It may not always be easy to immediately identify small changes in the behavior of a spouse. The signs of Addiction in a loved one begin gradually and often go unnoticed.
Once you notice a significant change, you may not even be sure of the cause. Could it just be stress, is your spouse tired or overworked?
Over time though, the signs of addiction will make themselves known and they will become hard to overlook. If your loved needs help in the form of Addiction Recovery, here’s how you, as a loved one, can help.
Common Signs of Addiction
Of course, no spouse ever wants to assume their loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol. That’s why it’s important to be 100% sure of the symptoms of addiction to look out for.
If you believe your Partner is in need of Addiction Treatment Services, here the obvious signs of addiction:
- Obvious changes in behavior i.e. increased mood swings and irritability
- Changes in sleep behavior and sleep patterns
- Issues with work colleagues and friends due to drug or alcohol use
- ”New friends” making an appearance in their lives
- Unable to control alcohol consumption, especially at outings or functions
- An increased effort to hide or cover up alcohol or drug abuse
- Looking for a ”new doctor” in order to obtain a new prescription
If your partner displays two or more of these signs, you should sit down with them and tell them your concerns – one-on-one. More often than not, a partner is likely to open up about their addiction.
If not, you may want to stage a family intervention in order to help them.
How To Support Your Partner During Addiction Recovery
Once your partner has entered a rehab facility, it’s 100% ok to breathe a sigh of relief. But, it’s important to note that the hard work has only just begun.
While you can feel comfort in the fact that your partner has recognized their addiction, they will need your support more than ever.
What To Know About Rehab
During the first few days of inpatient rehabilitation, contact with your spouse is limited. You will most likely not be able to contact them.
This is necessary for your partner as they will be undergoing a rigorous detox program. Depending on the severity of their addiction, this is a harrowing time for them.
Once the detox is complete, contact is re-established.
While your loved one is completing their stay in rehab, here are a few important pointers to show the support they need:
- Try your best to attend all visitations held/ allowed by the center
- Remember to focus on the positive in all conversations- whether in-person or over the phone
- Make a real effort to learn and understand everything you can about your partner’s addiction
- Try not to become too wrapped up or overbearing during the treatment process. Allow your partner their space to heal
- Avoid bringing up past mistakes or demons during your in-person conversations- save this for therapy sessions
- Remember that you shouldn’t be your spouse’s only form of support- call on other family members to play a role in their recovery
Most inpatient rehab centers offer extensive therapy sessions and counseling support for couples. Take full advantage of these where possible!
Make a real effort to learn how to open up and communicate with your partner during your counseling sessions. This way, you and partner will learn to identify unhealthy behaviors that could trigger substance abuse.
Finally, remember to take care of yourself too. Take some time off from your partner’s recovery and look after your own mental health- you’ll be a better spouse for it.
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