Addiction

How to Deal With an Alcoholic Spouse?

Written By

Jagruti Rehab

Published on: 10 Feb 2025

An alcoholic husband can make your life challenging in many ways. The delicate situation requires attention and smart strategies to solve the problem effectively or at least make it manageable. In the sections below, we are going to address the issues and talk about ways to cope with the challenges of living with an alcoholic husband. We will also discuss how to influence them to stop drinking and navigate the journey effectively. 

Signs of an Alcoholic Spouse

One of the most important things is to recognise the signs of an alcoholic in your spouse sooner, the better. Here are the signs you need to watch for

• Regular or frequent drinking, irrespective of situations and time.
• Ignorant of all other works and prioritises alcohol.
• Gets aggressive or irritated when questioned about drinking practices.
• Shows withdrawal symptoms, meaning the spouse becomes anxious and restless without drinking alcohol for a few days.
• Spends a large percentage of monthly income on alcohol.

Impacts of Living with an Alcoholic Spouse

Life with a spouse with alcohol addiction can impact the family in several ways. Not taking action early on can impact the following areas of life- 

• An addicted person is extremely dependent on alcohol and can be extremely moody. 
• The mood swings lead to increasing conflicts and reduced intimacy, affecting relationships.
• Children grow up stressed and unhappy around alcoholic parents.
• Alcohol dependency can impact lifestyle because of budget priorities.
• The state or need for intoxication may not be seen well by everyone in society and at all social events. 
• Alcohol has severe, harsh effects on the body. The bad health of the spouse affects the life of the entire family.

If you look at the areas of life getting impacted, you will realise anyone living with an alcoholic spouse is constantly stressed in every way. 

How to Deal With a Husband Who Drinks Too Much

Alcoholic people are very sensitive about talks that show that what they are doing is wrong. So, “How to Talk to Your Spouse About Alcohol Use?” becomes an important question. Here are some tips- 

1. Husband Drinking? Learn About Alcohol Addiction

A little learning can help you look at the situation and your spouse in a completely different light. It will not just make you more aware of your spouse’s condition; it will allow you to see things with empathy and want to help. 

2. Communicate Openly

An addicted person is already sensitive; if you want to talk effectively, you have to be compassionate. Use I statements to inform about the effects. For example, I am afraid of losing my friends and family, which affects the growth of my children. It works instead of saying, “You are responsible for ruining everything.”

3. Set Boundaries

Tell your spouse very clearly your limits of tolerance. Give them which kinds of behaviours and actions will not be tolerated. It may also involve misusing money, drinking time, etc.

4. Seek Professional Help

Helping an addicted spouse is not possible alone if you are not a professional. Taking your spouse to Jagruti Rehab will not just help them but help you as well, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

5. Motivate

It's not easy for an addict to want treatment. Motivate your spouse and suggest support groups and rehab programs. Talk about the advantages of detoxification in life and how it will affect you and the family favourably.

How to Help an Alcoholic Spouse

True help requires patience, encouragement, and expertise. Here is how you can help your alcoholic spouse:

• Do not cover up your spouse’s mistakes, but be supportive.
• Educate yourself and share resources with your partner.
• Holistic activities as partners for self-care can awaken an interest in being healthy and build mental and physical strength.
• Encourage them to get help. Keep them accountable for the distress-causing actions influenced by alcohol.

How to Cope With an Alcoholic Spouse?

Living with an alcoholic spouse can be a traumatising experience. Getting help along with your spouse becomes important for your emotional and mental well-being. Here are some tips that can help-

• Join support groups 
• Focus on the improvements and positives
• Create a clean and safe environment by making your home alcohol-free and avoiding places or social events with bars.
• If it's getting emotionally overwhelming, talk to a professional and get therapy or counselling.

What to Do If Husband Drinks Too Much?

It may not be possible to differentiate between occasional and regular heavy drinking initially. Discussing it with the spouse may only confuse you even more. Here's what to do - 

• Observe and monitor the drinking patterns, the time, reasons, amount, etc.
• Encourage family monthly checkups without singling out your spouse.
• Encourage and organise a structured conversation to highlight the addiction, express concerns, and talk about possible issues with the addition and treatment options.

How to Stop Your Husband From Drinking?

You may want to know ‘how to stop my husband from drinking,’ here are a few tips: 

• Identify triggers and avoid them.
• Involve him in healthy alternative activities like hobbies,  sports, etc.
• You should appreciate him for achieving milestones to keep him motivated.
• Check the progress.
• Get help from professionals if nothing works.

How Can Jagruti Rehab Help With Husband's Drinking Habit?

Jagruti Rehab is a house of experts who provide customised care and treatment to help patients suffering from alcohol addiction. With a combined approach of therapy, counselling, and holistic practices, we focus on overall health with long-lasting results and no relapses. Our programs include family counselling. Talk to us and take your first step to a healthier life. 

Author

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.