When a person is struggling with an addiction to alcohol, pills, or other drugs, it affects the whole family. If your partner has a problem with substance abuse, you may find yourself navigating various stages of the family disease of addiction..
You are concerned that your partner may be abusing alcohol or other drugs. You notice they often overdo it, sometimes becoming a different person you don’t understand. They deny that it is a big deal and become defensive when you express your concerns. You may suspect they are hiding the extent of their use because the alcohol keeps disappearing or their prescription runs out early. You observe changes in their eyes, voice, mood, and personality. You don’t know what to do.
Your partner refuses to get help, and you are left to manage the situation as best as you can. You take on more responsibilities, such as monitoring their safety, counting their drinks or pills, hiding their keys, and finding other ways to monitor their use. You might even help them avoid trouble by making excuses to friends and family or assisting them when they are too intoxicated or hungover for work. You’re unsure whether you’re helping them or just making the situation worse.
The problem has escalated, and you can no longer manage it. Your partner may have received a DUI, be facing job loss, or have been seriously injured in an accident while intoxicated. You finally convince them to seek help for their addiction, but what about you? You are overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, and exhaustion from the past months or even years. You’re unsure what changes to make moving forward and are fearful that your partner might relapse.
How Addiction Affects You
Regardless of the stage your family is in, you are also struggling to hold it together. When a household member is actively addicted, the other loved ones often experience increased anxiety and depression symptoms, including:
- Low mood
- Fatigue
- Racing thoughts
- Body aches or other health issues
- Isolation
- Constant worry
- Trouble sleeping
- Emotional outbursts
- You Need Your Own Care
If you identify with any of the above symptoms, you need and deserve your own support. Therapy can provide a space to be heard and understood, learn coping strategies, reduce the impact of your distress, and develop a plan for the future that sets limits and avoids enabling. It’s time for you to take care of YOU!
How We Can Help
With years of experience in addiction treatment as both a therapist and a clinical program director, I have developed expertise in addressing the needs of family members affected by addiction. I have worked with countless spouses and partners to educate them about addiction, help them manage their own distress, and develop plans of action. While we cannot control the choices of our loved ones, we can take care of ourselves and set healthy boundaries to support our loved ones without enabling their addiction. Call today to learn more about therapy services for family members of those affected by addiction.
FAQ's
What is therapy for partners of addiction?
Therapy for partners of individuals with addiction focuses on helping partners understand the nature of addiction, cope with the challenges of their loved one's addiction, and improve their own emotional well-being. Therapy can be weekly or every other week.
What are the benefits of therapy for partners of someone with addiction?
Therapy can provide partners with education on the disease of addiction, strategies to avoid enabling the addiction, and a safe space to express their feelings. It helps them set boundaries, enhance communication skills, and develop resilience, ultimately leading to healthier relationships and improved mental health.
How can I tell if therapy is right for me?
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or resentful due to your partner’s addiction, or if you’re struggling to cope, therapy may be beneficial. It’s also a good option if you want to learn how to communicate better or if you're seeking support from someone who understands your situation.
What can I expect during therapy sessions?
In therapy, you can expect to discuss your feelings, explore the impact of your partner's addiction on your life, and develop strategies for self-care and coping. A therapist may also guide you in setting healthy boundaries and improving communication skills.
How long does therapy typically last?
The duration of therapy varies depending on individual needs and circumstances. Some partners may benefit from a few sessions, while others might find ongoing therapy more helpful. It’s important to discuss your goals with your therapist to determine the right timeline for you.