If there are any children involved, it’s important to be aware of how the addiction has been detrimental to their well-being, too. Recovery can also sometimes uncover underlying mental health conditions that have contributed to substance use disorder. For example, up to half of people with substance use disorder have also experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Family Instability

• Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction.
• I think open communication about alcoholism with my kids helps them understand, in the long run, that their father has an illness, that he isn’t mean or doing it on purpose.
• An asset division as part of a divorce judgment may safeguard your use of the assets to pay the cost of living and safeguard your retirement funds.
• If you suspect that your spouse is an alcoholic, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of alcoholism.
• Both therapy and counseling, inside or outside of treatment, can help with these concerns.

These are my best tips as you work through your divorce and sobriety. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. In May 2021 — the same month Mulaney’s split from Tendler made headlines — Us confirmed his relationship with Munn, 44. He announced in September 2021 that the pair were expecting their first baby, and son Malcolm arrived two months later. GQ‘s cover story notes that “Mulaney declines to talk about his first marriage” but presents a breakdown of the comedian’s past four years — including a second rehab stint. John Mulaney‘s rehab journey and divorce are still sparking interest more than three years later.

Physical Changes

Knowing what rights you have during a divorce if your spouse is an alcoholic can help divorce rates after sobriety ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Divorcing an alcoholic partner can be difficult but there are support systems available for those who are facing this challenge. Finding support from people who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference as you work through your emotions during this difficult time. When divorcing an alcoholic spouse, there are several important considerations to make when addressing custody and visitation issues. The alcoholism of one or both parents will often play a role in the court’s decision when determining what is in the best interest of the child. Alcoholism can have a profoundly damaging effect on a marriage and its members.

Can Marriage Survive Sobriety?

It is little more than a seed that has been planted in their mind. Pre-contemplation is when the notion to separate is in the early part of development. The person in this place may not think of divorce as a serious option, but there may be a feeling that something is not working or a vague sense that the relationship is off-track.

• I didn’t drink on weekdays, I stuck to beer and avoided hard liquor, I only allowed myself a certain preset quantity and I drank a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.
• Research has found that drug or alcohol use is present in 40 to 60 percent of IPV cases.
• The biggest concern among spouses seeking a divorce from a spouse in early recovery from addiction is the fear of relapse.
• Social media is full of what I refer to as rainbows and cotton candy posts about sobriety from addiction.
• She has worked in behavioral health since graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2019.

Seeking Counseling For Self-Care

Check out our blog posts and resource links for the latest information on substance abuse. Through improved communication and in time, you may be able to get a clearer idea of whether your relationship can be saved, and whether you want it to be. Temporary separation from your spouse may also be an option to explore. The financial burden of addiction, however, is not the only way it can affect a marriage. Divorce is not something to be ashamed of, especially when the benefits of divorce outweigh the perceived benefits of staying in an unfulfilling relationship. About 40 to 50 percent of US marriages lead to divorce, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

Step 1: Find A Family Lawyer Or Divorce Lawyer

Telling an addicted spouse you wish to seek a divorce can come with unique challenges based on whether your spouse is still actively misusing substances or in recovery from addiction. More than 20 million people in the United States are estimated to have a substance use disorder (SUD). Codependency is another problem often seen in marriages affected by addiction. Codependent spouses of an addicted individual may find themselves easily manipulated or placated by the words and promises of their loved one. Addiction is a mental and behavioral condition that can refer to a reliance on addictive substances—such as illicit drugs and alcohol—or an addiction to certain behaviors.

• Both models were completely compatible and even overlapped in emphasizing specific parts of the relationship.
• All I knew was that I needed to get to a solid foundation and I could not do that in my marriage.
• Hello Divorce was founded by an attorney with over 16 years of experience who was sick of the broken family law system.
• Depending on your situation, you may need assistance from experienced family law attorneys who understand the complexities involved when divorcing an alcoholic spouse.
• When I got divorced from an alcoholic 10 years ago, I’ll never forget the feeling of freedom I had.
• However, it might be helpful to seek guidance from a counselor to figure out how to broach this topic with your current spouse.

So they stay, They keep going like they’ve been trained to do their whole lives. You should never feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help when dealing with an alcoholic spouse. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this process, and there are professionals who are experienced in helping individuals who are going through a divorce due to an alcoholic spouse.

• I hope that by providing insight into these aspects, you’ll have the information needed to make informed decisions and get the help you need during this transition.
• If your partner’s drinking affects your marriage, it can be challenging to figure out what to do.
• Her expertise encompasses group and individual work, with a particular focus on trauma.
• During grad school, she treated clients involved in the legal system as well as at a detox facility.
• Even so, proven sobriety will most likely allow the former spouse to carefully restore a relationship with the minor children.

How Can I Stop My Spouse’s Substance Abuse?

When I first got sober, I expected my sobriety to fix everything. If alcoholism was the cause of all of our issues, sobriety had to be the cure. Removing alcohol just lifts the veil of denial leaving all the problems exposed. Divorce is a life-altering event, and navigating the legal and financial complexities can feel overwhelming. One crucial aspect to consider is how to handle your finances during this transition, particularly regarding marital…