How to support a spouse with alcoholism?

Supporting a spouse with alcoholism involves a mix of direct assistance for your spouse and personal care for yourself. Here are some key steps as advised by Jordan Harbinger:

1. Assess the Desire for Change

Firstly, evaluate if your spouse genuinely wants to change their behavior. This determines how you can proceed. If they show interest in recovery, you can support their efforts by accompanying them to meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), ensuring there's no alcohol at home, and encouraging their participation in therapy or rehabilitation programs 1.

2. Take Self-care Seriously

Regardless of your spouse's choices, it's crucial that you also take care of yourself. This might mean seeking therapy for yourself to better understand your feelings and responses. Programs like Al-Anon are specifically designed for the loved ones of alcoholics, providing a community and tools essential for handling these challenges 1.

Both of these strategies emphasize the dual necessity of support for the addict and self-care for the spouse. Remember, coping with a spouse's alcoholism is challenging, and obtaining professional guidance for both the spouse and yourself is often crucial for handling the situation effectively.