Relationships can be tough to handle at the better of times and under the circumstances. But when you think about addiction issues, any relationship can be compromised. While it is true that each partnership is different, there are specific pain points that require proactive attention.
You may think you have the perfect relationship, but maybe you have the sinking feeling that your partner is engaging in a pattern of addiction. Or, maybe you feel like your bond is actually suffering from the addictive behavior. Either way, here are some tips to help you and your partner overcome addiction in the relationship.
Be honest with one another
If your partner is clearly struggling with addiction, then the first step on your agenda as a helper is improve communication in your relationship. This won’t occur overnight. The prospect of having an open and heartfelt discussion a couple of partner’s addiction can be dire. That’s why it is smart to start with small talk.
Above all, conform to be honest with one another. Reassure your partner that his best interests are at the heart of your discussions. Encourage the conversation by being supportive and understanding. Try to put yourself in your partner’s shoes, and consider the best tact to adopt when talking about the addiction.
Avoid Pointing Fingers
If you live with or are in a committed relationship with someone who is an addict, the last thing you want to do is blame. Partners with addictive behaviors tend to be very sensitive to guilt trips and they may insurgent if they feel humiliated.
Deal with this potentially volatile scenario by approaching your partner with compassion and respect. Reassure your partner that you’re there for them. However, mention how your partner displays unbalanced behavior and calmly encourage him to see how this affects the relationship.
Better yet, highlight how your partner’s addiction makes you feel. This shouldn’t be done in a guilt-driven way, and shouldn’t play the role of martyrdom. Instead, use language like “I feel less connected to you when you use” or, “I feel much better and safer with you when you’re not drinking.”
Assessing and Encouraging Outside Support
Once you have opened up healthy channels of communication without blame or guilt, it is time to reassess the situation. This means identifying times to discuss several types of treatment if needed. Because addiction is such a sensitive subject, you may must approach this prospect with some caution with your partner.
For example, if the problem is progressive and extreme, you may want to encourage your partner to accept himself 60 day rehabilitation treatment. Do some research on a treatment plan like this before discussing it with your partner. Point out the advantages of checking into such a program, and cite how it can be a relationship-saving move for both of you.
You may additionally want to convince your partner to join a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Show your support by volunteering to attend Al-Anon gatherings, which support non-alcoholic members of the family and partners through the recovery process.
You can even suggest therapy ideas or couples counseling when helping you and your partner survive addiction. There are a range of various psychological services available both online and offline that help couples identify addictive behaviors. In addition, these services can help you understand and overcome addiction.
Respect Your Needs
So far, we have offered a series of suggestions for you to understand and be compassionate towards your partner through his addiction problem to save the relationship. That said, there may come a time when you must do what’s best for you. Above all, you should never compromise your safety or long-term well-being save relationship.
If your partner’s addiction is getting out of control, and you feel like your life is at risk, it is time to stop it and protect yourself. Don’t sacrifice yourself or your well-being for the sake of your partner or relationship. In the end, you can only do so much to help your partner survive the addiction. When you have exhausted all of your options, it may be time to rethink the partnership altogether.
