Marriage is a wonderful union between two people. However, there are many things that can impact marriage for the better or the worst. When it comes to the better, marriage could be made even greater with counseling, frequent dates, and acts of service.
Conversely, marriage can crumble under the weight of many circumstances. For example, substance use disorder is a complex mental health disorder that could have a detrimental impact on a marriage. This is especially true as it relates to alcoholism.
What is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes problems:
- Controlling your drinking
- Being preoccupied with alcohol
- Continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems
- Having to drink more to get the same effect (physical dependence)
- Having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking
It can cause a wide range of health effects and significantly impact your life in many ways.
Alcoholism is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. It can be associated with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, as well as other physical concerns like high blood pressure or cirrhosis of the liver. People with alcoholism are more likely to experience relationship problems, financial difficulties, and challenges with employment.
The Impact of Alcoholism on Relationships
Alcoholism can have a devastating impact on relationships. Drinking can lead to marital conflict, which often leads to divorce or separation. Alcoholics may become emotionally and physically abusive towards their partners, leading to further strain in the relationship. They may also have difficulty trusting their partner, causing communication breakdowns that prevent any kind of meaningful connection or emotional intimacy.
The effects of alcoholism on relationships can extend beyond the couple, as well, to their children and friends. Children may feel neglected or ignored when one or both parents are alcoholics, while friends may find themselves unable to interact with an alcoholic partner due to fear or embarrassment. In addition, alcoholics often spend a disproportionate amount of time and money obtaining and consuming alcohol, leading to financial strain on the family. All of these issues can cause profound strain on a relationship, often leading to its destruction.
Alcohol Abuse and Marital Problems
Alcohol abuse in marriage can have serious consequences. The first and most obvious consequence is the direct physical harm that excessive alcohol consumption can cause. This includes liver damage, heart disease, high blood pressure, and strokes. Not only does it affect the health of the drinker but it affects their partner as well as any children living in the home.
In addition to the physical damage, alcohol abuse can also cause psychological damage. Problems in a marriage are often caused or exacerbated by one partner’s excessive drinking. This could include arguments, emotional abuse, and even physical violence. It is not uncommon for couples to experience increased stress due to money problems related to alcohol abuse as well. Excessive spending on alcohol can cause financial strain and can prevent couples from reaching their goals.
Furthermore, alcohol abuse in a marriage can lead to social isolation. The individual may withdraw from family and friends to avoid the consequences of their drinking or they may be too ashamed to reach out for help. This could leave both partners feeling lonely and neglected as the relationship becomes strained due to the alcohol abuse.
Finally, excessive drinking can lead to a loss of trust in relationships. This is especially true when one partner suspects that their spouse is cheating or lying about their drinking habits. The lack of trust in a marriage can be extremely damaging and can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression for both partners.
Alcohol Addiction and Family Finances
Alcohol addiction can have a devastating effect on the finances of a family. When an individual is addicted to alcohol, they may spend large amounts of money on alcohol, neglecting important bills and expenses. This can lead to mounting debt, late payments, and even eviction from their home. Alcohol addiction also makes it difficult for the addict to perform well at work, which can lead to lost wages that further strain the family’s finances.
There are a number of strategies families can use to help combat alcohol addiction and its financial consequences. Working with a qualified therapist or counselor is one way to begin addressing this issue. Financial counseling might also be necessary in order to restructure debt and create a budget for better money management.
The Impact of Alcoholism on Children
Alcoholism can have devastating impacts on children, both directly and indirectly. Children of alcoholics are more likely to suffer from the following:
- Physical health problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Delinquency
- Poor social skills
- Academic struggles
- Trust issues
In addition to the physical and psychological effects, children of alcoholics often face social stigma. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed that their parents are affected by alcoholism, which can cause them to become isolated and withdraw from social activities. This isolation can lead to further emotional distress and worsen existing mental health issues.
Children of alcoholics are also more likely to suffer from neglect or abuse. It may be difficult for a parent who is struggling with alcoholism to provide the support that a child needs and this can have long-term effects on their development. Children of alcoholics are at an increased risk of becoming alcoholics themselves due to the genetic components associated with the disease.
Alcoholism and Marriage: by the Numbers
Alcoholism can have devastating impacts on children, both directly and indirectly. Children of alcoholics are more likely to suffer from the following:
- Physical health problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Delinquency
- Poor social skills
- Academic struggles
- Trust issues
In addition to the physical and psychological effects, children of alcoholics often face social stigma. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed that their parents are affected by alcoholism, which can cause them to become isolated and withdraw from social activities. This isolation can lead to further emotional distress and worsen existing mental health issues.
Children of alcoholics are also more likely to suffer from neglect or abuse. It may be difficult for a parent who is struggling with alcoholism to provide the support that a child needs and this can have long-term effects on their development. Children of alcoholics are at an increased risk of becoming alcoholics themselves due to the genetic components associated with the disease.
Alcohol Abuse and Domestic Violence
Alcohol abuse and domestic violence have a strong correlation. People who abuse alcohol are more likely to be perpetrators of domestic violence. Those who experience domestic violence are at a higher risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
Excessive drinking has been linked to increased aggression which can lead to physical or emotional harm within the home. Alcohol consumption can lower inhibitions and increase the risk of violent behavior. This is especially true if an individual has previously exhibited violent tendencies. Alcohol abuse can cause cognitive distortions which may lead to more frequent arguments between partners as well as physical confrontations.
Those who are victims of domestic violence are more likely to turn to substance abuse in order to cope with their trauma and feelings of helplessness. Alcohol use can be a way to self-medicate, a method of numbing difficult emotions associated with the abuse. It is also possible that alcohol use disorders are more likely to develop PTSD due to trauma.
Get Help NowHow Can Giving Up Alcohol Save a Marriage?
Giving up on alcohol can save your marriage by removing a major source of conflict in the relationship. When one partner drinks too much, it can lead to arguments and other issues that can damage the bond between spouses. By eliminating alcohol from the equation, couples can focus on resolving their disagreements in a healthy way without adding fuel to an already heated situation.
What are Some Resources for Families Struggling with Alcoholism?
Families struggling with alcoholism can find help and support from a variety of resources. Alcoholism has a major impact on the individual, as well as their loved ones. That’s why it’s so important for families to have access to the right information and resources that can help them through difficult times. The first step to finding help is for the individual with alcoholism to seek professional treatment. Professional treatment programs can provide invaluable assistance in overcoming alcohol abuse and learning how to manage addiction.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Families Struggling with Alcoholism?
There are many treatment options available for those who need help with their alcoholism. Some of these include the following:
- Inpatient residential treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Medically assisted detox
Individualized treatment is at the forefront of everything we do at Path to Recovery. People come in all kinds of different shapes and it’s imperative that their treatment reflects this uniqueness. There is no cookie-cutter approach to addiction treatment and this is why we treat individuals based on their own life experiences.
Get in Touch Today and Start Your Path to Recovery
There’s no question that, no matter who you are, marriage isn’t easy. Adding alcohol abuse to the mix can make it even more difficult. At Path to Recovery, we offer comprehensive treatment methods for spouses who may be suffering from alcoholism or other substances. If you would like to find out more about what we offer, you can contact us here.