While most of us know what alcoholism is, it’s hard to pick it out in our daily lives, especially if it’s affecting someone close to us. It’s not easy to see if someone’s drinking habits are normal or part of a bigger issue. This article pinpoints three signs of an alcoholic spouse, to give you a clearer picture of your spouse’s relationship with alcohol and whether they may have a drinking problem.
Those with a healthy relationship with alcohol, don’t drink often or excessively enough to the point where it’s unhealthy. Alcoholics, on the other hand, are physically and psychologically dependent on the substance and have a hard time stopping once they start.
It’s important for you to know that anyone, happy or otherwise, can fall into addiction. That’s why you must be aware of the telltale signs of alcohol abuse in someone you love. Then, you can provide the support and care that they need to recover successfully.
Identifying the Signs of an Alcoholic Spouse
Are you struggling with the question- is my spouse an alcoholic? my partner is hiding alcohol, what does this mean? Are you wondering what to do if your spouse is hiding alcohol from you? An alcoholic can create dysfunctional family dynamics that wreak havoc on family members' lives. Here are three identifying signs to look out for:
1. Hiding Alcohol from a Spouse
A spouse being dishonest about the frequency and amount of their drinking indicates a bigger problem and could worsen. Watch for a wife or husband that hides alcohol throughout the home, late nights at “work” that result in drunken behavior, and vodka being the drink of choice for its odorless scent. Try talking to your partner about these dishonest actions. Tell them your concerns and discuss how you can handle this issue together.
2. Losing Control of Responsibilities
Alcoholics have difficulty managing their responsibilities at work, home, and school. Spouses might have multiple DUIs, lose their jobs, have trouble in school, isolate family and friends, and have unexplainable injuries [1]. If your spouse is usually on top of their schedule and then suddenly isn’t, this may be one of the signs of an alcoholic spouse.
3. Can’t Stop After One Drink
Alcoholics drink intending to get drunk every time. Constantly drinking to inebriation, without showing a sense of care for their behavior, is a sign of alcohol addiction. A lot of times, those with a dependency will drink before attending drinking events to get ahead. This might be a way to reduce some social anxiety related to the event [2]. Talk to your partner about their excessive drinking and the impact it’s having on your lives.
Found Signs of Alcoholism in a Spouse? Next Steps:
Alcoholism remains a very sensitive and complicated disease. Because this addiction thrives in secret, it is important to proceed with caution if you find that your wife or husband hides alcohol or suspect alcoholic behavior in your marriage. It could be something minor that you pick up on, such as an alcoholic breath smell or body odor, but a hasty action or reaction can make things worse. Don’t immediately demand answers and force your partner to admit themselves to treatment. The wrong approach could have your spouse turning to even more drinking, causing more harm and damage. Support, sensitivity, and acceptance will go a long way towards helping your partner to face their addiction and enter treatment for it.
Remember, you are never to blame for your partner’s addiction. Their alcohol addiction issues have nothing to do with you. It’s ultimately your partner’s decision to drink, and it will be their decision to seek help and treatment.
However, many experts out there would be able to help and guide you yourself through this, in dealing with alcoholic behavior in marriage and a spouse with a drinking problem. Contact us now at Avenues Recovery for further guidance and professional advice on dealing with an alcoholic spouse or call 866-805-3210.
To learn more about alcoholism, including why alcoholics smell bad, read the informative resources on our website.
Sources
[2] adaa.org