Is My Spouse an Alcoholic?

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Have you noticed your husband or wife drinking more often? Perhaps they’re stopping by the bar after work every night. Maybe they’re pouring multiple glasses of wine throughout the day. Whatever the case may be, you’re now asking the serious question, “Is my spouse an alcoholic?” However, finding the answer can be harder than you think.

There’s sometimes a fine line between social drinking and alcoholism. Likewise, there isn’t a blood test or MRI scan to diagnose your mate. For that reason, you must watch their behavior and analyze their motives to investigate your concern. In fact, alcoholism is an inability to control liquor intake that impairs one’s life.

Clues When Wondering Is My Spouse an Alcoholic

Woman at bar wondering is my spouse an alcoholic with man in background

So let’s look into the red flags that your partner’s drinking has become a disorder. For example, alcoholics typically put beer and spirits above their daily obligations. Hence, your spouse might keep missing work or family functions. He or she might push away from your relationship and become more isolated. Similarly, they could start hiding their alcohol supply and lying about how much they’ve had. Perhaps you’ll find empty bottles stashed in your home or vehicle. If they’re defensive or in denial when asked about the drinks, that’s another warning sign. Of course, unexplained displays of anger or sadness are worrisome. Getting into legal trouble with a DUI, assault, or larceny charges while drunk is a serious indicator too. Other clues that your husband or wife is battling alcoholism include:

  • Frequent blackouts or memory loss after drinking
  • Empty promises to quit that never follow through
  • Flu-like withdrawal symptoms when drinking stops
  • A high tolerance that demands more booze
  • Financial problems
  • Development of health conditions like liver disease

How to Address a Spouse’s Alcohol Addiction

Now that you’ve settled is my spouse an alcoholic, it’s time to take action. Confronting the man or woman you love about a drinking problem is tricky though. First, plan an intervention when they’re sober. Bring along a support network of close relatives to help. Beforehand, script what everyone will say in a calm, loving tone. More importantly, don’t place blame on your spouse. It’s best to stay positive and keep reminding them of your love. Nonetheless, if things go sour, remain firm and direct in your speech. Keep your resolve even if they lash out or become emotional. Explicitly urge your spouse to seek treatment. Please stay patient because multiple conversations may be necessary before he or she agrees to rehab.

Get Your Partner Help at Clear Life Recovery

There’s no shame in admitting to a drinking problem. In 2015, NCADD reported that 17.6 million Americans suffer from alcoholism. Fortunately, your spouse has you, many peers, and the clinicians at Clear Life Recovery to help. Our Costa Mesa center offers an alcohol addiction treatment program in California for long-term changes. We provide an array of holistic services, such as:

Asking is my spouse an alcoholic is only the initial step. Next, take the reins and assist your loved one with finding treatment. Contact Clear Life Recovery at 866-261-7291 for the full continuum of alcohol rehab care.

About Benjamin Hogan

Over the years, Benjamin has held positions in many different areas of alcohol and drug addiction services all over the country. He made a name for himself as an interventionist and has held certification as a Certified National Drug and Alcohol Interventionist (CNDAI-II). Benjamin specializes in helping support families of people struggling with addiction by focusing on education and instilling healthy boundaries to ensure lasting changes. Addiction is a progressive disease, but using an evidence-based approach, an intervention, when done correctly, can help to increase the willingness of a loved one to seek sobriety faster. "In my experience, by helping families make necessary changes, they not only get their lives back, but they also help change the mind of their loved one more quickly. In an intervention, family and other loved ones take a proactive approach, instead of waiting and being stuck between fear and (false) hope. I realized in my own recovery, that when my family changed, I had to change in response. That is where I found sobriety. This is why I believe in what I do!"