Drinking Dynamics: Dealing with an Alcoholic Partner

How do you deal with an alcoholic partner? Read on to find out

Having drinks, whether some bottles of beer or a few glasses of wine, can be a way to unwind for many couples.Perhaps, many do it to spend quality time together or to socialize with friends. It is perhaps part of many cultures all over the world to celebrate and socialize over alcohol. 

But what if it’s too much? What if it’s ruining your relationship?

When Alcohol Addiction is Mixed in Your Relationship

Knowing whether you have an alcoholic partner can be difficult. Maybe you would try to ignore the red flags. After all, it can be hard to determine when someone has crossed over from alcohol abuse to alcohol addiction. Either way, both ca have negative consequences not only in your relationship but in your partner’s health and well-being as well.

So how do you know for sure? First, you have to take a look at the warning signs if you indeed have an alcoholic partner or if addiction is developing. You may observe these signs of alcohol abuse:

• strong desire to drink
• inability to stop drinking once it began
• drinking more than initially planned
• having increased tolerance for alcohol
• making up excuses to drink
• lying about alcohol consumption
• being secretive about drinking
• blacking out when drinking

You may consider treatment when you have observed several of these signs in your partner. The sooner you get help for your alcoholic partner, the better, as alcohol withdrawal can often be dangerous, especially when delirium tremens, an condition that often requires emergency care, is involved.

You may also recognize these physical signs of addiction:

• shaking
• sleeping problems or restless sleep
• appetite changes
• inexplicable weight loss or weight gain
• inability to focus
• aggression
• agitation
• whites of the eyes becoming yellow
• having inexplicable bruises on the body (from falls or bumps when drunk)

What Do You Do if You Have an Alcoholic Partner?

When it comes to getting serious about helping your alcoholic partner or a loved one struggling with drinking problems, you have your work cut out for you. It’s important to find yourself your own support system as this journey is not easy.

It’s important to realize the you cannot control it. The decision to change or be better lies on your partner alone. You can only be there to offer support.

You also have to set boundaries. While you love your partner, giving in to their cravings and allowing them to mistreat you or abuse you shouldn’t be justified.

Remember: you should not give in to their addiction because this sends a message that their behavior is acceptable. By getting them treatment, you are showing them that they have a problem and that you will not put up with their addiction.

There are many treatment options available for your alcoholic partner, and Bridges of Hope provides top-notch in-patient addiction treatment. Get in touch with us today!