Are You Are Married to an Addict?

 Posted on January 03, 2018 in Divorce

Substance abuse and addiction problems have touched most people’s lives one way or another. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 21.5 million teens and adults fought a substance use disorder in the United States in 2014. If you have ever been close to someone struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you know that the addiction can become all-consuming. Addicts can end up losing their jobs, resort to criminal activity, and be estranged from those who love them. Others with addiction issues seek professional help and are able to overcome the dependence. If you are married to someone with substance abuse issues, you know the toll those issues can take on the family.

Sometimes, a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol becomes a danger to themselves or those in his or her household. How much should a spouse tolerate before they end the marriage? Every relationship is different and only the people in it know what is right for them. However, if you are married to an addict, there are a few things worth keeping in mind.

Is Your Partner Willing to Get Help?

It can be devastating to watch a loved one suffer with an addiction—especially a spouse. The addiction can make the person you once loved change into someone you do not recognize. If you are married to someone with an addiction issue and you are weighing your options for staying or leaving the marriage, there are a few things you should ask yourself. Firstly, is your partner willing to seek professional help for his or her addiction? It is significantly more difficult for an addict to get clean without the help of a medical professional, therapist, AA or NA meetings, or rehabilitation program. If your addicted spouse refuses to accept help, he or she may not be ready for a change. At that point, you have to ask yourself if you are willing to continue to be married to an addict if he or she does not plan to stop using the addictive substance.

Is Your Partner Behaving Abusively?

Statistically, substance abuse issues and domestic violence go hand in hand. Sometimes, those who are addicted to substances lash out violently. If your partner has physically or psychologically harmed you or your children, this could be a sign that the marriage is no longer safe to continue. Furthermore, if you have children in the home, they are deeply affected by parental addiction. Not only are children put at risk when they have physical access to dangerous drugs or alcohol, but they also suffer from not receiving the care and attention that a non-addicted parent would give. Many states, including Illinois, have expanded the civil definition of child abuse or neglect to include exposing children to certain illegal drug activity.

Let Us Help

If you are married to an addict and are considering divorcing him or her, the team at A. Traub & Associates know that you have a long road ahead of you. Our dedicated Lombard family law attorneys are ready to help you understand your options and rights going forward. Call 630-426-0196 to schedule a confidential consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/drugexposed.pdf

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/contemplating-divorce/201109/so-youre-married-addict-is-divorce-inevitable

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-statistics/