Alcohol and abuse in relationships can tend to go hand in hand as statistics show that a vast portion of domestic violence calls occur with an individual who is intoxicated. Addiction is a disease that affects all facets of a person’s life, with devastating results. A worsening addiction wedges how does alcohol affect relationships itself between two partners, sabotaging all chances of them being able to build a healthy, loving, growing relationship. Addiction creates an emotional disassociation between partners that is extremely difficult to overcome, and ultimately, alcohol can ruin relationships completely.
A 2018 study found that in children with a strong family history of alcohol use disorder, the chance of developing substance use issues was higher. The survey results showed that people in committed relationships who use alcohol during intimacy were more likely to be sexually aggressive toward their intimate partners. To address https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/is-it-possible-to-get-sober-without-aa/ these challenges, seeking professional help such as relationship counseling or therapy is recommended. It is crucial to have open communication, establish healthy limits, and cultivate an environment that is supportive. Alcoholism can serve as a red flag in a relationship, signaling potential issues that require attention.
While 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can benefit your loved one, Al-Anon meetings are great resources for you. Like AA, Al-Anon is a mutual-help group for the loved ones of those who struggle with alcohol misuse. Attending meetings, which are held all over the world, allow you to share your experience with others and find strength and hope from them and their experiences. Additionally, seeking therapy, either as a family, by yourself, or both, can also help you navigate recovery with your loved one. As alcohol use disorder progresses, many people find their friendships are predicated on alcohol. For someone who finds friends commenting on their alcohol intake, it can be more tempting to spend time with others engaged in heavy drinking who are unlikely to call you out for alcohol abuse.
Seek support through individual therapy, support groups, or self-help resources to address the emotional impact of the situation. Prioritize self-care activities that promote physical and emotional well-being. Setting clear and healthy boundaries is essential when dealing with alcohol abuse. Establish limits around alcohol consumption, behavior, and the impact it has on the relationship. Boundaries help protect the well-being of both partners and create a framework for recovery and growth. Denial is one of the biggest obstacles to getting help for alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
Alcohol ruins relationships because it can fuel conflict and arguments, amplifying negative emotions and leading to heated disputes that escalate quickly and have long-lasting consequences on the relationship. Alcohol can impede effective communication by warping one’s thinking, weakening one’s voice, and limiting active listening. This can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, and a decrease in the quality of one’s interpersonal ties. It lowers inhibitions, intensifies emotions, and impairs judgment, leading to increased arguments, volatile outbursts, and a higher likelihood of engaging in destructive behaviors during disagreements. They thrive on the conflict, the abuse, and the dysfunction of life with an addict. It can also create longer-term impairments that persist even after a person is no longer intoxicated.