Tips For Successful Marriage After Sobriety

If you have a spouse who sticks with you and supports you throughout your sobriety, it can be a major source of support. But note that repairing your marriage may be a challenge, especially while you’re continuing on your path to recovery. Discover some tips that may make the transition into sobriety easier when you have a husband or wife to consider as well.

Making Marriage in Sobriety a Positive Experience

It’s safe to expect some challenging times as you and your partner begin to move forward with the new, sober version of you. Stress may come from the temptation to use or drink again, from your old friends, or even from your spouse, regardless of how supportive they may be. Ultimately, considering their needs and making an effort to make the experience positive for them as well are steps that will strengthen your marriage. Here are some additional tips:

Don’t Be Afraid to Start Anew

The easiest path may be to sink back into the same hobbies and habits you and your spouse enjoyed before, but it’s important to realize that those might be different now. For example, if you both used to spend every weekend drinking and watching football, the sober version of you may prefer a hiking trip with your partner. Don’t be surprised if many of the activities you enjoyed before were simply placeholders enabling you to drink or use drugs.

Communicate Your Progress

Your husband or wife has chosen to stay and support you because they care. They’ll also care that you’re actively working on your recovery. Sharing the times when you’re going to an AA meeting or making progress in your 12 Step Program can renew your partner’s faith that you’re truly going to get and stay sober. It’s an old adage that communication is vital in marriage anyway, and that’s especially true when one or both partners are recovering addicts.

Find Sober Fun

Few marriages can survive on sitting at home thinking about not drinking each day. Now that you’re sober, it’s vital to find ways that you and your partner can enjoy life and spend time with each other. Here are a few examples of how you can have fun without drinking or drugs:

  • Visit a comedy club on a night where drinks aren’t required
  • Go on outdoor adventures like hikes, surfing, or camping
  • Choose a mutual fitness activity like running or swimming
  • Join a class together such as yoga or CrossFit
  • Make a habit of seeing the movies your partner wants to see in theaters
  • Take an educational class or learn a new language together
  • Visit new restaurants, or cook at home as a team

Make Marriage a Beneficial Part of Your Path to Sobriety

Stress can come in a lot of different forms when you’re trying to get sober – marriage doesn’t have to be one of them. If your partner has stuck by you through your addiction, then they’re most likely willing to support your recovery process as well. Taking a few extra steps can make the experience smoother for both you and your spouse as you work towards your path to recovery.

If you need a calm, peaceful place to work through the 12 steps, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery for information on our residential recovery programs.

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