Drug abuse and addiction are difficult for anyone to deal with, but can be especially difficult if you are on the outside, watching a spouse go through a troubling situation. Not only are you feeling the effects of the addiction, you also have to watch someone who you love so much suffer. When it comes to drug abuse and addiction in your spouse, what can you do?
Helping A Spouse With Drug Abuse and Addiction
Recognizing the Problem
Dealing with drug abuse and addiction means that someone needs to recognize that a problem exists. You might be tempted to pretend like the issue is not there because you do not want to cause problems in your marriage. However, be honest with yourself and your spouse. Hiding the problem will not make it go away and certainly cannot make it better.
Talking About the Issue
You are likely the closest person in the world to your spouse, so you may need to have to start a conversation about it. Of course, you could ask your spouse’s best friend or sibling to help, but do not get too many people involved.
Feeling “ganged up on” is not going to help the situation at all. Make sure your spouse knows you are concerned and that you are there to offer support. If you decide to have an intervention to handle the drug abuse and addiction, ask for professional help.
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Finding a Facility
Once you have dealt with the initial conversation, it’s time to find a drug abuse and addiction program that is right for your spouse. You should make this effort as a team. You should go with your spouse to visit and ask questions. In fact, you can even ask if you can join your spouse in some of the counseling sessions. Some facilities offer family therapy.
Constant Support
Do not just check your spouse into the facility and then assume you have no more responsibilities. You need to act as the support system. This entails taking care of more responsibilities at home while your spouse is away, checking in on a regular basis to see how your loved one is doing and explaining the situation to your children.
The road to long term recovery could be a long one, and you want to make sure your spouse knows that you will always be there no matter what happens with the drug abuse and addiction.
Yes, you may certainly face some challenges along the way when you are trying to get help for your spouse. Still though, when you can see your spouse smile again, you will know that every little step that you took was worth it.
Destination Hope’s Men’s Program
If you or someone you love is suffering from drug abuse and addiction, alcohol abuse, substance dependency or any type of addiction, please call us today. Our addiction treatment counselors can help you deal with the physical, emotional and psychological consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.
Substance abuse treatment is effective, safe and has helped many men reclaim their lives. Destination Hope is a full-service drug, alcohol and dual diagnosis treatment facility in Florida for men and women suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues.
