Is your spouse suffering from the chronic illness of drug and substance addiction? Is this addiction making you feel distant from your better half, or do you constantly feel that your family is falling apart because of this addiction? We can relate to how you’re feeling, but you need to understand that this time must be harder for your partner than it is for you. If you’re ready and determined to help your partner, here’s a complete guide on how to help your husband with addiction.
1. Identify – The Sooner, The Better
The first phase of recovery is acceptance; the sooner you and your husband realize that he needs help, the better it is. If your husband isn’t accepting the fact that he is addicted, it is your responsibility to not neglect the signs and keep an eye on him. And once you’re certain he is addicted, confront him about his addiction, but politely. Remember, the problem is not the person but the addiction.
2. Educate Yourself
If this is the first time you’re encountering someone with addiction, you probably have no idea what alcoholism or drug addiction is or how to tackle such situations. You and your husband are emotionally attached, and it can be hard to see someone so close to you suffering, and especially when they show concerning behaviors.
To help your husband with addiction, educating yourself on the best practices for supporting individuals facing addiction is crucial. Spend your time reading articles and research papers on the topic so that you’re up to date with advanced work on the topic. By gaining a deeper understanding of how to help your husband with addiction, you can provide the meaningful support and assistance that he needs during this challenging journey.
3. Research Treatment Options
Your partner did not get addicted by choice, but choosing to get out of this addiction is. Your husband is struggling, so he might not be able to see clearly yet, but you should have a clear vision. You need to take control and do your own research to figure out the best possible options for your husband.
Start off by searching about different rehabilitation centers near you, what services they’re offering, what they are charging for it, etc. Read their pamphlets, check their reviews online, and don’t hesitate to call them if needed.
4. Engage In Healthy Activities
If you’re looking for ways on how to help your husband with addiction, this is the perfect way to do so. The relationship between spouses is different from any other relationship in the world; what you can do for him, no one else can. So, try to engage him in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Introducing him to new healthy hobbies, such as art, cooking, exercise, hiking, etc., might provide positive alternatives to addictive behaviors.
5. Celebrate Little Milestones
Help your husband with addiction embark on the path to recovery, which is a journey marked by both significant and small milestones. Take the time to celebrate your husband’s achievements along the way. The milestone can be as small as attending a support group meeting or, completing a few weeks in sobriety, or any other personal goal. Celebrating these moments will provide motivation and help reinforce positive behavior.
6. Communicate
Good communication is the foundation of any strong relationship, so try to discuss things with your husband. Try to engage in meaningful conversations and ask him how he is feeling about the recovery and in general. Make him feel safe around you and comfort him with your words so he can share exactly how he is feeling with you. A communication gap can lead to a delay in recovery and misunderstandings, so make sure he knows you’re always with him!
7. Be Patient
If you really want to help your husband with addiction, you have to be patient with him. No addict will accept his worse condition at once, nor will he share how he feels with you just because you asked once. You need to understand that your husband needs time and space to heal. It’s normal for a patient to experience setbacks or relapses on his recovery journey.
If and when this happens, try to understand that it’s a part of the journey because recovery is never linear. It has its own ups and downs; there’s no way to avoid them, and you cannot skip to the good part.
8. Don’t Blame A Person
No single person is responsible for the situation you’re facing, neither you nor your husband. You should definitely not blame him for his situation, but you also should not blame yourself for how things turned out. Don’t say that had you been more available or had you acted differently, the situation might have been different because it wouldn’t have. What happened was destined to happen this way, so leave what’s in the past in the past. Let bygones be bygones, and focus on what you’re going to do in the future.
9. Avoid Enabling
Enabling means actions or behaviors that unintentionally contribute to or facilitate your husband’s addictive behavior, and this is not something you want to do. Some instances of such behavior are:
- Shielding your husband from the negative consequences of his actions, such as cleaning up after him or making excuses for his behavior.
- Providing financial assistance without ensuring it is used responsibly and in support of his recovery.
- Explaining or justifying his addictive behavior to others which can perpetuate denial and hinder progress.
- Disregarding the boundaries you’ve established or failing to enforce consequences when they are crossed.
- Resisting necessary changes in your own behavior or relationship dynamics to avoid conflict or discomfort.
Take Home Message (Help Your Husband With Addiction)
If your spouse is having a tough time because of drug addiction, it’s your responsibility to help them get through it. You have to be there for him, support him, encourage him, and do all this without being judgemental. Whatever the reason behind your husband’s addiction, this is not the time to fight. Help your husband with addiction by being there for him, offering encouragement, and working together towards a healthier, more serene life.