My partner is getting out of addiction: 6 tips to give him support
Life next to an addicted person is extremely complicated since the addicted person, not being totally Conscious of his actions, he not only harms his own health but also punishes the people around him. In short, having a partner who suffers from an addiction such as alcohol, gambling, sex or psychoactive substances, results in a constantly damaged relationship.
Being in a relationship where the other party cannot control themselves because the addiction is more powerful than their will, causes questions such as the following to flood the mind: Is there a way to help the addicted person? Or, unfortunately, is it better to break the relationship? Is it worth trying to get it rehabilitated? Am I helping or am I more of a hindrance? In today's article, we will analyze the advice of specialists in the subject about how to provide support if our partner is coming out of an addiction.
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How to identify the couple's addictions?
Physical indicators are one of the first signs to look for if you want to know if your partner is addicted. Especially, people who use drugs, many times, are focused on addiction without knowing it, that is, their whole world revolves around present consumption and future consumption. It is also important to analyze whether your partner is being influenced by a "toxic environment" in which addiction is common. Moving away from “healthy people” and “healthy environments” is the natural evolution when the person has to find a permissive place in which their addiction is socially acceptable and unchallenged. Inevitably, this leads to distancing from regular friends or friends with whom you usually do healthy leisure or sports activities.
Similarly, financial problems can be a fairly common indicator that points to an addiction. If a person used to have a thriving economy and suddenly has no money, he may be diverting all of his income into his addictive behavior. It is advisable to review your partner's expenses, see if he uses the money in what he says or is hiding some expense. In any case, sometimes suspicions of addictions can be raised in our partner, making it difficult to talk about the matter with them, especially if they are reluctant to bring it up. Although this fact confirms our fears, it will be necessary for the addict to begin to become aware of his situation and affirm it.
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Tips to support your partner if they suffer from an addiction
This situation within a couple is not easy to manage. It must be taken into account that, somehow, both parties suffer directly and indirectly. But if we know how to give the space that the addict requires, without leaving him aside, in order for him to do Faced with the situation, we will manage not to deteriorate coexistence and, in turn, help you overcome the trance.
Next, we present a series of tips to support a couple who is coming out of an addiction:
1. speak clearly about it
It is important to have an open, sincere conversation, in which the addict can become aware of her situation and everything that awaits her.. In this regard, it is advisable to write down concrete and detailed facts that have derived from your addiction and explain them. Such as that it is harmful to your health, it generates instability in the family, it generates fear in you and in the family about the present and the future, and it has caused economic damage.
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2. Communicate from love
Although you may be tempted, it is not beneficial for someone dealing with an addiction to resort to threats to leave the relationship. It is essential to remember that a person in recovery needs to feel appreciated and supported to undertake this challenge. However, it is crucial to directly express the situation and the necessary actions. Clearly, she must realize for herself the value of facing the fight for the well-being of her partner, her children, and for self-respect.
3. Help him avoid the scenarios of his addiction
It can be a terrace, a friend, a neighborhood, etc. The important thing is to detect which stimuli trigger his addictive behavior and help him see that it is not convenient for him. to be close to that group of people or those places and that it is better to change the environment as much as possible possible. This can sometimes even involve changes in work or social life habits: parties, social clubs, hobbies, etc.
4. Don't cut your freedom
It is important to talk about what the addict wants. That is to say, maintain a dialogue where you agree if you can accompany him to the places he goes, since that way, later you can tell him that you are helping him to fulfill what he has proposed. Your brake will be justified because he himself gave you permission before.
5. Do not judge
Formulating judgments towards your partner is not constructive, in fact, it can be demotivating and generate tension in the relationship. Instead, as a partner, it's more effective to accompany her in her effort and make clear your willingness to be by her side. Do not skimp on openly expressing your affection towards her, highlighting your preference to see her without her addiction. Ultimately, it is crucial to provide new goals and horizons that you can strive for.
6. strengthen your will
Addictions can weaken a person's resolve. In this sense, it is essential to promote their strength through other approaches, such as work and physical activity. Through work or exercise, the person does not have free time that can trigger relapses. Also, stay away from settings where you used to use alcohol or drugs, as we mentioned earlier.