Many people in a relationship with an alcoholic still love them very much. Even physical and emotional abuse does not make a partner want to give up trying. Unfortunately, it is ultimately the addict’s choice as to whether or not he wants to make the move towards sobriety and recovery from alcohol addiction.
When encouragement is given and perhaps an intervention made, yet the person addicted to alcohol chooses not give up their addiction, then it can be a hard choice for a partner to make – a question of love or duty. The advice most often given when someone seeks addict help for a partner’s alcohol addiction is an encouragement to leave the relationship and regain self respect.
The situation is made more difficult when responsibility for continued addiction is not placed with the addict. When excuses are made for abuse and addiction a partner can be put on a guilt trip about the morality of leaving their sick and helpless partner who suffers from addiction.
The alcoholic is seen as having an incurable disease by mainstream authorities. Total abstinence and taking it day by day is the mainstream way of thinking. This approach has the drawback that although alcohol is not present, it still remains a central theme in the life of the recovering alcoholic. Recovery from alcohol addiction can only be said to have occurred when the alcoholic no longer thinks about alcohol and simply gets on with his life. This freedom from addiction does not seem to occur or be expected under mainstream recovery programs.
When the attention is focused on “not using alcohol” – there can be overcompensation – the recovering alcoholic becomes a long term convalescent.
Even if alcoholics manage to abstain, they are notorious for living intense, controlling lives, still distanced emotionally from their partners, still in recovery from their addiction – most of all, still wanting at an emotional level to drink alcohol. The need of the alcoholic to exert control and power can come through in different ways. Alcoholics are known to find subtle ways to torment their partners so as to maintain feelings of power and control.
When in recovery programs alcoholics may be given alcohol substitutes – this might stave off the cravings, but still places the alcoholics focus upon drug use rather than free and healthy living, and their relationship with their partner.
Coping with alcohol addiction recovery can be just as hard on the partner as it is on the alcoholic. Not many doctors or allied health professionals give to alcoholics their full range of options, tending to restrict referrals to within the medical system.
Holistic drug and alcohol recovery programs are now coming to the fore. Holistic programs for recovery from alcohol addiction can deliver what they promise – no more need for alcohol and recovery from addiction.
Two aspects of holistic alcohol treatment programs are the main reason for their success.
Firstly, the detox, while supported with counseling and natural therapies is 100% drug free. This means that the body and mind are able to re-establish health and harmony within the body without interference from or reliance upon further drug use.
Secondly, addiction is not labeled a “disease”. It is recognized as a disorder caused by overwhelming emotions. Holistic counseling enables feelings to be normalized and understood – creating a pathway towards ending the need for alcohol addiction. Facing your emotions can be tough – but better than denying them and using drugs to block them out.
When you decide to get addict help instead of chemical dependence – choose holistic therapies for alcohol addiction.
Author: National Addiction Resources
America's Best Treatment Directory
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