Divorce is quite common in the United States, and when the stress of addiction is introduced into a relationship, the strain can take its toll. The strain that a spouse’s addiction can cause a marriage can be intense and while the addict is suffering so is their partner. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2017 in the U.S., there were over 2,000,000 marriages, and that same year, there were over 700,000 divorces and annulments. It is estimated that roughly 45% of first marriages will end up in divorce. 

The average age of those who go through a divorce is 30 years of age. Interestingly, Americans that fall between the ages of 25 and 34 report the highest reported rates of addiction. There are many causes for divorce, including infidelity, excess conflict, substance abuse, economic hardship, marrying too young, lack of support by family, little education, and religious differences. Marriages take work, and both parties must be invested in the success of a relationship. When addiction or chronic substance abuse is introduced into the relationship, it is not uncommon for the weight of these issues to cause a couple to part.

How Addiction Causes Decay in a Marriage

There are an estimated 24 million individuals in the United States who are married and struggling with addiction. Addiction not only hurts the addict, but it can cause pain and suffering in the spouse.

  • Loss of Trust

Lying and addiction go hand-in-hand. To keep the severity of the addiction a secret or in an attempt to try to hide it altogether, individuals may conceal the amount of money spent on the addiction, breaking promises to get help, behave differently, and lie about what they are doing or if they have engaged in any addictive behaviors. All of these things add up, and over time, the spouse hearing these mistruths will have their basic trust breached.

  • Financial Burdens

Accruing debt, wasting money, dipping into savings can all happen when one is looking for the means to pay for their addiction. Reckless and erratic behavior can lead to the loss of employment and much-needed income to the household. Addicted individuals who are trying to find ways to get their substances of choices may commit crimes. Behaviors while under the influence can lead to a wide variety of illegal activities, including DUI, which can have severe penalties, such as expensive fines, loss of license, and even jail time.

  • Emotional Abuse

The emotional distress that puts pressure on a spouse is overwhelming. Seeing one spiral out of control, worrying about their health and safety, providing care for the addict, and dealing with the aftermath of the addict’s behavior are serious burdens that wear a person out. Additionally, the unreasonable and dangerous behaviors that an addict can exhibit may also put their spouse in fear that they will lash out with violence. The Department of Justice conducted a study about the murder in families, and it was found that over half of those accused of murdering their spouses had been drinking alcohol at the time of the incident.

Addiction and Divorce Settlements

There are various factors to consider when going through a divorce. If severe addiction is involved, the addicted parent can lose much more than just money, for which, many times, they are penalized at a much higher rate than that of the sober parent; they can lose custody or rights to their children. The addicted parent may also lose control of the tangible property.

Finding Help For Addiction

Addiction And DivorceDon’t let addiction ruin another relationship that is important to you or continue to tear your life apart. Getting help through a rehabilitation alternative to ineffective addiction treatment centers is a good place to start. Discovery Place in Tennessee offers tremendous in-patient programs combined with long-term care options through our medical detox and addiction treatment center alternative. Call our Tennessee detox treatment center alternative today at 1-800-725-0922. One of our friendly staff members will answer all of your questions and provide information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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