Rebuilding a Relationship after Your Partner Gets Clean and Sober

Talk, enjoy each other’s company, and try to rekindle feelings of romance and joy. With the introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022, divorce lawyers will no longer need to take detailed notes of the other spouses’ behaviour to use in a divorce petition. Cases where the Court considers such conduct are rare and generally related to “litigation conduct” where a party fails to disclose assets or comply with the Court process.

You might also consider seeking professional help from a therapist. Processing through the effects of your spouse’s addiction on your marriage and your own well-being might provide you with greater strength as you begin the process of divorce. Seeking divorce from an addicted spouse can be a complicated and emotional process. Don’t be ashamed to ask for support from friends, family members, or other loved ones, regardless of whether they’re already aware of your situation. Planning for new living arrangements is not a task you need to take on alone.

• Patients going to an IOP can request a referral for medical detox at a separate location before they begin the rest of their treatment.
• Threatening divorce is typically not enough to make a person stop using addictive substances or seek treatment.
• Has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years.
• There may be court-mandated addiction treatment, and this can affect child custody.
• When one or both spouses struggle with substance abuse, it can result in emotional, financial, and mental challenges that can ultimately lead to divorce.

How Does Addiction Affect a Divorce Proceeding?

Understanding the link between addiction and divorce is important to determine the next step for couples working to resolve their marital issues. When your loved one decides to seek treatment for their addiction, the process usually begins by contacting a treatment facility. During this initial conversation, a representative will ask questions about your loved one’s drug history, health, insurance information and more.

• One (or both) partner’s substance use can become the source of arguments.
• California led this change in 1969, and the rest of the country soon followed.
• However, courts assess drinking levels that negatively affect a parent’s ability to look after their children properly.

Alcohol and no-fault divorce

The pandemic and media exposure to alcohol are not the only factors that contribute to the increased alcohol use in the U.S. Research suggests that underlying mental health alcoholism issues continue to be prolific among Americans and with lack of available resources and amid pandemic shutdowns, received treatment is difficult. Alcohol is one of the most prevalent and widely accepted substances in the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, two-thirds of American adults ages 18 and older consumed alcohol in any given year.

• Jill enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, friends, and pets when she is not in the office.
• But what many people don’t realize is that even after sobriety, addiction can continue to have a negative impact.
• When your partner has broken your trust, you may find it challenging to feel safe and secure, wondering if your spouse is under the influence and lying about it.
• Sometimes, the daughters of alcoholic fathers marry alcoholics because they have unfinished business and want to save their husbands in ways they weren’t able to save their fathers.

The Recovery Village

I’ve often asked why the children of alcoholics so commonly marry alcoholics themselves, and I’ve consistently received one of two responses. Sometimes, the daughters of alcoholic fathers marry alcoholics because they have unfinished business and want to save their husbands in ways they weren’t able to save their fathers. My father-in-law died of cancer probably brought on by his excessive alcohol consumption.

As a teen, I stole wine from my family’s basement with my liberty-spiked, derelict friends. The biggest concern among spouses seeking a divorce from a spouse in early recovery from addiction is the fear of relapse. This is a valid concern, but also not a burden that you should feel pressured to bear.

Should I divorce my spouse for addiction issues?

After all, substance use and abuse can cause rifts to intimate relationships that simply cannot be repaired. I’ve found statistics that indicate a 20% increase in divorce rate for couples dealing with alcoholism in the marriage. The overall divorce rate in the United States is roughly 50%, and it makes sense that addiction to alcohol adds significant challenges for couples to overcome in order to stay together. Another huge part of what helped me stay sober is my son, Asher. Asher was a huge part of my motive and willingness to work on myself.

CHAPEL HILL DIVORCE LAWYER

They can advise on filing contempt motions or requesting the court to order counseling or supervision for the addicted parent. Sometimes, even property division or debt obligations can resurface if hidden assets come to light or if your ex tries to burden you with financial responsibilities that aren’t yours. The phrase “Tampa divorce lawyer” might seem linked only to the dissolution process itself, but their role can extend into your future, particularly if changes or disputes arise.

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• Blank divorce forms with written instructions may be available on your state or local court website.
• The damage inflicted on the marriage from a person’s addiction will often take time and therapy to heal.
• He further describes his approach as science-driven, constantly reviewing the latest literature and theory.
• Substances—whether it’s alcohol, opioids, or another drug—can initially provide relief or numbness.
• Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica’s empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community.

Intimacy is heavily reliant on trust, and when trust within a marriage is broken, a partner may not feel safe and secure with their spouse and may keep emotional and physical distance. They may sleep in separate bedrooms and no longer disclose personal issues. When one or both spouses struggle with substance abuse, it can result in emotional, financial, and mental challenges that can ultimately lead to divorce. If you’re able, participating in the recovery process is always ideal. Couples therapy focused on addiction can be a great way of supporting your spouse and working through any feelings of resentment or betrayal.