How to Help a Partner with Addiction
Drugs and alcohol change relationships. No matter who a person “was” when you met or what they were like when you married them, they may be facing new challenges, including substance use disorder (SUD).
In situations where you, as a partner, are not safe, you have every right to leave the situation. If you are staying with them, it’s time to consider realistic ways you can help them.
One of the most important strategies you can take right now is to contact Victory Addiction Recovery Center. Let our team go to work to support you as you get your loved one the immediate help they need.
Recognize What’s Happening
When a person is drinking or using drugs too much, it doesn’t just impact them. It has a ripple effect that moves through the relationship, your family, their work, and your lives in every way. When someone you love is on this path, and you can, take action.
Addiction is a disease like cancer, heart disease, or MS. Once it occurs, professional treatment, and sometimes medication, is necessary. View your loved one’s addiction in this light for clarity on when and how you should act.
Strategies That May Help You Help Them
You want to help. Now what? Consider the following strategies to help your partner with addiction.
Tell Them What You’re Seeing
Leave all judgment and accusations behind. Tell them what is actually happening to you, not to them:
- You are struggling to maintain responsibilities because they aren’t able to help you.
- There are days when you are scared for their life and well-being.
- They are missing activities and critical parts of your family’s lives.
- You are struggling financially and cannot continue on this path.
- Your mental health is suffering.
Avoid telling them what is happening to them. Instead, be clear about what you see.
Involve a Trusted Family Doctor
Setting up a routine physician appointment with a doctor that your loved one trusts can help to demonstrate the changes and consequences of their actions. For example, many people must obtain a physical to get health insurance. Prior to their appointment, contact their doctor to provide insight into what your concerns are related to their physical and mental health.
Your loved one’s doctor may provide some insight into health complications or risk factors. They may also have an honest conversation with your partner about what they are facing moving forward.
Set Limits and Establish Objectives
When change does not happen, or promises continue to be made without results, have a conversation that establishes clear limitations. For example:
- Be honest and open. State that you can no longer allow them to be around you or your family when they are under the influence.
- Tell them what you will no longer do. This may include no longer being willing to make excuses for them or get them out of trouble.
- Be clear on what you can do for them. You will help them get addiction treatment, stay by their side, and support them through professional care.
It helps to establish a relationship with an addiction treatment center now, before this conversation. In some cases, they may be ready to enter into treatment immediately. In others, they need time to process. Stick with the rules you create to protect yourself and your loved one.
Considering an Intervention
An intervention is an opportunity for a small group of people who are personally connected and close to your loved one to come together. Every person within this group should value your loved one, and they should be someone your partner trusts, respects, or loves. This is more than just family ties. It’s meaningful connections.
When a group of people come together who have only the best intentions for a person with SUD, results happen. Each person can communicate the impact the disease has had on their lives, individually, and create the same rules for limitations and support. Turn to a local specialist or therapist for help in this process. This is not a simple process.
Be ready to offer your loved one immediate help after this conversation. You can establish that help by speaking to a substance use therapist at Victory for immediate guidance.
Schedule a Conversation With Our Team Now
Victory Addiction Recovery Center offers residential and outpatient treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in Lafayette, Louisiana. When your loved one’s physical and mental health is at risk due to substance use, we can help you.
Set up some time to speak to our admissions counselor. You cannot force a loved one into treatment, but we can help you to present opportunities and real change through recovery to them. Contact us now to learn more about the strategies we can offer to you.