How Can I Explain My Alcohol Addiction To My Spouse?

Previously referred to as alcoholism or alcohol abuse, alcohol use disorder is a common condition in the US. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol use disorder is a disease affecting more than 17 million adults in the United States (18 years and older). Alcohol addiction can have a negative impact on your life. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, get help. There are countless drug treatment centers in Utah where Utahans struggling with alcohol addiction can get the assistance they need.

Talking to Your Partner About Addiction

If you are married, how do you tell your spouse that you have alcohol addiction? How is your spouse going to react? Most people dealing with this condition find it easy to just keep mum about it and suffer in silence. Talking about your condition can save your relationship and help you get assistance. But how do you overcome the fear and talk to your better half about your addiction to alcohol?

• Plan. What do you want to say to your spouse? Come up with specific goals on the conversation. When you clearly know what you want to talk about, you will know the right thing to say.
• Be Assertive. Make a position and be assertive when it comes to the recovery process. You’re the one with the problem, and you know what kind of help you need. Make it clear that you don’t want your partner to preach or lecture you.
• Brace Yourself for a Strong Reaction. It’s your spouse, and it’s their life too, so there’s definitely going to be a strong reaction. Be ready to handle it.
• Have a Thorough Discussion. Carefully choose the time and place for the discussion, and make sure that you talk about the situation thoroughly. Don’t rush or postpone the conversation.

Remember to practice what to say beforehand − you don’t want a situation where you know what you want to say but can’t find the words. Starting the discussion is the hardest part but when you are through with it, the rest of the conversation will flow. Describe your struggle with the condition to your spouse and tell them how you need their help and support. Talk about your feelings (how the addiction makes you feel) and how your life has changed. Let your spouse know that you need their support and encouragement to get treatment and hopefully shed the habit. Remember to be specific when asking for help from your spouse.

About the Author:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006