Naturally, if your partner is physically violent, the threat to your safety and that of the rest of your family remains high. If you have support and can safely leave, it’s a good time to step away from your spouse. And doing so doesn’t reflect poorly on you – your responsibility is also to your children and yourself.
Support and Resources
These signs can serve as a guide for individuals grappling with the difficult decision of whether to distance themselves from an alcoholic loved one. Seeking support from trusted friends, leaving an alcoholic family members, or professionals can also provide invaluable assistance during this challenging time. If you are divorcing an alcoholic, it is important to understand that alcohol addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease.
Deciding how and when to leave an alcoholic
- When a person is addicted to drugs, it can impact their ability to make decisions, their memory, and their behavior.
- A professional can also provide guidance to help keep you from pushing your partner too hard, while still being encouraging.
- She, found out that she had shattered her addiction with codependency, her fear of his rejection, his criticism, and the end result was a saved the marriage.
- Continually drinking alcohol can create these frequent health issues, leading to your spouse requiring potential around-the-clock care.
But even if they’re not, the impact of chronic stress on your health can’t be understated. If you’re a parent, it’s important to give your children the best version of yourself. Deciding to leave is hard, especially considering all the things you’ve likely been through with your spouse. It won’t be easy, and you may have second thoughts about whether it’s the right decision. Most alcoholics want to get better and can see the negative impact their drinking has on those around them, and many will try to improve.
Understanding the Impact of Alcoholism on Mental Health
Keep in mind that people who struggle with alcoholism may relapse. This means they may go through treatment, maintain sobriety for a period, and then return to drinking. When thinking about leaving an alcoholic boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse, a person may decide to give things one last chance and try to get help for an alcoholic.
Divorce for Stay at Home Moms – Smart Advice to Keep You Safe
You need to find support during this process – not just to help you heal but also to help you remain strong and committed to your decision. Finding a therapist or counselor to help you process things will be essential. One study found that 20% of alcohol users had over $1,000 in credit card debt. Beyond the financial losses, there are financial costs measured by productivity loss at work from hangovers and absenteeism related to drinking. If you’re staying just because you don’t want them drug addiction to get hurt, you’re sacrificing yourself – and your children – for them.
Moreover, individuals often find themselves grappling with heightened levels of anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate existing health conditions. It’s essential to prioritize your own mental and emotional health when dealing with a loved one’s alcoholism. Many of the ways to prepare yourself are the same, whether you’re dealing with alcohol abuse or not. Check out our leaving your husband checklist and how to leave your husband with no money for the basic details.
Start Your Journey Towards Legal Resolution Today
If you’ve been in a relationship with an alcoholic, you know how difficult it can be. You might feel helpless, alone, or even responsible for their addiction. It’s important to remember that alcoholism is a disease and that you cannot control your partner’s behavior. Ultimately, the decision to leave a relationship with an alcoholic is a personal one, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Violence
Hearing loved ones share how their drinking has impacted their lives and how concerned they are for them can move the addict to action. A professional interventionist can help make sure an alcohol intervention is effective and compassionate. They can help you communicate in a way that doesn’t put your addicted spouse on the defense. An interventionist can also answer any questions your loved one has about treatment options.
Recognizing the Signs
“Recovery is never linear—it’s often a journey of progress, setbacks, and growth. Addiction reprograms the brain, and recovery is a time-consuming process. Most individuals go through cycles of relapse before establishing long-term sobriety.