If you are in recovery from a substance use disorder, it can be challenging to maintain your sobriety when your spouse is still drinking or using drugs. It is important to remember that you cannot control what your spouse does, but you can control how you react to their behavior. This blog post will discuss tips for maintaining your own recovery while living with a spouse who is still in active addiction.
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your sobriety is to build a support network of friends or family members who are also in recovery.
This network can provide you with emotional support and practical advice for dealing with difficult situations. It is also helpful to attend recovery meetings or therapy sessions on a regular basis. This will remind you that you are not alone in your struggle and that others understand what you are going through.
A good aftercare plan will help address setting up these support systems before leaving treatment. Having these supports in place and knowing who to contact if you struggle after leaving residential treatment can set you up for long-term success.
Secondly, remember to take care of yourself.
This is not a selfish act; it’s a necessary one. In order to be there for your spouse, you need to be healthy and well. That means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Consider seeing a therapist or counselor after leaving treatment to help you deal with the stress of living with an addicted spouse and find additional resources to help you stay sober.
It is also important to ensure that you have a healthy outlet for your emotions. Some people find it helpful to journal or exercise regularly. Whatever you do, make sure that you are taking care of yourself emotionally as well as physically.
Finally, don’t enable your spouse’s addiction.
This doesn’t mean you should turn your back on them; it means you shouldn’t enable their behavior. For example, don’t give them money to buy drugs or alcohol. And don’t make excuses for their behavior. It’s important to hold them accountable for their actions.
By seeing how your life has changed, they may be inspired to make a change in their own life. If you are trying to encourage them to quit, focus on the good things in your life. You can also be transparent about how much stronger you’d feel if the two of you were working together. Make sure you are careful with the language you use. You don’t want to appear to be shaming or blaming them, but you can offer them the hope of sobriety.
Your personal recovery should always be your priority.
Living with an addicted spouse can be incredibly difficult. If you find that you are putting your recovery at risk due to your spouse’s addiction, it may be time to consider ending the relationship or at least separating for a period of time.
Remember, just because you don’t live with someone doesn’t mean you don’t still love them.
It may be the wake-up call your spouse needs to start their own path toward recovery.
Recovery is possible for both you and your spouse. By taking care of yourself, building a support system, and not enabling their addiction, you can maintain your sobriety. If you feel like you are in danger of relapsing, it is important to reach out for help immediately. Call your sponsor, therapist, or support system.
Remember, you are not alone in this struggle. There are people who care about you and want to help you stay sober.
Hannah’s House is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety.
For more information about the signs of trauma in women or to learn about our programs, call us today: 866-952-5532.
