Some people will not visit a doctor unless they lose a limb or are doubled over in pain.  Even if they are doubled over it can still be difficult to get them to the hospital.  If your spouse is having an issue with addiction, the emotional terrain towards treatment becomes exponentially more volatile.  You know they need help, but how do you convince them to seek treatment in a loving way?

  • First, educate yourself on addiction and your spouse’s particular hangup.  Equipping yourself will help you be more effective at offering support.  Education will also help you learn from the mistakes that others have made when they came alongside their spouses.
  • Second, communicate and try asking.  You might think that your spouse does not realize they have an addiction, but they might actually want help already.  Perhaps they need a little nudge, or maybe they are waiting to know that you are ready to walk with them through the treatment journey.  Ask how you can help.  The key here is to communicate in a non-judgemental, empathetic, and loving way.
  • Third, help your spouse understand how the addiction is affecting you.  Everyone can get caught up in their own world.  It may be that your spouse has not seen or considered how their behavior might be affecting you and your family.  Once they understand, they may become self-motivated to seek treatment.  Be sure to use language that does not accuse or guilt trip your spouse here.
  • Fourth, build a support team.  Treatment for addiction is not an easy road.  You will need just as much support to get through it as your spouse will.  Be sure to build a team that will not choose your side, but is there for both of you.  If possible include your spouse in the formation of this team.  If it is not possible, make sure that you are open with your spouse about those who are helping you through this difficult time.  It might estrange you from each other if your spouse feels that you are going behind his or her back to other people.

If your spouse still refuses to seek treatment after you offer to help, you may need to seek professional help.  Particularly if they have become a danger to you or themselves.  Your spouse may be angry at you for a time, but once the veil of addiction is lifted through treatment, you may find your best marriage years ahead of you.   

The Springboard Center knows that recovery is important to you. That is why we are providing the best care for alcoholism and drug addiction possible to the Permian Basin and beyond. Our goal is to provide quality residential treatment that restores the health and dignity of our clients and their families. Together, we gain raise community awareness and heal lives. Call us today for information: (432) 620-0255