A 2013 study found that of the 52 people who participated, over 34 of them (that’s more than 60%) noted that substance use was a factor for separation. This was especially true in cases where the partner refused to acknowledge an issue or get help. Alcohol use, especially when it’s excessive, can put a strain on your relationship with your intimate partner or spouse. Even drinking at home does not provide a shield against spending when inhibitions are low. The “beer goggles” effect can make an item seem more attractive and the purchase price more inviting, and it can increase the likelihood of an unnecessary purchase. As a result, the time, effort, and resources formerly dedicated to life-sustaining activities, such as working and spending time with the family, are disrupted.

You’ve Replaced Certain Activities With Drinking

This can lead to reduced intimacy and a disconnect in the relationship as a whole. Here’s a snapshot of just a few organizations that may offer valuable support for families dealing with the effects of alcoholism. Since many people with substance use disorder believe they’re healthy, an intervention can help. By communicating openly with patience and compassion, friends and family members can convey the importance of sobriety to their loved ones.

Understanding Risks

When you feel affected by codependency, it’s helpful to take a break or distance yourself from the relationship. It’s essential to avoid becoming codependent if you feel you’re in a relationship impacted by alcohol addiction. As stated above, keeping a distance is necessary to avoid enabling and ensure you don’t become emotionally dependent on helping them.

Female partners are especially influential, for better or worse.

Because alcohol is a depressant, it can also contribute to mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. Research indicates that heavy alcohol use can also increase the risk of suicide. Understanding the impact of alcohol on trust and infidelity is crucial for maintaining a healthy and thriving relationship. By recognizing the potential risks and actively addressing them, couples can work towards fostering a strong foundation built on trust, honesty, and open communication. If you or a loved one is concerned about alcohol addiction and relationships, you should know that help is available. If you’re not sure if you have a problem or if drinking is a problem in a relationship, you can take our free alcohol addiction self-assessment.

Alcohol Addiction Support

Most people know that drinking too much can harm your mental and physical health. But alcohol abuse can also hurt the relationships you hold dearest to you—especially the connection between you and your romantic partner. People may develop a maladjustment to a loved one’s drinking that causes them to enable it through the process of caring for it. Individuals who misuse alcohol experience physical impairments that can draw others into caring for them. While some individuals may be able to resist the urge to help, many will not, especially spouses, children, and other family members or concerned individuals in the person’s immediate environment. In addition to self-care, partners of those affected by alcohol addiction can intervene by helping them find rehabilitation services.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of 80-proof alcohol constitute one drink. In people assigned female at birth, consuming more than four drinks in one sitting is considered binge drinking. However, there may be legal, financial, or relational consequences for drinking heavily. This article alcohol affecting relationships discusses the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and how to change your drinking habits. If a partner’s alcohol consumption is consistently causing harm or putting your safety at risk, it may be necessary to create boundaries that prioritize your well-being. Seeking support from friends, family, or a support group can be helpful during this process.

• If someone in a relationship has a drinking problem, it can leave the other person feeling disconnected and distant from their partner.
• Various therapies and treatments, however, can help both children and family members deal with and recovery from these impacts.
• There’s no shame in needing outside support to help you change your drinking habits.
• Depending on how much you have been drinking, your body may experience physical and psychological changes as you reduce your intake, known as withdrawal.

How to Get Help When Drinking Is Affecting Your Relationship?

Heavy alcohol consumption can also cause malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies which can further contribute to alcohol’s detrimental effects on the brain. In some cases, people may develop alcohol-related dementia or a cognitive disorder known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Being able to say no to alcohol when you don’t want to drink, requires a few simple phrases you can say in a pinch. One-liners like “I’m driving,” “No, thanks, I just finished one,” and “I’ve had my limit for tonight,” can help you avoid giving in to the pressure to drink when you’re trying to cut back.

• And when they’re home, they might choose to drink instead of being present with their loved ones.
• It’s important to recognize these challenges and actively work on open and honest communication when alcohol is involved.
• Whether one partner drinks too much or both partners do, alcohol problems can lead to increased arguments, hurt feelings, and emotional distance in a relationship.
• You might act inappropriately in public or appear irritable due to alcohol withdrawal.
• Men who drink too much may have trouble getting and maintaining an erection.
• One of the main goals of codependency treatment is to help realign caregivers with their own needs so they can live personally fulfilling lives, rather than being in constant service to a loved one’s addiction.