Tips for Sobriety When Your Spouse Drinks
Pursuing your sobriety while your significant other does not can present a unique set of challenges. However, with some preparation, you can stay true to your recovery and continue cultivating a healthy relationship. For assistance, explore these tips for sobriety when your spouse drinks.
If you or your loved one need a safe space to recover from addiction, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn more about our short- and long-term recovery programs.
Set Clear Boundaries
It’s important to establish clear boundaries for yourself and disclose them directly to your spouse. Perhaps you now find certain situations or people that you used to enjoy triggering, so you need to avoid them. Adjusting to these changes may take time for both you and your spouse, but it’s important to be patient and honest so that you’re both on the same page about what’s best for your recovery.
Communicate Openly
Communication about your sobriety is key with your spouse. On top of creating boundaries, become comfortable disclosing when you feel triggered, how you’re feeling throughout your recovery, and even your successes. However, do not critique your spouse’s drinking habits, as this can feel like an attack and lead to resentment. Instead, simply allow your spouse to support you and watch your growth.
Change Where You Keep Alcohol
Pursuing your sobriety when living alone or with other sober individuals usually involves ridding your home of all alcohol. However, this often can’t happen when your spouse drinks. When this is the case, a good compromise is removing alcohol from triggering locations in your home and placing it somewhere else.
For instance, rather than keeping beer in your primary refrigerator, perhaps you move it to a mini fridge in the garage. Similarly, instead of keeping liquor on display on top of your bar, place it in the cabinets underneath the bar. This way, when you open your refrigerator or pass by the bar area, you’re less likely to experience the urge to reach for a drink.
Prepare For Social Settings
Social settings can be difficult to manage when pursuing your sobriety, as many of you and your spouse’s friends and family likely drink. However, preparing before these kinds of gatherings with your spouse can greatly assist you:
- Bring a non-alcoholic drink with you to the gathering. This will ensure you have an acceptable beverage and it can deter others from offering you a drink.
- Be open about being triggered. If you start to feel uncomfortable during the outing, communicate with your spouse and let them know. They can help you regroup and create a plan to assist you.
- Arrange your ride beforehand. If there’s a chance your spouse may want to remain longer at the outing than you do, arrange your transportation home beforehand. Either drive separately, taxi, or set up a ride for yourself or your spouse with a friend that’s attending.
Consider Myrtle Beach Recovery
We hope these tips for sobriety when your spouse drinks assist you. If you’re struggling to maintain your sobriety and need additional help, reach out to Myrtle Beach Recovery today. We offer short-term and long-term recovery programs, providing a safe place to work through the 12 Steps.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you on your path to sobriety.
