How to Help a High-Functioning Alcoholic How to Identify the Warning Signs

It is possible to live with an alcoholic, but you may consider taking steps to protect yourself from the dangers of their addiction. You may also need to resolve negative feelings about the situation and come to a place of love and acceptance before you can live with them successfully. Consult a mental health expert for evaluation and therapy if necessary. Engage in positive coping practices like exercise and meditation. If you have kids, ensure they have the tools required to cope with the situation.

• Hearing loved ones share how their drinking has impacted their lives and how concerned they are for them can move the addict to action.
• It is also important to seek professional marriage counseling if you need help handling your marriage with a spouse trying to overcome addiction.
• A therapist or support group, such as an Al-Anon family support group, can help you through this challenging time.
• When one starts living with a functioning alcoholic husband, they try to take control of situations, as mentioned above, and behave as a counselor.
• The problems faced by the wives of alcoholics range from physical to emotional to social domains.

Living With an Alcoholic Spouse: Coping Strategies

Intervening in the addictive behavior may be seen as a threat to the family’s financial security — even if the family must put up with emotional neglect or physical abuse. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics noted that nearly 60% of violent incidents Dealing and Living with an Alcoholic Spouse against a domestic partner or family member were committed under the influence of alcohol. Functional alcoholics are often in deep denial about their problem. After all, they have managed to maintain the appearance of success despite their addiction.

AUD symptoms

Alcohol abuse frequently plays a role in intimate partner violence. Intimate partner violence includes both physical and emotional abuse. People who are abusive don’t become that way because of drugs and alcohol. However, the effects of alcohol can certainly make abuse worse. Domestic violence is inexcusable and lots of times doesn’t change despite promises and mental health help. The problem is that leaving is often the most dangerous time for people being abused.

Self-help tips for living with someone with AUD

We’ve also put together the dos and don’ts of talking to the person about their drinking, which you can use if and when you’re ready to have this conversation. Since they seem to be put together from an outside perspective, it can be difficult for them (or you!) to see they have a problem. Try to be impartial when looking at the symptoms of AUDs if your spouse seems to fit this profile.

• Many people who struggle with alcoholism are reluctant to accept treatment on their own.
• Alcohol abuse is much more common in men than in women, and it affects them in different ways.
• Still, when you know how to deal with your alcoholic spouse, life can become better.

• Our curiosity about alcohol often begins long before our first drink.
• However, many alcoholics manage to function effectively, holding down jobs and maintaining households.
• Alcoholism affects everyone in a household — not just the individual who drinks.
• When under the influence, your loved one may become angry and lash out.
• 4.2% of Canadians are addicted to alcohol or have alcohol-related problems.
• But it’s likely that you haven’t thought much about yourself other than to ask, “What can I do?

Know the signs of AUD