Some women may follow the lead of the alcoholic husband in denial, and also pretend that nothing is wrong. There may be the temptation to enable, which could mean buying liquor to keep in the house (and let the alcohol abuse continue) or drinking with the alcoholic spouse (to help normalize the behavior). Having a partner struggle with substance abuse doesn’t just impact their life, but yours as well.
- When the money is spent, the financial burden can impact the entire household.
- Prioritize your well-being and take proactive steps to ensure a healthy and balanced life.
- Alcohol can amplify narcissistic tendencies, leading to increased egocentric behavior, impulsivity, and aggressiveness.
- Unfortunately, because they don’t believe their drinking is an issue, high-functioning alcoholics may not seek out the help they need.
- An intervention gathers everyone who cares about the alcoholic loved one.
- When dealing with a functioning alcoholic, it may feel like the lines are blurred as to what will help them stop drinking or what will make the drinking or substance use increase.
When It’s Time to Seek Help
You can educate yourself on and alcohol abuse and alcoholism (Alcohol Use Disorder), how to maintain your wellbeing, and offer support without enabling. It sounds like a manageable list, but it can be terrifying at first. Education, awareness and action are the best ways to help your functioning alcoholic spouse. However, even high-functioning alcoholics can’t keep drinking problems a secret forever. Key warning signs that people are alcoholics include always ordering alcohol when they go out or struggling to control how much they drink. Boyfriends, girlfriends or partners of functional alcoholics may also experience emotional or relationship problems.
GHB Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment
One of the main reasons that people who misuse alcohol seek help is the eventual negative consequences of their alcohol consumption. When the pain or embarrassment gets bad enough, they can no longer deny that their drinking needs to be addressed. There are numerous alcohol treatment options for your loved one struggling with alcohol or drug abuse. Your doctors will help you take care of yourself and focus on your well-being and self-care.
Living with a High-Functioning Alcoholic: Signs and Support
The fact that they are “functioning” and able to go to work, excel in academics, provide for their family and still drink excessively feeds their denial. There are many signs and symptoms functional alcoholic husband of an alcoholic as well as self-evaluation tests that can help you understand the disease. An official diagnosis requires the input of a trained mental health addiction specialist.
Why Get Treatment?
- Saying these excuses to preface their drinking as if to receive validation in their excuse, means that on some level, subconsciously or not, they know they have a problem.
- When he is sober, tell him that you are concerned about his drinking and the impact it is having on your family, and encourage him to seek treatment at a qualified rehab facility.
- This process can help the family see the degree of severity their loved one is at.
- You should also try to increase your intake of healthy food and exercise regularly, as this will help you stay healthy both physically and mentally.
- Surrounding yourself with people who understand your situation can help you feel less alone.
Possible physical side effects include increased blood pressure and liver damage. In the morning, their hands may shake and they may experience frequent heartburn. During this stage, individuals are drinking every day, usually to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. However, many people still believe they are “functioning” because they are able to get up and go to work. Although they still have a job, their performance is probably not what it used to be.
- Inpatient or residential treatment programs offer full-time options for people struggling with AUD.
- They can often maintain a career, practice healthy relationships, and remain financially stable.
- Spotting an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in your spouse isn’t always easy.
- If you see that he’s unwilling to commit to recovery, maybe it’s time to leave.
- An alcoholic is unlikely to admit they have a dependency or issues resulting from it.
- Treatment options are available for alcoholism, and the right choice depends on your husband’s situation.
What Are the 3 Types of Alcoholics?
- However, if you are determined to recover from it and stay sober, you can do it as long as you stay strong and focused.
- Due to this, they turn to alcohol to help them deal with their stressors.
- The only way to stop this from happening is to let your husband know that you won’t tolerate any unacceptable behavior of theirs under any circumstances.
- An emotionally connected family member is most likely to be flooded and lacks the ability to make a proper judgment.
- To avoid enabling an alcoholic spouse, you may have to leave the home you share, which can seem like too brash of a decision.