Relationship Advice: Featured Article

What To Do When Your Partner Suffers From Substance Abuse

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As a couples therapist, I often give relationship advice to couples where one partner suffers from substance abuse. In fact, a common cause of relationship problems is alcohol and drug abuse.

In order to address this complex issue, you first must learn to recognize addictive symptoms and behavior, learn the available treatment options and what you can do to help your addicted partner, and finally how you can help yourself by learning about the personal and emotional ramifications of choosing to remain with an addicted partner.

Defining The Problem: How Much is Too Much?

-He has trouble at work, school, or home because of drinking, being hung over, etc.

-He has been in situations where could have been hurt or could have hurt someone else because of his drinking or drug use, such as drunk driving.

-He has legal problems caused by drug or alcohol use.

-He kept using or drinking when he knew it was creating problems with family and/or friends.

Has your partner experienced three or more of the following problems in the last year?

-The need to drink much more than he once did in order to get the same effect, or when using the usual amount, the effect is less than before. These are indications of increasing tolerance, and should raise a red flag.

-When he doesn't drink, you notice withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, or trouble sleeping, or he drinks or uses in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms. These are indications of physical addiction, and should raise a red flag.

-He drinks and uses more often, or in larger amounts, than he wants to; this is a sign of escalation due to lack of control.

-He has tried unsuccessfully to quit or reduce his drinking and drug use.

-He spends a lot of time drinking and recovering from drinking.

-He has given up other activities that are important to him, or ignores family obligations, in order to drink.

The Good News: Addiction Is Treatable

The good news is that when they admit to themselves and others that they have a problem and make a commitment to change, most are able to cut their drinking back to a safer level or to quit altogether. Addiction to alcohol is not a sign of weakness and does not mean they lack willpower. Alcoholism is a long-term disease, just as real and treatable as any medical condition.

Treatment depends on the extent of the problem. Some people are able to reduce usage with the help of a counselor. However, people who are physically addicted require more help.

Alcohol addiction is particularly risky because attempting to quit cold turkey places one at increased risk of seizures. Therefore, a brief stay in a hospital or treatment center is necessary to medically monitor the detox, and medications are used to prevent seizures and ease the overall process.

Once detox has occurred and withdrawal symptoms have passed, the second stage of treatment is to work on maintaining abstinence and sobriety.

Another piece or relationship advice is this: Recovery is a lifelong process, and those suffering from any addiction require continuing support to help remain clean. This can come in the form of counseling and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcohol and drug use also harms family relationships, therefore education and family therapy are often part of the recovery process.

How You Can Help Your Partner

-Encourage him to seek counseling. Therapy will help him break negative and harmful patterns and help him understand his motivation to use.

In treating addictions, a vital question to answer is: What is the drug use in service to? In other words, why does one abuse drugs or alcohol in the first place? Is it to overcompensate for being introverted, such as relying on alcohol to loosen up and become more social? To numb emotional or physical pain?

Very often, substance abusers are suffering from untreated depression, anxiety, or some other mental illness and use chemicals to alleviate the symptoms. Counseling will help determine the root cause of addiction, and there is almost always a healthier way to compensate for all of these problems other than turning to drugs or alcohol.

In my years of clinical experience, I've discovered that people don't simply become an addict by accident - there is almost always a clear explanation.

-When you're at the end of your rope, give him an ultimatum, and don't make it an idle threat. Keep in mind that an ultimatum is only as effective as the consequence it represents.

For example, if you find a vodka bottle in the linen closet or smell liquor on his breath, you have to take immediate action. Otherwise, he’ll continue to drink knowing you’ll do nothing. Let's face it: people don't often change harmful behaviors (such as smoking, for example) until they experience negative consequences (such as respiratory problems.)

In the case of alcoholics or substance abusers "hitting bottom" often means losing family, friends, a job, a house, or car due to their drug and alcohol use.

If he fails the ultimatum, perhaps it's time to leave. Leaving an alcoholic can be emotionally difficult because, despite your misgivings, the addicted partner often becomes the center of your life. Any change is a diversion from the status quo and can knock you off balance, so be prepared for a range of emotions from relief to extreme guilt.

In order to ease the process, I often give this important relationship advice to sober partners: Set up a support network that includes a therapist, close friends, and support groups such as Al-Anon.

Why People Stay With Addicted Partners

People remain in negative or unhealthy relationships for many reasons. Most common are fear and/or perceived financial necessity.

While difficult, my relationship advice for sober partners is always this: Consider why you remained in the relationship as long as you did. Otherwise, you’re likely to repeat unhealthy relationship patterns.

Were you dreaming of being his "savior?" Did you enjoy being in control while your partner was out of control? These are the signs of dangerous enabling, because they are not healthy for you or your partner.

If you believe you're a savior, then heed the following important relationship advice: You must recognize that people with addiction problems are, by definition, not capable of healthy relationships. Their addiction is so all-consuming that there is little room for anything or anyone else. They are simply not available to you or anyone else.

Another vital nugget of relationship advice is this: You can’t change your partner's behavior, and the only person you have control over is yourself. People in recovery have many ups and downs, and relapse is common in the recovery process. That’s why you’ve got to do what makes the most sense for you.

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