How to Handle a Substance Abuse Partner - Marriage And Relationship

If you have a substance abuse partner issue, it can be worrisome and draining. Even though you can’t get someone to stop, you can convince them to seek rehabilitation to improve their health, protect your relationship, and break the cycle of addiction. However, it is also important to take care of yourself and your safety.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND RELATIONSHIPS

Substance use and long-term relationships are not always compatible. The impact goes beyond the addict to children, family members, friends, and colleagues. Most of the time, however, it is the partner who is most damaged. Excessive consumption of drugs or alcohol leads to emotional distance with constant fighting and sometimes violence. Substance abuse creates a catchall for other means of coping and thus a vicious cycle of conflict and addiction.

SIGNS THAT SUBSTANCE USE IS DAMAGING YOUR RELATIONSHIP

If your partner’s substance use is causing serious problems in your relationship, it may be time to get professional help. Some red flags are:

Ongoing fights about substance use and issues related to substance use (e.g., money, forgetting responsibilities)
Defending your partner’s actions (e.g., making up excuses for work absences)
Substance use to manage relationship stress
Domestic violence or aggression when intoxicated
Needing to be drunk in order to feel or express emotions
Social withdrawal from friends and family to hide addiction

Even if there is only one of these signs, it can be an indication of the necessity for intervention. Addiction does not cure itself; early treatment can prevent the condition from worsening.

UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION

Addiction is a chronic disease, not a matter of willpower. Chronic drug use alters the brain, and self-control and stress management become difficult. Addiction can worsen if untreated, infiltrating all aspects of life, including relationships.

HOW TO HANDLE A PARTNER’S ADDICTION

It is challenging to deal with a substance abuse partner. The problem can become a crisis situation where intervention cannot be helped. Knowing the signs and taking action is important. You cannot change your partner, but you can act to protect yourself and encourage your partner to get help.

WAYS TO SUPPORT A PARTNER WHILE PROTECTING YOURSELF

Establish Boundaries: Establish boundaries, e.g., refusing substance use in the home.
Don’t Enable: Do not cover up for your partner’s addiction or justify their behavior.
Get Help: Individual counseling or support groups may provide coping mechanisms.
Support Treatment: Support your partner in seeking professional treatment and recovery programs.
Take Care of Yourself: Ensure your own health through a support system and maintaining mental health.

HELPING A SUBSTANCE ABUSE PARTNER

If you choose to remain with your substance abuse partner, do the following:

Ask for Help: Call family members, friends, or medical doctors whom you trust.
Show Support: Take your partner to recovery meetings and treatment centers.
Educate Yourself: Learn about addiction so that you can comprehend its psychological and biological effect.
Be Patient: Recovery is a gradual process and requires time and patience.

WHAT TO AVOID WHEN DEALING WITH AN ADDICTED PARTNER

Lying or Making Excuses: Defending them from punishment pushes their recovery back.
Hiding Their Addiction: Hiding alcohol or drugs allows use to continue.
Ignoring the Problem: The addiction will not magically disappear; professional treatment is usually required.
Using Substances with Them: This does not assist and can make the situation worse.
Blaming or Judging: Addiction is a sickness, and guilt-tripping your partner will not result in recovery.
Isolating Your Partner: Total rejection, although necessary boundary setting, may be more painful than beneficial.
Taking Responsibility for Their Addiction: Their addiction is not your responsibility.
Expecting Things to Return to Normal Instantly: Change is part of healing; the relationship will need to change too.

CONCLUSION

It is not easy to support a partner through addiction, but it is not impossible. You can’t control their decisions, but you can encourage them to seek help while supporting yourself. Seeking professional help, setting boundaries, and supporting yourself are required steps. Being patient and being equipped with the right tools, recovery is possible, and your relationship may be healthier.