7 Tips To Help Your Alcoholic Husband After Rehab

Posted by Dr. Uhr

If your alcoholic husband has just gotten discharged from rehab, you are probably both feeling a bit fragile and worried about alcoholic relapse. You feel hopeful. However, you have so much invested in his sobriety, you are tempted to “watch dog” him, but know you shouldn’t. Here are 7 tips to help support him:

1. Encourage your alcoholic husband to go to alcoholic anonymous meetings every day even if it takes away from family time. He needs this support.

2. Get rid of all alcohol in the house and do not drink in front of your alcoholic spouse.

3. Go to Al-Anon meetings to get your own support.

4. Cut our alcoholic husband some slack for his emotional ups and downs. He is no longer numbing himself with alcohol and may be on the irritable side for several months.

5. Skip functions with your friends (parties, barbecues etc.) that involve alcohol.

6. Set boundaries with your alcoholic husband so you are not enabling him (let him take responsibility for himself at all levels).

7. Let your alcoholic husband know how proud you are that he is clean and sober and try to be there for him in a positive and supportive way, putting your resentments aside (I know this is a tall order, but it works)!

The first few months after rehab is often the hardest time on an alcoholic family. Every one’s role in the family is changing. Your biggest challenge may be giving up the “caretaker, mommy” role with your alcoholic husband.

Here is the key: Concentrate on yourself and do not spend time monitoring your alcoholic husband’s every move. You both will benefit from this. Remember: the only person who can keep him clean and sober is HIMSELF!

If you want additional help turning your marriage around click here to register for my free report on, “ 5 Proven Methods For a Healthier Marriage With Your Alcoholic Spouse”. It may save your family’s life. The information in this report gives you very simple strategies that could very well save your marriage.

Good luck:)