Alcoholism comes in many forms and doesn\’t always become severe right away. It\’s easy for casual drinking to develop into a substance abuse problem over time, so your concerns that your spouse is drinking too much may be well founded. If you suspect their drinking is becoming a problem, you should try to look for the signs of alcoholism before you try to convince them to enter a New Jersey rehab facility. Even though they are drinking in your presence, look for signs that they also hide their drinking or take drinks at work. Other signs of an alcohol use problem include:
- Mood changes
- Sweating and shaking hands
- Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness
- Blackouts
- Depression, loneliness, or increased anxiety
When you do recognize some of these signs, the next step will be to convince your spouse that they need to take a break from drinking. If you approach them in an accusatory manner, they will likely respond with anger or hostility. Instead, try to explain that you\’re worried about their health and safety. Discuss the changes you\’ve seen in them, including how their drinking has affected their career, personal relationships, and other aspects of their life. You can also help them see how their substance use has affected their health if you have noticed changes in their personal hygiene habits or physical condition.
The choice to enter a New Jersey rehab facility will have to be your spouse\’s decision, but you should do what you can to convince them that they do need help. If your spouse has pledged to stop drinking in the past and has failed, this can also be a sign that they need professional alcohol addiction treatment. During your conversations with your spouse, it\’s important to show them that they will have your support throughout the recovery process. By assuring them that they can depend on you, they may be more willing to consider rehab.
How Can a New Jersey Rehab Facility Help Your Spouse?
If your spouse has tried to stop drinking and relapsed, they will likely need help to get sober before they can begin the rehab program. Many treatment facilities operate detox centers to help individuals quit using drugs or alcohol. This process involves administering medication to control withdrawal symptoms and cravings so the individual will be able to stay sober after the detox period. The medication is given in strictly controlled doses, which are gradually reduced in size to help the addict adjust to being sober and clean. While the detox program won\’t eliminate cravings or withdrawal symptoms, the process will help your spouse to better manage their addiction. This will make it a little easier for them as they move into the rehab facility to begin their addiction recovery.
After a brief intake process that evaluates your spouse\’s addiction and health, they can begin a customized treatment process. During the first few weeks of treatment, you won\’t be able to visit your spouse or talk to them on the phone. This is an important part in the process because it provides an opportunity for your spouse to focus on their recovery. They will also be able to form friendships with other recovering alcoholics, which helps to build a strong network of support. Later in your spouse\’s recovery, you will be notified that you can visit. This is also an important step because it shows your spouse that they still have your support and that you\’ll do what you can to help them stay sober upon coming home. There may also be an opportunity to engage in couples counseling or family therapy as a part of your spouse\’s recovery.
Depending on the severity of your spouse\’s previous alcohol use, there may be strained relationships that need to be addressed. Counseling in rehab will provide an opportunity for you to heal as a couple, or, if children are also involved, as a family. Your spouse will also engage in peer-group counseling, one on one addiction counseling, and one on one psychological therapy to deal with any emotional health problems they may have been experiencing. By the time your spouse returns home, they will have adopted a new lifestyle that promotes greater physical and emotional health in addition to sobriety.
When your spouse is ready to adopt a more positive path for themselves, contact our counselors at 833-610-1174. We\’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions about addiction treatment. Whether your spouse struggles with alcoholism or just wants to stop drinking before it does become a problem, we offer a variety of treatment programs to suit every situation.