Drug addiction affects entire families, and even while those using drugs may feel isolated in their challenges or distant from friends, family, and loved ones, the effects on the family are still profound. Spouses can be one of the people most affected by drug use, yet spouses can also be the people best situated to support spouses in their pursuit of sobriety. Identifying if a spouse is addicted to opioids, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, or any other kind of drug is the first step. Hawaii Island Recovery’s Hawaii drug rehabilitation centers can help educate each person on the signs to look for and how to address the situation, which is paramount to helping spouses addicted to drugs begin their healing journey.
The Effects of Drugs on the Family
If one’s spouse is addicted to drugs, these relationships can become incredibly strained. Not only can feelings of anxiety and depression be common, but drugs can also cause an individual to experience drastic mood swings or have difficulty regulating emotions. Feelings of anger, frustration, irritation, or intense reactions to even minor inconveniences are common and can transform the atmosphere of the households into one of stress and turbulence.
Likewise, if a spouse is addicted to drugs, responsibilities can also become a source of stress. Not only may drugs interfere with a spouse’s ability to tend to regular responsibilities effectively and efficiently, but they may cause others to pick up these responsibilities, which can further compromise these relationships, birth distrust, or breed resentment. An individual may also feel compelled to financially cover for a spouse, especially as drugs affect workplace attendance and performance or even cause the loss of a job entirely.
Each of these challenges is further compounded if children are involved, with spouses that are experiencing drug addiction having their parenting capabilities and responsibilities equally as affected.
Identifying if a Spouse Is Addicted to Drugs
It can be difficult to determine if drug addiction is impacting a spouse at first or to determine to what extent. However, knowing some of the potential signs of drug addiction can help families better look for its potential signs. Those with drug addiction commonly attempt to hide their use from family and loved ones, leaving families looking for signs of drug use other than finding drugs themselves or trying to catch a person in the act.
However, it is always possible to still gather evidence of drug use to open a conversation about professional treatment, recovery, and sobriety that addresses the effects of drug use on the individual and family. Noticing a combination of signs can inform the best approach to treatment.
Emotional Dysregulation
Noticing drastic or subtle changes in a spouse’s emotions can be one of the first signs that a spouse is addicted to drugs. Those living with a drug addiction may express intense mood swings or may be quick to anger about otherwise inconsequential things. Likewise, it is also possible that drug addiction can cause an individual to interpret supportive intentions as betrayal or become incredibly defensive when topics like drugs are brought up in any context. Sudden mood swings are also possible, alongside increases in anxiety, depression, and more.
Behavioral Changes
An individual does not have to directly observe a spouse engaging with drugs to experience the effects of drug addiction, and if a spouse is addicted to drugs, there will be changes in daily behaviors. Those living with addiction of any kind may adopt a more secretive lifestyle. Not only may this include suddenly locking doors or being protective of private space, but a spouse who is addicted to drugs may also be more secretive about where they are going when they go out.
Compromised workplace performance, attendance, an increase in risk-taking behavior, lying, or neglecting at-home responsibilities can all be signs of potential addiction.
Strained Relationships When a Spouse Is Addicted to Drugs
A person’s relationship with their spouse is profoundly affected by drugs. Commonly, once loving and supportive relationships can be changed when drugs affect daily life, as addiction may cause an individual to see their spouse not as a supportive force but as a hurdle to further use. An increase in argumentative or confrontational behaviors, disinterest in spending time together or engaging in hobbies, and self-isolation are all possible.
Noticing any of these signs can be a reason to reach out to Hawaii Island Recovery or other local treatment facilities to better understand addiction and its effects, as well as familiarize oneself with the potential treatment options available. A spouse does not necessarily have to exhibit all of these signs to be considered for potential addiction. However, there can be signs that there may be drugs hidden in the house or other private spaces, and locating such drugs can further the evidence needed to address the situation and pursue effective treatment.
Making Change
Despite the drastic and difficult challenges presented when a spouse is addicted to drugs, healing is always possible, both for overcoming drug use as well as repairing these relationships in sobriety. However, it is important to approach a spouse delicately during this time. Remaining calm, even in the face of lying, avoiding accusatory language or blame, and using evidence of use are all important. Likewise, allowing one’s spouse to speak and voice their side of things is also important to keep such conversations a dialogue rather than a lecture, which may otherwise further schism these relationships.
Recognizing the signs of drug use in a spouse is a challenging situation, but there are always ways to help your spouse identify and address the effects of drugs on their lives and the lives of family members. At Hawaii Island Recovery, we understand that the effects of drug addiction are never truly isolated, and we empower each person to explore not just personal mental, emotional, and spiritual healing but also embrace familial healing programs for a sustainable and comprehensive approach to change. Our Hawaii drug rehabilitation centers are equipped with trained professionals and like-minded peers, all working to create a community of change in sobriety. Learn how we can help you and your spouse by calling (866) 390-5070.
