Recovering from alcohol abuse or addiction is one of the most difficult struggles a person can face in their entire lives. So, imagine how difficult the situation becomes when a lover is introduced to the mix. Obviously, you do not want your boyfriend or girlfriend to be susceptible to the same suffering you are going through. However, lets flip this viewpoint around. What are you supposed to do if your romantic partner is suffering from a severe attachment to alcohol? Are you supposed to just sit back and be the silent observer or take necessary action? At times, this can be a trying period for the addict and their partner, so do not feel too bad if you feel a bit angsty sometimes. We are only human, after all. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do if your beloved is suffering from this mental illness.
Put a Stop to Codependency
What exactly is “codependency,” you may ask? Simply put, this takes place when a person is living with an alcoholic (or drug addict) and wants to show nothing but love respect, which can sometimes foster the problem. Some of the most common codependent relationships include spouses, intimate lovers, and parents/children. Here are some signs that you might be a “codependent,” so to speak:
- You always take responsibility for the addict’s actions.
- You put the addict’s feelings before yours.
- You hold on tight to that relationship out of desperation (due to fear of abandonment)
- You have a hard time being honest and speaking your mind.
- You have lost the ability to set up boundaries.
How to Help Your Loved One
As terrible as addiction can get, that does not mean you have to necessarily end a relationship. Remember, this is one of the most terrible mental illnesses known to man. Everyone suffering through this sickness has a chance of relapse or acting abnormally. Although these actions might seem aggressive, here are some necessary steps you can take to help your loved one:
- Always remember that addiction is a brain disease.
- Keep in mind that you cannot force them to change, and the addict must learn to manage this problem to stay clean on their own.
- Set up strong boundaries and do not let anyone walk past them.
- Encourage the loved one to get the help they need (or stage an intervention).
- Be a good example of a healthy, happy person.
- Never be negative.
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.
