Relationships and Drinking—What If I am Stopping but My Partner is Not?
Relationships and Drinking—What If I am Stopping but My Partner is Not?
Whether you are dating, engaged, or married, your partner is likely familiar with your drinking habits. While you may hide the full extent of your drinking, there have likely been connections made between alcohol and the relationship—for better or for worse.
When this is the case, couples sometimes fear what will happen to their relationship once a partner has changed their drinking habits and begun treatment for their substance use disorder.
Below is more about the role of alcohol in relationships and how treatment may involve the support of a partner.
The Role of Alcohol in a Relationship
Many people don’t realize the role alcohol plays not only in their lives but in the lives of their partners—along with the dynamic alcohol creates. If both partners are heavy drinkers (or even dependent on alcohol), one partner stopping can cause a major rift and challenges. One partner deciding to seek help can bring up feelings of jealousy, anger, and even abandonment in the other partner. The partner who continues to suffer from alcohol addiction may also try to pressure the partner seeking help into drinking.
Even if only one partner is a heavy drinker, alcohol may still play a part in the life of the partner who doesn’t drink as much or as often. The occasional use of alcohol for stress relief, for instance, may no longer be an option if their partner is on a journey of sobriety. There may even be the fear of losing a strong bond that was created while a partner was actively suffering from their substance use disorder.
These fears, concerns, and annoyances are real and valid. With that said, support for someone suffering from a substance use disorder is paramount for their success in the treatment of their condition.
In-Home Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Partners
If you are in need of alcohol addiction treatment and you have a long-term partner, you may be wondering how the two will intersect. With in-home alcohol addiction treatment—in addition to individual treatment—a therapist may visit your home and provide couples counseling for your spouse and you. This therapy is intended to bridge the divide between your spouse who may be drinking actively or may be stopping to support your journey and you.
Front Door Health provides in-home alcohol addiction treatment which may involve couples therapy (if it is right to meet their patient’s needs). Our expert counselors come to you and provide you with the help you need from the comfort of your own home.
The goal is to help your relationship with your partner to thrive as you get the help you deserve.
About Front Door Health
Front Door Health provides concierge, judgment-free in-home treatment for patients when they need it. We take an evidence-based approach to treatment, and we create custom treatment plans for our patients to increase their chances of success. Our treatment process is client-focused and individualized. This means no group sessions with strangers and no “treatment as usual” approach. You are unique and the treatment plan we create for you is designed to meet you where you are along your journey and help you to reach your recovery goals.
We understand that it can be difficult to put your life on hold and take time off work. Our in-home treatment allows you to continue to meet your work, family, and other obligations while receiving the treatment you deserve.
If you would like to learn more about in-home treatment, contact Front Door Health today. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide you with the help you need.
