How Opioid Addiction Can Affect Marriage
Make the World a Better Place, One Step at a Time
When people come together for a good cause, it is a beautiful thing. So often we hear of news centered around violence, hatred, disease, and other unfortunate events that it seems like there is no good left in the world. Through these tough times though, you get a glimpse at just how good the world can be.
Vermont’s Opioid Addiction: A Family Crisis
Vermont’s opioid addiction has deep effects that filter from the individuals who are struggling with the addiction down to their spouse, children, friends, and other loved ones. Family bonds can be broken or irreparably damaged. It’s an epidemic that has impacted millions across the United States.During a 12 month period, ending in November 2017, a reported estimate of 69,948 lives nationwide were lost due to overdose, making it one of the most serious overdose crises the country has ever had to face.
Staying Fit With Fibromyalgia
Exercising with fibromyalgia can be a workout in itself. Finding the right time of day where you have enough energy, and where the increased amount of pain won’t interfere with the rest of your day, can seem impossible. While pain might be a side effect of working...
Mindfulness in Opioid Addiction Recovery
Medical treatments like methadone and buprenorphine can help many people overcome opioid addiction. Medication, however, is only a part of the recovery process. Most patients need to find effective ways to change their habits, and realize why they are there in the...
How Opioids Can Affect Sleep Patterns Negatively
Most people are aware that opioids can negatively affect many aspects of life. One problem opioids can cause is problems with sleep. Whether it’s falling asleep, the overall quality of sleep, or conditions such as sleep apnea, opioids can negatively affect sleep...
Codependency
Codependency can occur in any relationship, not just those in which one partner has an addiction. Codependency is an unhealthy relationship characteristic in which one partner puts the well-being of the other partner ahead of themselves, often to their own detriment. The partner who sacrifices themselves seeks the approval and affection of the other partner, and will go to any lengths to get the love they need.
How to Break the Cycle:
- Seek individual counseling for adults with spouses who have an addiction.
- Join a support group for spouses of people with addictions.
- Do things to boost your own sense of self-worth, like picking up a new hobby or a challenging career.
- Start saying “no”.
Communication Issues
Communication can be difficult or even non-existent in a relationship where addiction exists. You may have trouble expressing your needs, or may not want to burden your partner with your problems. You may also have trouble expressing the positives in your partner or the relationship because you are so focused on the addiction.
How to Communicate:
- Every day, find one positive thing to compliment your partner on. It can be as simple as: “I appreciate you washing the dishes”.
- Speak up for yourself, but in a way that doesn’t blame your partner. Non-blaming statements use “I” and not “you”.
- Do not avoid showing emotion or discussing problems. Give your partner opportunities to provide emotional support.
Mistrust
It may be difficult to trust a spouse who lies, hides their addiction or makes promises they don’t follow through on. Trust is something that is earned, and once it’s gone, efforts need to be made to rebuild that trust. You may find yourself wondering if you can ever trust your partner again.
How to Rebuild Trust:
- Forgive your partner. Writing a letter can be a powerful way of getting out your emotions and letting go of past hurt.
- Lead by example. Be a reliable, trustworthy person. If you tell your partner you’re going to do something, do it.
- Do not bring up the past. You can’t trust someone again if you dwell on the event that caused them to lose your trust.
Financial Difficulties
Money problems are a big source of stress in relationships. Couples disagree about budgeting, spending and saving. Opioid addiction can create financial issues that can spiral into fights.
How to Improve Finances:
- Discuss life goals with your partner, and how to save for them.
- Include your partner in budgeting. Track expenses and share them with your partner. It may be eye-opening for your partner to see how much money is going towards the addiction.
An opioid addiction doesn’t have to create marital problems. If you identify the issues and address them, you and your partner can have a healthy relationship.
BAART Programs is a division of BayMark Health Services