Seeing your husband struggle with the darkness of addiction can be heartbreaking. You feel helpless as you watch him bring utter chaos and destruction into his life, no matter the consequences. However, even though you may feel helpless, there are ways you can help your husband through his addiction and transition into recovery. Understanding the specifics of how addiction affects men and how you can support your spouse will give them the best chance at recovery.
Men’s Struggles With Addiction
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illicit drugs, with use more likely to result in emergency visits or overdose deaths. Men are also more susceptible to peer pressure. Therefore they may use drugs and alcohol more commonly in group settings. Despite this, men are less likely to have social support in recovery because they reach out for help less than women. This can isolate them and cause them to feel worse, exacerbating the addiction over time.
Helping Your Husband Find Lasting Sobriety
When addiction infiltrates a marriage, it can have lasting effects on both parties, not just the person struggling with drugs or alcohol. However, there are ways to support each of you during this difficult time.
First and foremost, you need to ensure you are not engaging in enabling behaviors. You can do this by asking yourself if you are setting healthy boundaries and upholding them and if you are allowing your husband to take responsibility for his actions. You should also seek professional treatment for yourself, as addiction can take a heavy toll on your mental and emotional health as well.
Lastly, you should consult with an intervention specialist or treatment center to see how you can encourage your husband to enter treatment and get the help he needs. However, you should remember that you cannot force him to get help. As he navigates this journey, try your best to support him but don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Seeing your husband struggle with addiction can not only impact you but your marriage as well. You may feel at a loss when it comes to helping him, but you should keep in mind that there are healthy ways to encourage his recovery while taking care of yourself. At Alta Loma Transformational Services, we provide men of all ages with comprehensive, individualized treatment to find lasting sobriety. We can offer you and your husband resources regarding recovery and lasting sobriety. Learn more today by calling our Texas-based facility at (866) 457-3843.
