A therapist can help you learn more about the role you may have played in a codependent relationship and learn healthier patterns. These mental health symptoms can last longer than the withdrawal period, especially if the person with SUD hasn’t learned healthy coping mechanisms to deal with unwanted feelings. While the process may be emotionally challenging and complex, the law recognizes substance abuse as valid grounds for divorce in many jurisdictions. Living with an alcoholic can be incredibly stressful and unpredictable.

How can I help my spouse with addiction recovery?

Alcohol has long been linked to marriage breakdown and again the pandemic led to a rise in the number of divorce petitions which mentioned alcohol, up from one in six to one in four. It is also interesting that the more people earn, the more likely they are to drink alcohol, and consequently alcohol affects the relationships of people from all walks https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of life. Studies show that alcohol is often cited as the reason for a marriage break-up. Likewise, lack of commitment, infidelity, conflict, money worries, and domestic violence are common reasons for divorce. One could argue that alcohol misuse impacts all of these factors, causing breakdowns in communication and accountability.

Addiction and Divorce Statistics with Treatment

But the stress that comes along with constant arguing can become a trigger for the person living with SUD to use drugs or alcohol. Recovery from substance use disorder can cause many changes in your marriage — not all Substance abuse of them positive. Divorce and addiction remain tightly interwoven, but with the right help, families can break free from the cycle and emerge stronger.

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Knowing it’s time to divorce an alcoholic usually comes when the addiction severely harms your well-being and efforts to seek treatment or change have proven unsuccessful. The long-term effects of being married to an alcoholic can include chronic stress, emotional burnout, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It can also lead to financial difficulties and a strained or toxic family environment. Financial problems and addiction often go together like two sides of the same coin.

• These codependent people take care of their partners that live with a condition.
• These children face a higher risk for child maltreatment and child welfare involvement, compared to those who do not face these influences.
• Although your partner’s addiction may feel personal or as if they are discounting your fears and concerns, they struggle internally.
• Understanding the link between addiction and divorce is important to determine the next step for couples working to resolve their marital issues.
• Spreading awareness about the nexus between addiction and divorce can foster better understanding and policy-making.

Drug Use And Marriage

Medical detox is available as an inpatient or outpatient treatment option, depending on the severity of the patient’s addiction and the type of substance involved. Outpatient addiction programs come in a few different levels of care. Most commonly, recovering addicts can choose between a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). The road to treatment for your partner may be messy and even painful, but ultimately it will be worth the effort if your partner decides to work towards a healthy, sober life.

If you’re seeking support…

During grad school, she treated clients involved in the legal system as well as at a detox facility. After graduating, Karlie gained experience working in a residential program for eating disorders and a private practice before joining the AspenRidge team. With substance-induced marriage troubles in mind, a program which offers family therapy and support and/or marriage counseling should be made a priority. The most successful programs offer a blend of behavioral therapies and counseling, set against a variety of engaging treatment methods which inspire a person to live a sober, balanced life.

The emotional toll is immense, not just for the parents but for other children in the household too. As mentioned previously, substance abuse not only impacts the relationship between spouses, but also between parent and child. Some states mandate that judges must consider the abuse as a factor when making a custody decision.

According to the National Public Radio, alcohol divorce rates after sobriety consumption rose 14% during 2020. It is also reported that the largest percentage increase in use of alcohol in 2020 was for women. While divorcing because of an addiction may offer protective measures to one or both parties, divorce itself is a risk factor for addiction.

Substance abuse has a negative impact on work performance, being responsible, and maintaining relationships. These consequences in turn have a huge negative effect on family finances and strain relationships between the abuser and his or her family and friends. The spouse/abuser may be terminated from their work; lose their driver’s license; and perhaps endanger others, including children. Alcoholism and substance abuse has a negative effect on sex drive and fertility.