If your marriage is influenced by alcoholism and you are both struggling to get back on track, a
marriage counsellor can help you save your relationship. Here’s how to recognise the signs of
addiction and know when it’s time to get professional help.
Causes of Alcoholism in Marriage
Alcoholism is rarely caused by a single event. Instead, it is most often a culmination of triggers
that lead to the condition. People can develop alcoholism after years of abuse, or it can happen
quickly because of a genetic predisposition and mental health issues like depression and
anxiety.
When both spouses develop an abuse pattern, it’s not uncommon for both partners to develop
the disease, further exacerbating the problems in the marriage or relationship. As dependency
grows, it leads to further stress, anxiety, depression, and marital conflict.
Signs Your Partner May be An Alcoholic
Because alcohol consumption is so socially accepted, it can be challenging to spot the disease
in the early stages. However, there are signs to look out for, both in your partner and in yourself,
that could indicate a problem with alcohol, including:
● Regularly drinking more than initially intended. ” I’ll just stay for one ” is increasingly likely
to turn into an all-night binge session.
● You or your partner get defensive or angry when confronted with the problem
● Excuses are made for needing a drink, such as a bad day at the office
● Trying to hide the drinking from others
● Alcohol-related health problems
● Behavioural changes during drinking sessions such as extreme aggression, quick to
anger, or reckless and foolhardy
● Everyday life is impacted, such as job performance, buying alcohol before paying bills,
or forgetfulness.
How Can Alcoholism Affect a Marriage?
Alcoholism often has devastating effects on a marriage, whether both parties or one are
affected by the condition. Behavioural changes can cause heated arguments, sometimes
leading to physical violence, severe injury, and worse. Addiction can lay the foundation for
financial issues and job loss. Hiding the affliction from a partner can erode the trust, which is
difficult to earn back.
Children are innocent victims in an alcoholic home. Unfortunately, the trauma they experience at
a young age can lead to addiction problems for them in the future. It’s for this reason that
alcoholic-affected couples with children seek help as soon as possible.
Alcohol reduces inhibitions, which means affected individuals are more likely to engage in
infidelity while under the influence, something they would never do while sober. Infidelity under
any circumstances is a difficult challenge to overcome for couples.
It does not necessarily mean the end of the relationship, but relationship counselling, hard work,
and honesty are required to strengthen the relationship and restore the lost trust.
Getting Help for Couples Dealing with Alcoholism in Marriage
Alcoholism is a severe issue that can negatively impact a relationship whether one or both
partners have a problem. If you or your partner are struggling with alcoholism, you must seek
help as soon as possible. Professional marriage counsellors are available to help in your
recovery and work through relationship challenges left in its wake.
Better Marriage is the best place to learn everything you need to know about saving your marriage. We will tell you how to keep your marriage alive and well. Read More about Save My Marriage At Better Marriage
