Watching the person that you love most in this world struggle with addiction is one of the most painful experiences a person can endure. Having a spouse who is addicted to drugs or alcohol will be a challenging and tumultuous time, and you will likely want to seek out as much addiction advice as possible to help your loved one. Some of it will be easy to follow and some of it will be harder than you ever thought possible.

1. AddictionADVICE FOR SPOUSES
3 Tips to Help Guide You Through this
Difficult Time

2. S t o p E n a b l i n g
01
W h e n y o u r s p o u s e i s
a b u s i n g d r u g s o r a l c o h o l ,
i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t h a t y o u s e t
f i r m b o u n d a r i e s . R e f u s i n g
t o e n a b l e y o u r p a r t n e r
m e a n s s t o p p i n g a n y a c t i o n
o n y o u r p a r t t h a t
c o n t r i b u t e s o r a l l o w s t h e i r
a d d i c t i v e b e h a v i o r s t o
c o n t i n u e .
It may feel like you are punishing your spouse for their behavior,
but setting boundaries and not enabling their addictions is actually
taking a step to help them get well.

3. S u p p o r t T h e i r R e c o v e r y
02I f y o u r s p o u s e h a s m a d e
t h e d e c i s i o n t o w o r k o n
t h e i r a d d i c t i o n s , i t ' s
i m p o r t a n t t o t r y t o s u p p o r t
t h e i r r e c o v e r y . B e
u n d e r s t a n d i n g i f t h e y n e e d
t o t a k e t i m e a w a y f r o m y o u
a n d t h e f a m i l y t o t a k e c a r e
o f t h e m s e l v e s , w h e t h e r t h a t
m e a n s g o i n g a w a y t o a
r e s i d e n t i a l t r e a t m e n t
c e n t e r , a t t e n d i n g r e c o v e r y
m e e t i n g s o r w o r k i n g w i t h a
s p o n s o r .
Your spouse can not be the partner that you want or deserve until
they have addressed their addiction, so give them the space to do
so and support them on the journey.

4. T a k e C a r e o f Y o u r s e l f
03
W h e n a n a d d i c t i s i n a c t i v e
a d d i c t i o n ( a n d e v e n w h e n
h e o r s h e c o m e s i n t o
r e c o v e r y ) , i t c a n b e a l l
e n c o m p a s s i n g f o r t h e
p e o p l e t h a t l o v e t h e m ,
e s p e c i a l l y s p o u s e s . Y o u a r e
s o c o n c e r n e d a b o u t y o u r
p a r t n e r t h a t y o u f o r g e t t o
t a k e t h e t i m e t o t a k e c a r e
o f y o u r s e l f .
Whatever activities make you feel taken care of, do them. And do
them often. Don’t let your own well being fall by the wayside
while you take care of your spouse.

5. We're Here24/7 FOR A CONFIDENTIAL ASSESSMENT
If your spouse is struggling with a drug
or alcohol addiction, please keep in mind
that in no way is it your fault. Addiction is
a devastating disease, but there is
treatment available. If you need help,
Call Evolutions Treatment at
1-800-795-8527.
http://www.evolutionstreatment.com