Marriage and dating are hard enough, but when you are in a relationship with an alcoholic, your day-to-day can be even more complicated. If you’re unsure if you’re in a relationship with an alcoholic, reach out to Texas Recovery Center to learn more about our family therapy program in Scurry, TX. Call us at 844.230.5931.
How to Tell if You’re Dating an Alcoholic
Alcohol misuse falls on a broad spectrum of severity. You could be dating a functioning alcoholic, or you may be married to a drunk whose condition is apparent. While the latter is easier to detect, it can be harder to recognize a high-functioning alcoholic. You may be dating an alcoholic if your partner shows these potential signs:
- Drinks alone
- Drinks at all hours of the day
- Engages regularly in heavy and frequent drinking
- Drinks to the point that it interferes with other areas of their life
- Has gotten in trouble because of their drinking
The Effects of Dating an Alcoholic
Alcoholism doesn’t just impact the person who is drinking. All too often, partners are dragged along for the ride, and alcohol ruins relationships. One of the reasons being married to or dating an alcoholic is so hard is because of all the secondary problems associated with alcohol use. Some of the adverse effects of being in a relationship with an alcoholic include:
- Financial Problems – The alcoholic partner may be unable to hold a job or spend all their money on alcohol.
- Uneven distribution of responsibilities – Many alcoholics prioritize drinking over everything else. As a result, they may neglect their duties.
- Infidelity – Intoxicated people have poor judgment, which could lead to cheating on their partner.
- Legal Troubles – People who drink are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like drunk driving that could result in legal consequences.
- Poor Mental Health – A relationship with an alcoholic can take a severe toll on your mental health.
- Divorce – Some of the problems created by alcohol in a relationship may not be able to be overcome and could lead to divorce.
Dealing with Alcoholism in a Relationship
Being in a relationship with an alcoholic isn’t easy, and knowing what to do with an alcoholic partner can be hard. Especially if you want to stick it out, you must take steps to help your loved one and yourself.
Set Boundaries
Some alcoholics can be manipulative and will take advantage of their partners. Do not let this happen to you. Setting boundaries when dating an alcoholic is essential to protect yourself and stop enabling your partner.
Do Not Hide It
While you may not be ready to share your partner’s drinking habits with the world, you shouldn’t try to hide them. If you are in denial or making excuses for their drinking, you are only enabling them, and their drinking will continue.
Don’t Put the Blame on Yourself
You may want to blame yourself, but it is not your fault. Addiction is a disease, and alcohol use is often tied to poor mental health that goes untreated. Your partner needs professional alcohol addiction help. It is not something you did.
Share Your Concerns
Confronting an addict isn’t easy, but being open and honest with your partner about your concerns is essential. Stay calm, be clear, and do not use accusatory language. There is a chance they will react negatively, but you may also open their eyes.
Try to Get Them to Help
Long-term alcohol use can severely affect your loved one and your relationship. Your partner needs help, but quitting drinking cold turkey is not only challenging but may also be deadly. Medical detox for alcohol is often recommended, and follow-up alcohol rehab helps to make sobriety last. Try to point your alcoholic partner in the right direction and give them the resources they need to get started. You can also contact our care team at Texas Recovery Center if you need help.
Do What Is Best for You
While it is natural to be concerned for your alcoholic partner’s well-being, don’t ignore your own needs. Whether walking away, getting therapy, or making more time for self-care, make sure you take care of yourself. While ending a relationship with an alcoholic may be challenging, it might be best for you and your partner.
Can You Have a Healthy Relationship with an Alcoholic?
The sad truth is that because of all the secondary effects accompanying alcohol use. It can be challenging to have a relationship with an alcoholic that isn’t toxic or unhealthy to some degree. The only way to have a healthy relationship with an alcoholic may be for them to get sober.
Unfortunately, this process is a long journey that comes with several bumps along the way. Your partner needs to be ready and willing to take this step, but even if they find lasting sobriety, there is no guarantee that your relationship will survive.
Broken trust can be hard to rebuild, and too much damage may have already been done to salvage your relationship. We understand that you want what is best for your partner, but you don’t have to go through this alone. When you contact us, you can speak confidentially with our care team about your options and the next steps for getting your loved one help.
Learn More About Alcohol Addiction from Texas Recovery Center
Texas Recovery Center offers a range of resources and tools for families or partners in a relationship with an alcoholic. Some of our programs and therapies include:
- Family education and support groups
- Individualized treatment plans
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Group therapy
At Texas Recovery Center, we offer evidence-based treatment for alcoholism and substance abuse disorders. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual who comes to us for help. Contact us today at 844.230.5931 to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you on the road to recovery.
