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Dating an Alcoholic: When it’s time to leave

December 1, 2021

7 min read

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Author : United We Care
Clinically approved by : Dr.Vasudha
Dating an Alcoholic: When it’s time to leave

Alcoholism is a serious addiction that may have negative consequences for both, the individual that suffers from it, and their loved ones. Alcoholism can lead to financial issues, stress from managing home obligations on one’s own, and frequent disagreement with a partner. 

You can find a lot of information concerning dealing with dating someone with alcoholism. Some people believe they should stay with the alcoholic and attempt to help them get clean, while others believe they should split up because of how negatively their life is affected by their partner. 

This article helps you determine how to cope with someone who suffers from alcoholism, and reassess whether or not it is time to take a break from them. 

4 stages of addiction

Dating an Alcoholic: Signs and Symptoms

Do they have a relationship with an alcoholic? Maybe they’ve thought to themselves, “How can they know if they are dating an alcoholic?” If they are not sure their spouse has an alcohol issue, there are certain warning signals to look for. Here are some indicators that someone may be suffering from alcoholism:

  • Do their partner’s attitude and behavior alter when they are under the influence of alcohol?
  • Is their companion agitated or irritated when they aren’t allowed to drink?
  • Is it difficult for their spouse to limit how much they drink?
  • Is drinking their go-to coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or other life problems?
  • Do they observe bottles of alcohol strewn around the house, and does it appear like beer is constantly on hand at get-togethers with friends?
  • Is their partner’s capacity to be effective at work and home affected by alcohol?

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How to Spot an Alcoholic?

This may sound self-evident, but it’s true: alcoholics steadily increase their tolerance for alcohol. They may note that alcoholics can drink more than the rest of the group without experiencing the same, or any, effects and continue to drink while others slow down or exhibit worry.

If they discover someone drinking alcohol in locations where it is not permitted, such as school or work, that person is either an alcoholic or on the path of becoming one. When someone feels the need to hide something from their loved ones, it’s usually because they know it’s wrong, they’re embarrassed, and they don’t know what to do about it.

Managing an alcohol issue may be extremely demanding on an emotional, mental, and physical level, to say nothing of the actual harm and stress it causes the brain and body. Reminiscing about the days when drinking was merely enjoyable and non-addictive can rapidly turn a happy alcoholic furious, emotional, or unreasonable, and moods might fluctuate dramatically.

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Alcoholism and Relationships:

Every individual dating someone with alcoholism must decide whether to assist them or to separate themselves from them. Distancing themself may appear selfish, but they must first care about themself before they can serve others.

People in a codependent relationship with an alcoholic but the alcoholic’s needs before their own. They frequently suffer from poor self-esteem and depression, among other mental health difficulties. If they’re suffering from the effects of codependency, it’s time to get away from the relationship or take a break.

Being in love with an alcoholic may be a lonely and difficult experience. Mothers, fathers, spouses, wives, brothers, and sisters are all examples of high-functioning alcoholics. The consequences of drunkenness on families may be devastating. The kind of relationship they have with an alcoholic might have a big impact on how their sickness impacts them.

The 7 Stages of Addiction:

Addiction appears out of nowhere. Instead, it is the outcome of a prolonged period of continuous drug usage that progressively alters an individual’s perception of a drug and their body’s response to it. The various stages of addiction are:

  • Initial use

The first time a chemical is tried marks the beginning of addiction. Addiction usually begins in adolescence, when their brain is ready for risk-taking.

  • Experimentation

The experimental phase does not imply the addition of other drugs to the mix; rather, it refers to the usage of the original chemical in settings other than the first one.

  • Regular Use

A user develops a routine of using a drug after a period of experimenting. Depending on emotional conditions like loneliness and stress, the pattern may change.

  • Risky Use

At stage 4, the effects of drug usage become obvious. The negative effects of the chemical become more severe as a user’s regular use increases.

  • Dependence

Drug dependency, which can be psychological, physical, or a combination of both, characterizes the fifth stage of addiction.

  • Drug or Alcohol Addiction

The unrestrained use of drugs or alcohol characterizes the addiction stage of substance use. When a person becomes addicted, they may withdraw from friends, family, and previous pastimes.

  • Addiction Treatment

Addiction therapy is the ultimate stage of the addiction process. Addiction therapy is fortunately available and is an effective means of dealing with an addiction.

When to Leave the Relationship

There are various reasons why someone decides to stay with an alcoholic partner, but fear is generally at the top of the list. People may be afraid of living without their significant other or of separating their children from their parents. Even if they’re afraid, there’s no reason to stay in a relationship that makes them unhappy or puts their safety in jeopardy.

If their significant other is serious about seeking assistance and making a change, staying with them and supporting them on their recovery path may be the best option. If, on the other hand, they’re caught in an unhealthy relationship that’s full of lies, disputes, and abuse, it might be time to leave. This is especially true if they’ve offered their significant other the chance to get therapy, but they’ve refused or denied the existence of a problem.

Conclusion

Being in love with an alcoholic may be a lonely and difficult experience. Mothers, fathers, spouses, wives, brothers, and sisters are all examples of high-functioning alcoholics. The consequences of drunkenness on families may be devastating. The kind of relationship they have with an alcoholic might have a big impact on how their sickness impacts them. They can also take help from https://www.unitedwecare.com/areas-of-expertise/

United We Care is online mental health wellness and therapy platform which provides expert advice on dealing with their mental and emotional issues. United We Care was born out of love and desire to provide the globe with equitable and inclusive access to assistance – safely, securely, and conveniently from the comfort of one’s own home.

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Author : United We Care

Founded in 2020, United We Care (UWC) is providing mental health and wellness services at a global level, UWC utilizes its team of dedicated and focused professionals with expertise in mental healthcare, to solve 2 essential missing components in the market, sustained user engagement and program efficacy/outcomes.

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