They can also help you get a restraining order or supervised visitation if necessary. If you’re considering a divorce, it’s important to speak with an attorney to understand your legal options. Getting divorced from an alcoholic can be a very complicated and costly process. But if you do some financial planning, it can help you to protect yourself and your property. If you have a joint account with your alcoholic spouse, call your bank to see if you can lower the daily withdrawal limit. That way, if your spouse tries to make any unusual or large withdrawals, the bank may contact you for authorization first.

Navigating Divorce with Children

• Courts will often consider evidence of alcoholism when making custody decisions.
• AUDs can run in families, so it’s possible your spouse had an alcoholic parent which may be discussed in therapy.
• By being vigilant and attuned to these signs, individuals can make informed decisions regarding their involvement with someone struggling with alcoholism.
• Your alcoholic husband or wife is likely experiencing this first hand.

For example, you may need a stronger support network during and after the divorce, outside the courtroom. Alcohol use disorder is a progressive disease that hurts, not only the alcoholic, but the people around them. A study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that 29 million people age 12 and older suffer from alcohol use disorder. That can escalate to a degree that divorce may even feel necessary for yourself and your loved ones. If you are trying to divorce with no money, the best place to find a divorce attorney is with a legal aid group in your area.

Commitment to Relationship

However, as the drinking worsened, so did the quality of our life together. The turning point came after yet another broken promise and a particularly frightening episode that left me questioning not just our future, but our safety. It became clear that the person I loved was no longer in control, and neither was I. It was then I began to seriously consider how to leave an alcoholic spouse. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse in your marriage, you may want to know about the signs of an alcoholic husband or wife. The medical term for alcoholism is an alcohol use disorder, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

How to Leave an Alcoholic Partner and Rebuild Your Life

• Knowing the road to recovery will be filled with ups and downs can help a partner have the right mindset to weather the rough patches.
• Before you decide in leaving an alcoholic you must first try your best on how to help an alcoholic husband.
• This can lead to misunderstandings, arguments, and feelings of resentment.
• If your partner is not interested in getting help or making changes, it’s unlikely that they will be able to overcome their addiction.
• If you live with an alcoholic partner or spouse who takes part in excessive alcohol consumption, you may notice effects on your relationship and a change in your significant other over time.

To make an informed decision, evaluate the impact of your partner’s alcoholism on your mental and physical health, your personal goals, and your overall happiness. While every relationship has ups and leaving an alcoholic downs, constant instability and emotional pain are indicators that leaving may be the healthiest choice for you. In fact, functional alcoholics are often people who seem to ‘have it all; they maintain a busy social life, work hard at their careers and are often well-liked by their neighbors.

You may feel constantly stressed, worried, or anxious about your partner’s behavior, which can Alcohol Use Disorder affect your own ability to function and thrive. Encourage your partner to seek treatment if they’re ready, but also recognize that their journey is their own and they may need space or time before they’re ready to make changes. Above all, take care of yourself and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. In some cases, a partner may stay with an alcoholic spouse because the spouse enters treatment and seems to want to change.