The 6 Best Ways to Heal Your Marriage After Alcoholism
Alcoholism impacts every facet of a person’s life. It affects their physical, mental, and emotional health. It can even affect their ability to maintain a happy, healthy relationship. Many people believe that once an alcoholic has complete sobriety, their marriage is safe from the damaging effects of alcohol. However, marriage is a dynamic relationship that thrives on communication and compromise.
For an alcoholic, alcohol often plays a large role in keeping their relationship afloat. If your marriage is suffering from the effects of alcoholism, it’s important to address the problem head-on. A little prevention goes a long way toward ensuring a healthy future. Here are six great ways to help heal your marriage after alcoholism.
- Emotionally Support Each Other
The first thing to do when healing from alcohol addiction is to actively work on the relationship between you. This is the partnership between you and your spouse – the foundation of your marriage. The more you support each other, the easier it will be to rebuild the trust that was lost because of the alcohol. Active listening, showing affection, and committing to speak Honestly and Openly are all crucial to a healthy relationship.
You also have to be careful not to take each other for granted. It’s easy to assume that your spouse knows and appreciates you as much as you know and appreciate them. But this has to be proven through actions, not just words. So when you have the opportunity to show your spouse that you love and cherish them, take it.
- Find a Helpline or Support Group
If you or your spouse are dealing with codependency, it can be difficult to open up and discuss your feelings because you’re worried about how the other will react. In some cases, you may not even be aware that you’re exhibiting codependent behaviors. A helpline or support group can be a great way to identify and discuss these behaviors while building a network of people who can provide mutual support. You may not be able to call your family or friends and talk things through. You may have to deal with emotions and feelings on your own. Having a support system in place can make all the difference in the world.
- Get Professional Help
If you and your spouse are unable to resolve issues and problems on your own, it may be time for professional help. There are many couples therapists who work specifically with Battling Alcoholism couples. These therapists have been through the same process you have, and they understand what you’re going through. They can help you identify and work through issues that are standing in the way of healing. Getting professional help doesn’t mean that you or your spouse has to give up on fixing things on your own. It just means that you have to work at it harder.
- Set Realistic Expectations
While it’s important to put your spouse first, it’s also important to remember that they are not the only person in this relationship. You have to take care of yourself, as well. This means getting enough sleep, practicing self-compassion, and finding a healthy way to express negative emotions. The best way to do this is to talk it out with your spouse. If possible, have a conversation with them about how you feel rather than bottling things up or resenting them for not understanding.
- Don’t Stay in Alcoholism’s Grip
Alcoholism is a chronic disease. It’s a pattern of behavior that can take years to fully overcome. It’s also a disease that affects each person differently – some people may have a harder time overcoming it than others. This means that you and your spouse may experience different degrees of struggle. Don’t stay in the grip of the disease if you start to feel it. That means giving in to the urge to drink, no matter how small the amount. It also means recognizing that you’re not doing as well as you should, and taking steps to get help.
- Go After What You Need
Finally, it’s important to remember that you are healing and growing as a person, even if your spouse is not. That means you have to go after what you need. If you need to talk to a therapist or seek counseling on your own, make sure you do so. If you need to vent to a friend or check out a self-help book, do so. It’s important to take care of yourself, even when you’re in a relationship that’s not doing so hot.
Conclusion
The best way to heal your marriage after alcoholism is to actively work on the relationship between you. This is the partnership between you and your spouse – the foundation of your marriage. The more you support each other, the easier it will be to rebuild the trust that was lost because of the alcohol. Active listening, showing affection, and committing to speak Honestly and Openly are all crucial to a healthy relationship.
You also have to be careful not to take each other for granted. It’s easy to assume that your spouse knows and appreciates you as much as you know and appreciate them. But this has to be proven through actions, not just words. So when you have the opportunity to show your spouse that you love and cherish them, take it
Oasis Recovery Can Help
Addiction can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with addiction, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services. Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
- Aftercare Services
Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with addiction on your own. We are here to help.
