Can Substance Use Increase One’s Risk of Divorce?

Many things can break up a marriage, and substance use disorder (SUD) is certainly included on that list. In general, SUD, behavioral addictions, and other untreated mental health issues can be tough on a marriage. The question remains though if these conditions increase the risk of divorce. Regardless of which side of the situation you're on, there sometimes comes a point when you have to choose your mental well-being over a relationship. Of course, doing so is often easier said than done. 

If you or a spouse are struggling with addiction or mental illness and can't seem to make the relationship work, know you're not alone. Some relationships recover from the toll of addiction, but many others don't. The loss of the marriage isn't a reflection on you, it's simply an unfortunate part of life. If you're an individual struggling to recover, we at West Coast Recovery Centers encourage you to seek treatment with us today.

The Toll of Addiction on a Marriage

When a suppose begins suspecting their loved one is struggling with addiction, it can be difficult knowing where to turn. Many spouses pretend like it's not a problem while others may use substances themselves to cope with it. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for both people in a relationship to struggle with addiction. In those cases, there are steps you can take to seek treatment together. However, you must both be willing to do so. 

In any case, the influence of addiction on a marriage can be catastrophic, leading to: 

• An endless amount of arguments about substance use 
• Covering up a partner's habit by making excuses 
• Cases of domestic violence by either partner 
• An overall weakening of the bond between partners 
• Inability to fulfill one's familial obligations, leaving it all on the other partner

Signs Your Spouse Is Struggling With Addiction

Even though a spouse may deny the warning signs of addiction within a partner, that doesn't mean they don't recognize the signs. Some of those signs may include: 

• Changes in sleep patterns 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss or gain 
• Loss of interest in hobbies 
• Acting suspiciously 
• Irritability and erratic behavior 
• Unexplained personality changes 
• Discovering hidden substances and paraphernalia 
• Legal problems, financial issues, or loss of job
• Signs of other mental health conditions 

How Does Addiction Influence the Whole Family?

Another reason addiction can become between a marriage is because of the influence it has on the entire family. It creates mistrust, emotional distress, and unhealthy communication partners among family members. Though everyone is impacted differently, the negative influence remains present. 

An individual struggling with addiction will sometimes behave in ways that are so erratic, it can be hard to recognize them. Different kinds of abuse may become present, and ultimately, the spouse decides they can't take it anymore. Yet, some people stay for a variety of reasons. Other times a marriage dissolves because of the influence addiction has on the children. 

The influence of addiction on children can be extremely troublesome, leading to: 

• Increased conflict in the home 
• Creating unsafe environments 
• Inconsistent parenting and possible abuse or neglect 
• Increased risk of a child developing SUD 
• Withdrawal and isolation in children that can lead to the development of mental health conditions 

The schism created within the family unit because a spouse struggles with addiction can lead to a great deal of resentment. For some, it's a breaking point when the problem impacts the children negatively.

What Factors Increase the Risk of Divorce Nowadays?

Of course, many factors can increase the risk of divorce within a couple. We tend to see relatively high divorce rates in today's day and age. Some factors that increase the risk include: 

• Infidentility, which can cause emotional pain and mistrust, and completely damage a marriage 
• Money problems, which can cause increased stress and tension in a marriage 
• A lack of commitment within a marriage, which can be a common downfall 

These are only three factors that can increase one's risk for divorce, though there are certainly many others. Substance use is another significant factor, but the topic remains taboo. It's so easy to make excuses or deny the truth of a spouse's substance abuse. However, this denial can put you at risk. 

The Risk of Divorce on Substance Use

Spouses in denial of a partner's addiction may turn to substance use themselves. However, even when a marriage does end in divorce because of addiction, the trauma remains.

Research indicates that rates of drug use are higher among divorced individuals than among people who are married. Of course, this doesn't mean divorce is the direct cause of drug use, but it does seem like these individuals are trying to cope with the pain of it all. 

How Do You Know When Enough Is Enough?

It's natural to want to get your spouse help when they're actively struggling with addiction. However, the reality is that you can't force them to get better if they don't want to; rather, they must want it for themselves. At some point, you may have to decide to leave, take the children, and salvage what's left of the family before anything more catastrophic occurs. 

If, however, your spouse does want to get better, we encourage you to seek treatment today. West Coast Recovery Centers can help your partner achieve sustainable sobriety and begin healing the wounds of your family and marriage today.  

Marriage is tough. From communication issues and financial stress to abuse and infidelity, it's no wonder we have high divorce rates nationwide. However, another thing that can come between two partners in a marriage is addiction. Whether it's substance use disorder (SUD) or a behavioral addiction, this illness impacts everyone involved, including the spouse and children. It's understandable to want to get your spouse help, but the reality is that they have to want to get better themselves. If they won't, there'll come a time when you may have to wake away for the sake of yourself and your children. If you and your spouse are looking for help, contact West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.