Addiction is treatable and recovery is a lifelong process. A person recovering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol must completely change his or her lifestyle. Friends who are associated with the person’s drug use or drinking habits should be avoided. Many new friendships with sober people have formed by attending group therapy and meetings.
What about drinking alcohol while your spouse is in recovery? A person in recovery goes through daily struggles to stay sober and will need encouragement and support to maintain sobriety. Drinking alcohol when your spouse is in recovery is a temptation for relapse. Keeping alcohol in the house does not fit into your spouse’s new, healthy, and positive lifestyle.
Even light amounts of alcohol you drink can be a trigger to your spouse. For your spouse’s health and recovery, keep alcohol out of sight and out of mind. Having alcohol at home increases the risk of your spouse drinking secretly. When some people drink secretly, they add water to the bottle of alcohol to make it seem like they never had any. Easy access to alcohol is too tempting for a person in recovery.
If your spouse prefers your home to be alcohol-free, you need to be willing to make that sacrifice. There will be times when your spouse will be around alcohol, such as special events, holidays, or occasions. Make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available.
A person in recovery needs to avoid things that relate to his or her days of drinking. Recovery is one day at a time. The individual in recovery can feel guilty, depressed, and ashamed. Staying alcohol-free will keep your spouse’s mind off alcohol, make recovery easier, and show him or her support and encouragement for a sober lifestyle.
Living with a spouse in recovery can be challenging, but with the right lifestyle changes, you can help in his or her life-long recovery. Help your spouse find healthy, sober activities he or she would enjoy. Alcohol is not necessary to have fun. Staying away from alcohol during your spouse’s recovery can make him or her feel less alone and more supported.
If you or a loved one struggle with addiction, get help now. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and encompasses holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started: 310-881-9151