According to the World Health Organization, 76 million people in 2004 had issues resulting from alcohol addiction. A alcohol-dependent spouse can bring heartbreak and devastation to a family, especially where there are children involved. There are plenty of resources available to help a loved one get clean and sober. Unfortunately, only the alcohol abuser can make the decision to get help, and that decision often comes only after serious consequences have been dealt.

Avoid Being Codependent

Codependency is when the spouse of an addicted loved one becomes a part of the addiction cycle without meaning to. This comes in the form of enabling. If you consistently help your spouse out of bad situations, such as bailing him out of jail after he is arrested for drunk driving, you are becoming a part of the problem. Unless your alcoholic spouse reaches a bottom, he will never decide to get clean. You have to allow him to reach that bottom, and he never will as long as you are always there to cushion the blow. The best thing you can do when your alcohol-addicted spouse gets into trouble is nothing. You can get help with your codependency by contacting Al-Anon (a shortened version of Alcoholics Anonymous), or for your teens, Alateen. These are family support groups for loved ones who have an addicted parent or spouse.

Set Firm Boundaries

Set firm, non-negotiable boundaries, especially when there are children involved. Your alcohol addicted spouse needs treatment. Do not allow her to stay in the house while she's abusing any substance, whether it is alcohol or drugs. This is extremely important when there are children to witness the substance abuse. You can find an appropriate inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation center for her. You can't force your spouse to get clean, but you can tell her you won't be around to watch her kill herself with her addiction. Make an appointment for your spouse to do a referral for treatment. If she refuses, you need to remove your children and yourself from the situation. You can't make the threat without following through. Unless your spouse feels she is losing everything, there's a good chance there won't be any recovery. If you can't afford treatment, there are state-funded residential inpatient treatments available.

Family Counseling and After Treatment Plans

Even after an addicted spouse goes into treatment and seems to be doing better, seeking family counseling is an important part of the healing process. A counselor can help you and your children better understand the addiction of your loved one. Inpatient centers typically offer these counseling services to the family as well as to the addict himself. Take advantage of these services. Your alcohol dependent spouse won't be healed. He will always be an addict, even if he chooses not to drink. There will be an after-treatment plan he will need to follow. Alcoholics Anonymous should be a part of that plan. Be supportive of your spouse's after treatment activities and continue to participate your own plan, which may include more Al-Anon as well as family counseling. It may even be helpful to attend a couple of your spouse's AA meetings to show support.

Source:

Scientific Facts on Alcohol

National Drug and Alcohol Help Information