Is My Husband a Functioning Alcoholic?

The book Co-Dependent No More by Melody Beattie is a resource for the loved ones of alcoholics that is highly recommended by many therapists. In addition, attending individual therapy or even family therapy with the HFA can be effective. It is best to find a therapist who specializes in treating addictions, and you can often do this search through your insurance company or by asking your physician. In relationships with people dependent on alcohol, codependency often develops when one of the spouses becomes the caretaker of the partner struggling with alcoholism or substance abuse.

So if you’re in the same situation, married to an otherwise-wonderful man with a terrible problem, I’m talking to you. They could also be constantly needing rides to and from places or have to be bailed out of jail. High-functioning addicts are usually only a step removed from full blown dysfunction, so it’s usually the assistance of another person that keeps them afloat. They might think they’re fine because they’re showing up to work every day, for example, but their boss probably would say otherwise. They might think that their friends think they’re the life of the party, when actually, they haven’t been invited to major events because of their drunken shenanigans.

Drinking to Cope With Stress

An opposite warning symptom can be an attempt to make light of drinking often in order to normalize it. RósGlas Recovery provides bespoke individualised one-on-one therapy retreats for addiction issues and emotional health concerns in the comfort of luxurious accommodation and private surroundings in Ireland. Also, a doctor can talk to the person about the harmful https://stylevanity.com/2023/07/top-5-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-sober-house.html effects of alcohol on health. They might ask the person about health problems they are experiencing and tell them if there’s a link to chronic drinking. Being able to maintain major life responsibilities does not mean that alcohol is not harming them. If you are concerned about your loved one’s drinking, it can be helpful to join a support group such as Al-Anon.

To recognize that even though you’re broken, you’re so much stronger than anyone else could ever know. Strong enough to keep going when he lets you down, to pick up the slack when he drops the ball. You stay up all night with your stomach in knots, then work through the next day like a champion to keep things as normal as possible for your family. No one can fully appreciate how much you shoulder, because ironically, you spend so much time making it look like things are easy. But I know you’re exhausted on a level that someone who’s simply “tired” could never comprehend.

Why Functional Alcoholics and Codependent Wives are Common

Alcoholism is a disease that often comes with secrecy as a side effect. Your partner could be struggling with depression or anxiety and drinking alone is a definite sign they may have a problem. If someone feels they need to hide the fact that they are drinking or the extent of their consumption, especially from their loved ones, it’s an issue — even if they seem to be functioning in life. Like peanut butter and jelly, functional alcoholics and codependent wives tend to go together. Living with an alcoholic can be overwhelming, especially for a spouse or significant other.