Alcoholic Spouse? 5 Changes To Expect Early on in Sobriety
Has your alcoholic spouse quit drinking? If so, you may be disappointed to find out it can be as hard to live with your sober spouse compared to an alcoholic husband or alcoholic wife. It can be very helpful to know what to expect early in their recovery.
Here are 5 changes that take place to early on in sobriety:
1. Alcohol withdrawal even under the care of a doctor can lead to some shakiness, stomach problems, anxiety, and insomnia.
2. Although your alcoholic husband or alcoholic wife will feel physically better within a week or two (no hangovers anymore,) they can be irritable and curt to be around.
3. Increased anxiety is common in sobriety. After all, alcohol was used a a way to escape stress. Your husband or wife will have to learn coping skills for stress which takes time. Also, your alcoholic spouse may have a lot to face in terms of consequences from poor decisions made when drinking (emotional, legal, marital stress).
4. There is usually a grieving process your spouse has to go through giving up alcohol. When people quit drinking, they often tell me they feel they are giving up their best friend.
5. Your alcoholic spouse may be attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings (12 step program) every day and is spending time away from the family. It is normal to feel resentful and left out because it feels like they were spending time away from you drinking and now they are spending time away form you- NOT drinking.
This is your chance to be supportive. It is a transition time for you and your marriage. Go to Al-anon meetings when you can get your own much needed support. Don’t focus on their sobriety- they have to take charge. Start taking care of you. Get some interests, reconnect with your friends, and do some fun things as a family. This is your chance to get yourself and your marriage back on track- but it does take time and patience.
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.
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