The effects of staying with an alcoholic have always been stereotypically portrayed in the movies – angry outbursts, domestic abuse, tense exchange of words, and even guilt. But is that the reality of living with a spouse with an alcohol use disorder? The fact is alcoholism has a tremendous effect on the family and friends of the alcoholic. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption is a causal factor in more than 200 diseases and other health conditions, such as mental and behavioral disorders. The effects and life-changing disruptions are not always experienced immediately; they start slowly and graduate over time. The biggest issue is you can’t fight or abandon them because you love them.

From another angle, a similar effect of living with an alcoholic spouse is becoming their enabler because you care for the person. This happens when you give them more money or cover up for them to hide their addiction so that they don’t cause a scene. Undoubtedly, family and friends are vital to the recovery of the alcoholic, and they are often the key to getting them help. However, they can also aid their alcoholism in different ways, and the reverse effects are colossal. This blog post discusses the effects of staying with an alcoholic partner and how you can get them to help.

Cedar Oaks Wellness Center is a Cincinnati drug and alcohol rehab that can help you overcome addiction.

Effects of Living With an Alcoholic Spouse

Living with an alcoholic can affect the individual, their work and social relationship, and family. It breaks the person as much as it does those around them. Some of the common effects are;

Lies and Deception

Alcoholism is a selfish disease that pushes everyone and every other thing aside. An individual with alcohol problems lies about how many bottles they have consumed and where they’ve been. As a partner or a family member, you may find bottles in strange places. You may be inclined to ask, but the fear of retaliation will silence you, and the cycle of drinking continues.

Emotional distress

Alcoholism can be emotionally draining and cause enormous stress and anxiety to those surrounding the individual. The unpredictable, spontaneous behavior of the alcoholic can create instability in the home and relationships.

Physical health challenges

Living with an alcoholic individual can lead to stress, increased anxiety, and uncertainty. It makes it complicated to anticipate the person’s behavior, which can lead to distress. Alcoholism can also cause sleep disturbances, headaches, and other physical problems.

Financial problems

Alcoholism drains the pocket of the individual and can have a significant impact on the livelihood of his family. Financial debts and expenses will significantly rise if the family solely depends on the person’s income.

Social isolation

The alcoholic spouse dissociates from any social activity with close pals or colleagues. Also, the non-alcoholic partner may feel embarrassed or ashamed to have friends over and cook up excuses for the absence of the alcoholic partner.

Relationship conflict

Physical and emotional connection is a core component of any healthy relationship, but with an alcoholic spouse, this connection is lost. Additionally, alcoholism can lead to a breakdown in communication, loss of sex and intimacy, and increased abuse. If you are their partner, you may count on your fingers the number of times you went to bed with your partner.

Mental health issues

Alcoholism can cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. If you’re in a co-dependent relationship with an alcoholic, their behavior can lead to greater anxiety and depression.

If you’re living with an alcoholic, it can affect your mental and emotional state. Seeking help is the best decision.

Effects of Living with an Alcoholic Spouse on Children

Children are the most affected in this case. They become vulnerable to harm, and the experience in their childhood can have a profound effect on their adulthood. According to several studies, children of alcoholics experience higher depression and low self-esteem.

The effects include:

• Neglect
• Difficulty communicating with alcoholic parents
• Psychological and social problems

Alcoholic Spouse Support Groups

Alcoholism can be challenging to manage, especially when spouses and children are involved. The good news is many support groups are available that can help out. Here are some options;

Al-Anon

Al-Anon is a popular support group that helps friends and family members of those with AUD. This group is based on the 12-step program.

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)

ACA is a support group that helps children who grew up with alcoholic parents. The group provides a supportive environment for children to share their experiences growing up in an alcoholic environment.

SMART Recovery Family & Friends

SMART Recovery uses a science-based model to help those recover from the impact of addiction on their lives.

Families Anonymous

Families Anonymous is another support group that caters to families and friends of those with alcohol addiction problems. It is based on a 12-step program. It provides tools and resources to help individuals cope with addiction’s emotional, physical, and mental impacts.

Cedar Oaks Wellness Center Can Help a Loved One with Alcohol Addiction

Seeking help for your alcoholic spouse is a brave move in coping with the challenges of living with an alcoholic partner. If all you say or do to help your loved one seek help isn’t working, you can contact us. Cedar Oaks Wellness Center has a dedicated team of addiction specialists who can encourage your alcoholic spouse to seek help. With our support groups and various treatment programs, we can help those affected by their partner’s alcoholism to cope with the impact. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about our Cincinnati addiction treatment programs.

Alcohol is widely consumed in several parts of the world. It holds a crucial role in social engagement for men, while many others take it just for chills. Despite its availability, it could be life-threatening when consumed excessively on a single occasion or over time. This is called chronic alcohol abuse. According to Our world in data, global alcohol consumption causes roughly 2.8 million premature deaths yearly. When you realize it’s a substance you can’t do without, that’s a sign that you need some help.

Unfortunately, some people might not know when they go through this situation. This is true for those who use alcohol as a coping mechanism for anxiety and depression. Affected individuals assume that alcohol is the best treatment they could have to reduce their anxiety and depression. However, in reality, they harm their bodies and mental health more.

What are the effects of alcohol on the body and physical symptoms of chronic alcohol abuse, and how can you find help? Read on to find out your answers.

Cedar Oaks Wellness is a Cincinnati drug and alcohol rehab center that can help you overcome addiction.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?

Alcohol wields a massive influence on the brain and other systems in the body. After downing the first glass, you may not feel the effect, but your body will react to subsequent glasses. And if you become a heavy drinker, imagine the suffering your body will be subjected to. Consuming alcohol in large quantities leads to disruptions in the immune, skeletal, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, and CNS.

Typically, the body tries to excrete alcohol. If you drink more than required, the body cannot process it. It begins to build in your bloodstream and is transported to all the body systems, including the brain. This causes excitement, numbness, and several health problems like cirrhosis, stroke, and high blood pressure. This is never a good feeling because you could do something at that point that could have adverse consequences.

Alcohol slows down the immune system, reducing its power to fight off germs and viruses. Heavy drinkers may become susceptible to illnesses like pneumonia and risk cancer. In the skeletal system, alcohol inhibits the growth of new bones and causes muscle spasms. The reproductive system is also not free from alcohol, as excessive intake can cause erectile dysfunction in men and menstruation problems in women. It also increases the risk of breast cancer.

In the circulatory system, alcohol abuse can lead to heart problems, while it can cause intestinal damage, gastritis, gum diseases, and esophageal ulcers in the digestive system. As mentioned, alcohol affects the brain and the CNS. It disrupts the brain’s communication pathways and behavioral processes, affecting speech, coordination, and memory ability, which is why most heavy drinkers blackout.

What are the Physical Symptoms of Chronic Alcohol Abuse?

National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates that over 14 million adults in the U.S. struggle with alcoholism, and most don’t know they are addicts. Recognizing the symptoms of alcoholism is crucial to treating it. Chronic alcohol abusers exhibit symptoms that indicate their health is in jeopardy. Some symptoms are noticeable to others even before the abuser recognizes them.

Though the signs vary from one individual to the next, affected individuals show the following physical symptoms of chronic alcohol abuse:

• Uncontrollable cravings
• Unkempt appearance. Many alcohol abusers don’t care about their looks or may completely forget to take a shower sometimes.
• Trembling, which happens when the abuser doesn’t have alcohol in their system
• High tolerance for alcohol intake. You don’t have the power to stop drinking.
• Continued drinking despite knowing the health implications
• Vomiting
• Body pains and headaches
• Tiredness
• Irritability, which the abuser experiences when they haven’t drunk alcohol
• Dehydration
• Anxiety and depression
• Blackouts or memory loss

How to Find a Comprehensive Alcohol Treatment Program in Cincinnati

Heavy drinking causes dependency that may have grave withdrawal effects. It affects the quality of life and relationships. The good news is help is available, and you can overcome alcohol addiction. If you live in Cincinnati or know someone experiencing any of the above physical signs of alcoholism, you can reach out to Cedar Oaks Wellness Center.

Located outside metro Cincinnati, Cedar Oaks Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art facility that caters to individuals battling with alcoholism. Our rehab center is a place to heal and guide affected individuals to recovery. With our dedicated and experienced team, we offer personalized treatment programs, such as detox and residential inpatient, for patients struggling with abuse. Above all, we treat our patients with respect and love and commit to ensuring they cross the finish line. Your journey to recovery starts with us! Get help right now by contacting us today! Your mental health and well-being are of the utmost importance to us!