Is My Spouse an Alcoholic? Here Are the Signs

It doesn’t matter where you turn – alcohol is everywhere. They sell it at the gas station, grocery stores, restaurants, sporting events, weddings, birthday parties, and a bar on every corner. In moderation, alcohol use likely won’t result in many health problems or behavioral issues. Unfortunately, most people fail to drink responsibly, and all that ‘moderation’ talk goes out the window – roughly 26% of all American adults have engaged in binge drinking in the past month. If someone close to you is abusing alcohol, you may wonder, is my spouse an alcoholic?

While 86% of people will drink alcohol at least once in their lifetime, it’s easy for people to abuse. For example, 15 million adults and another 400,000+ adolescents live with an alcohol use disorder, and nearly 100,000 people die yearly of alcohol-related deaths.

Is My Spouse an Alcoholic?

Many alcoholics have a way of hiding their addiction from those they love. This can be very concerning for spouses, especially considering how damaging and destructive alcoholism can be in a relationship. Secrets often lead to mistrust – and distrust often leads to separation. 

To ensure alcoholism can’t go unnoticed, let’s take a look at some of the most common signs of alcoholism in a spouse: 

• Lack of self-control over their alcohol use
• Lack of interest in things they used to view as a hobby
• Wanting to stop drinking alcohol, but not being able to
• Engaging in risky behaviors while drinking alcohol (driving, swimming, etc.)
• Allowing alcohol to consume a large portion of your time and money
• Developing a strong tolerance for alcohol or having cravings for it
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking for some time
• Difficulty staying out of trouble at work, school, or home as a result of alcohol
• Continuing to drink alcohol, even though it’s creating a world of problems in their life
• Isolating themselves and hiding their alcohol use from others

If you notice any of these signs in your spouse or have any reason to believe your spouse is becoming an alcoholic, don’t hesitate to take action – you can still save your relationship. Either confront them about the addiction or consult with a professional to determine the next steps. 

How to Get Help for My Loved One

Alcoholism affects millions of people every single year, and while effective treatment options exist, only about 1 in every 10 people will seek treatment. Those who don’t seek treatment will likely see their addiction grow worse and continue wreak havoc on their daily lives. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common treatment options for alcohol use disorder:

• Detox Programs – these programs are designed to help eliminate alcohol from the patient’s body, that way, they can enter the recovery process with a sober attitude.
• Outpatient Treatment – these programs are designed to give patients the care and treatment they need, but patients aren’t required to live in a controlled environment.
• Inpatient Treatment – these programs are designed to provide a positive, yet strict, controlled, and structured environment for the patient to live in during recovery. 
• Alcoholics Anonymous – this is a 12-Step program where patients meet with other alcoholics in an effort to support one another and find a solution to their problems.
• Therapy or Counseling – these programs are designed to help patients understand their condition, while finding practical ways of coping with and overcoming it. 
• Lifestyle Changes – throughout the recovery process, patients will be asked to make a series of lifestyle changes to promote a more healthy and happy lifestyle. 

Treatment isn’t going to look the same for every patient – what works for one individual might not work for the next. With the patient’s cooperation and the support of their loved ones, our team at Prevail Recovery Center can find a proven treatment plan tailored to meet their needs. 

Prevail Recovery Center provides comprehensive alcohol treatment in South Florida. Contact us today to learn more.

Prevail Recovery is an Alcohol Treatment Center in Florida

Do you often find yourself questioning, “is my spouse an alcoholic?”

Prevail Recovery Center is a top-rated drug rehab in Fort Lauderdale. Our dedicated team is thrilled to provide best-in-class recovery services to those in the South Florida community. Whether you need a quality detoxification program, effective outpatient treatment, therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, interventions, Alcoholics Anonymous, or any other form of treatment for alcoholism, we’ll help you find the best treatment. Contact us today to learn more!