Could Your Spouse Be An Alcoholic?

We all feel like we know our spouse better than anyone else. But what if you don’t? It’s easy to ignore or excuse certain behaviors from those we care about. Alcohol abuse can hit close to home, and we often miss some warning signs before it’s too late for our loved ones. It’s important to recognize these warning signs when they arise; acting on them quickly can prevent the problem from becoming worse, or even fatal. You owe it to your partner, your household, and yourself to be aware of these warning signs. Here are a few tips to help you avoid alcohol abuse:

Be aware of your partner’s drinking habits. Be more mindful of how and how often they are drinking. Are the coming home drunk from work drunk? Do they keep alcohol in their car? Is it just one beer after work, or has it spiraled into something more? Being aware of how and when they are drinking can provide some perspective on the behavior. It may also help you understand why they drink so much and what causes them to drink so much.

They often stay out for long periods of time or come home drunk. If you’re partner is hiding the extent of their drinking problem from you, they may drink out with friends or after work. If they don’t come home for several hours after they get out of work, they may be stopping at a bar, especially if it’s a regular practice. They may also have trouble sleeping and are more likely not to go to bed early. Some people who drink are not very healthy and can cause serious problems for themselves and others. They may also have problems with other parts of their bodies such as the heart and kidneys. They may also have problems with breathing, swallowing and even having a headache. If they go out with friends on the weekends and don’t come home, they may be getting drunk or even blacking out. If they regularly come home drunk or hungover, they may have a drinking problem.

Their hobbies involve drinking. Many struggling with alcohol abuse are ‘social drinkers’. This type of drinking is incorporated heavily into social gatherings – be it house parties, bars, Drinking games are a common part of parties, which can lead to regularly getting drunk or even blacking out. Even events such as fishing often include a cooler of beers or something harder. The way friend groups meet up can be a problem as well; groups who predominantly meet at bars mean alcohol is heavily associated with ‘having fun’. If their stress releases all involve drinking, they could have a problem.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, contact RecoverUs Centers by calling 1-618-519-9444 or emailing start@recoveruscenters.com for assistance.