Millions of families struggle with a loved one’s addiction, but many learn how to successfully adapt to the changes recovery brings. To be successful and manage these changes, it’s important to put yourself and your children first. Be patient while they re-learn how to cope normally again or even marriage changes after sobriety for the first time. But, don’t allow them to manipulate, lie, or treat you disrespectfully. If these behaviors seem to be a problem for your spouse in recovery, then individual and couples therapy could be beneficial. While you can get help at the same time, recovery is an individual journey.
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Don’t be surprised if many of the activities you enjoyed before were simply placeholders enabling you to drink or use drugs. If you have a spouse who sticks with you and supports you throughout your sobriety, it can be a major source of support. But note that repairing your marriage may be a challenge, especially while you’re continuing on your path to recovery.
- However, it’s also essential to differentiate AUD from other forms of alcohol use, such as social or binge drinking.
- Lyle was VP of a 6-county homeless coalition and a founding member of the Mental Health Action Team in Miami-Dade County.
- Often, there is a “honeymoon” period when they’re on their best behavior and reaffirm their love and commitment.
- However, what you say and do affects others, and every person is responsible for how they act.
Substance Use Treatment
- Others find the burden is too heavy and decide to end their relationships.
- It’s a delicate balance of tough love and unwavering support, where partners become warriors fighting side by side against the formidable enemy within.
- These fears will come up eventually and should be addressed as you work on your marriage.
- Also, it’s important during this vulnerable period after rehab to focus on finding ways to relieve stress while actively pursuing positive interactions with loved ones.
In the evening, I take calls and meetings with the UK, collaborating with my clients and partners. One of the hardest things about dealing with the last two years was feeling like I couldn’t speak openly in the workplace for fear of being judged or seen as unprofessional. Living with pain and trauma in secret makes you feel even more alone.
DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY
Sarah Allen Benton, M.S., LMHC., LPC, is a licensed mental health counselor and author of Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic. A marriage in recovery means volunteering to go through that backlog together. But recovery means you have to take responsibility for your life. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ And because I’d been drinking heavily for so long, it meant I, too, had a lot of growing up to do. I was lonely, but I also wanted to be left alone to drink however I wanted to drink. They offer absurdly named “Night Brunches” for those who want to keep the party going.
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Tips for providing support
- If you’re in recovery for SUD, here’s how you can try to make amends with loved ones whose trust was bruised during addiction.
- Discuss your income, your spending and saving habits, and your short- and long-term financial goals, such as what age you both wish to retire.
- After graduating a year-long program, Lyle felt compelled to give back and began doing service work.
- Professional therapists, counselors, and addiction specialists play a vital role in providing guidance, support, and evidence-based treatments.
How a Marriage Can Survive Drug or Alcohol Addiction
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