Being married to someone with an addiction is an extremely difficult thing. It can feel isolating, stressful, and scary. You so desperately want to help your spouse, but only they can help themselves. It can be a very helpless feeling. Here are a few tips to help you navigate through your spouse’s addiction.
Help Yourself
Having a spouse with an addiction can be very taxing. It is so important to not forget about yourself and your needs. If you are not taking care of yourself, it is impossible for you to take care of someone else. Take the time needed to focus on your feelings, stress level, and daily life.
Educate Yourself on Addiction
If you have never suffered from an addiction, there is a good chance you may not fully understand what your spouse is going through. Take the time to do some research. You may find it is easier to be empathetic once you understand addiction a little better. Typically when you communicate from a place of empathy, you get better results. Educating yourself can help you understand how your spouse got this point and what they need to get better.
Set Consistent Boundaries
Setting boundaries can be very hard. Being consistent and enforcing the boundaries can be even more difficult. You love your spouse and want nothing but the best for them and you so desperately want to help them. It is important to remember that you are helping them with these boundaries. Be clear as to what you will not tolerate and what the consequences will be for specific behaviors. People suffering from an addiction will try to push every boundary. Being strong and remembering why you are doing what you are doing is the key to not only helping your spouse but also yourself.
Having a spouse with an addiction problem can be a very difficult thing. You want to be there for them and solve all of their problems. You want to make it all better and take away all of their discomfort or pain. Sadly, you cannot do the work for them, but you can be there to support them throughout the whole way. You can educate yourself to better understand their struggles and you can set clear boundaries to help them navigate what is and is not acceptable behavior. Here at The Guest House we are ready to help your loved one through that recovery progress and to help every member of the family heal in the process. Call us today to learn more about the different treatment options available at (855) 483-7800.