Are you worried that your husband might be an alcoholic? Are you trying to encourage him to seek alcoholism treatment? We’re here to help you. Being in a relationship (whether you’re married or just dating) with an alcoholic can be difficult for all parties. There are many problems that can come up, such as communication issues, sabotaging, arguing, and hurting each other because of one’s addiction. These problems can occur on both sides and cause pain to both people in the relationship.
Because of this, it’s important to approach the issue with an open mind and heart, helping them every step of the way when you can. You shouldn’t sacrifice your own well-being, but there are ways to help out throughout the process. Here’s what you should do when you suspect that your husband may have a drinking problem.
The Definition of a Drinking Problem
If you’re uncertain whether or not your partner has a drinking problem, here’s a simple definition for you to refer to. If your partner’s drinking habits are interfering with work, family, or school and they can’t quit drinking, they likely have a drinking problem. According to the alcohol consumption guidelines, heavy drinking in men is defined as someone who drinks more than four drinks in any day or more than 14 drinks in one week. Binge drinking in men is defined as someone who drinks more than five drinks in one sitting, typically about two hours.
Both heavy and binge drinking are causes for concern and can be considered an addiction. Most importantly, if your partner feels that they can’t stop or they have withdrawal symptoms whenever they try, they’re definitely suffering from alcohol addiction.
Warning Signs that Your Husband Has an Alcohol Problem
There are many signs that point to alcoholism, both psychologically, mentally, and physically. If you’re worried that your husband may have a drinking problem, you should keep out for the following warning signs. You may want to take notes of these signs as they appear, so you can present them to him when speaking to him about receiving treatment.
Psychological signs:
- Not able to think clearly
- Loss of inhibitions
- Not feeling motivated
- More confidence
- Overly talkative
Emotional signs:
- Crying spells
- Verbal abuse
- Anger
- Hysteria
- Acting erratic
- Depression and anxiety
Physical signs:
- Loss of coordination
- A decline in sexual functioning
- Exacerbation of existing medical conditions
- Blacking out or passing out
- Stomach cramps
You may also notice a strain on your relationship because of your husband’s increased drinking. These are signs you should look out for as well.
How Can I Help my Husband?
Once you’ve determined that your husband does in fact have a drinking problem, it’s time to start thinking about how you can help him. It may seem like a daunting task, but it’s possible to encourage a loved one to seek treatment when you go about it the right way. If you find that they’re not receptive to a conversation about the issue, you may need to back off for the time being and return to the topic later on.
Educate Yourself
First and foremost, you should educate yourself. Learn more about alcohol addiction and how it affects people. This way, when you go to speak with your husband, you’ll be backed up by the information that you learned beforehand. During this time, you should also prepare yourself for the conversation by brainstorming what you might say. It’s okay to write down talking points or take notes. These conversations can be stressful, and they’re often easier when you have something to refer to.
Have a Conversation
It’s important to have a conversation with your husband when he’s sober. If you try to speak with your loved one while they’re still intoxicated, you likely won’t find success. When you speak to them, try to keep an open mind and refrain from judging them or accusing them of anything. You’re just trying to help and you should consistently reinforce that. It’s not their fault that they have an addiction, no matter how bad it is.
Help Them Get Treatment
You should also be prepared with options in case they’re receptive to hearing you out. This could include treatment options such as therapy, inpatient treatment programs, and more. While they may not be ready to attend rehab, they may be open to hearing some other options, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Ultimately, if your husband isn’t ready for treatment or doesn’t want to admit that they have a problem, there isn’t much that can be done about it. An intervention can be held, but results may vary. Sometimes, you have to take a step back in order to save your own mental health, and that’s okay.
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself
Helping someone else through addiction can be difficult, so it’s important to remember to take care of yourself in the meantime. If you feel that the situation is exacerbating your own mental health issues, you may want to take a step back. Just because they’re your husband, doesn’t mean you need to help them every second of the day. It’s okay to take alone time and work on yourself.
This is especially important for those who suffer from addiction themselves. You don’t want to put yourself at risk of relapsing just to help someone else get clean. Ultimately, your husband will find the help that he needs, but you need to keep yourself in mind, too.
Find Alcoholism Treatment for Your Husband
If your husband was receptive and is ready for treatment, that’s awesome! Getting him to admit that he has a problem is half the journey, and treatment is only the next step. There are tons of treatment options available for alcohol use disorder, including inpatient and outpatient programs.
To learn more about alcoholism treatment and how we can help you get and stay sober, call Asheville Recovery Center today. We’re eager to answer any questions you may have.
