future as a sober adult.

It can be done. People can change. It will be a long road, nodoubt. However, many people have gone on to lead happyand productive sober lives.

To learn more, please visit:

StongSpiritSobriety.com