If you’re concerned about your husband’s substance use, it can be helpful to learn more about what addiction is and what treatment options are available. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are treatable illnesses that affect brain chemistry. Alcohol and drug abuse can cause physical, emotional, financial, and social problems for your entire family, with severe consequences being life-threatening.
If your husband has an addiction, getting help from an addiction treatment center is important for his health and well-being as well as your and your family’s health and well-being.
Does My Husband Need Help From an Addiction Treatment Center?
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that your husband has a problem with addiction. Addiction is a complex disorder that requires professional support and guidance from an addiction treatment center. The best time to attend treatment is when your husband is ready and willing to seek help.
If you want to know if he needs professional help or not, here are some signs:
- He has been abusing drugs or alcohol for longer than six months
- He has tried unsuccessfully at least once before to stop using drugs/alcohol on his own
- He continues using substances despite negative consequences in his life, such as job loss, and legal problems
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
The signs and symptoms of addiction are often quite clear. However, it can be difficult to notice them in yourself or someone you love. Addiction is a chronic disease that changes the brain over time. The more an individual uses drugs or alcohol, the more their brain becomes accustomed to it. Over time, this leads to cravings and loss of control over substance-using behavior.
As someone who loves a person struggling with addiction, it’s important to understand what they’re going through so that you can support them effectively during this time. There are many signs and symptoms associated with addiction. Some include:
- Loss of control: Your husband may spend hours at home or away from others just getting high without any regard for other responsibilities. They may also engage in risky behaviors. For example, they may drive under the influence or steal from loved ones so they can buy drugs or alcohol on their own accord.
- Withdrawal symptoms: If your husband stops using substances abruptly after prolonged periods of regular use (more than several weeks), then he might experience withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, increased agitation, and dehydration.
Additional Warning Signs to Look For
Stress often contributes to substance use and addiction. Stress can be caused by work, family, or personal issues. It may also be due to financial issues, health problems, and even social issues, such as relationship problems with friends or family members.
Stress can lead to depression and anxiety. Your husband may use alcohol and other drugs in an attempt to self-medicate these emotions. The risk of addiction is also increased if your husband finds himself in situations where there are drugs and alcohol readily available. If your husband lives with someone who regularly uses drugs or alcohol, it can be harder for him to resist using them.
How Do Traditional Gender Roles Contribute to Substance Abuse?
There are many ways that traditional gender roles can complicate life. For example, men are expected to be strong and stoic, while women are expected to be nurturing. Men are also typically the breadwinners, while women often take care of their families at home. Traditional gender roles can lead to stress for both partners. They might feel they’re unable to fulfill these expectations due to an addiction or mental health disorder.
The stigma around men needing to be strong and fearless creates an unsafe environment for men to express their feelings. They feel like they aren’t allowed to speak up and express their needs. This can cause men to turn to substances to manage the stress they feel in their life. They might feel like they cannot talk to anyone about them without being berated about how they need to “man up.”
This needs to change. Change can start by encouraging your husband to seek treatment. Let him know that he is allowed to come to you with whatever he is going through. Creating a trusting relationship can help him feel safe in his environment. Hopefully, this will help him realize he might need help with his substance use or abuse.
Getting Your Husband to an Addiction Treatment Center
There are a few things you can do to help your husband get into an addiction treatment center. Some tips include:
- Encourage him to open up about his substance use. If he is having trouble admitting that he has a problem, try using an indirect approach. You can say something like, “I care about you and want the best for our family,” or “I’m concerned about your health.” This may be enough for him to open up without feeling pressured or guilty about his behavior.
- Ask for help from friends and family members. Oftentimes, this approach is most effective when approached by loved ones in recovery. They can provide advice on how they overcame their addictions so that they could live healthy lives again after getting clean from alcohol and drug use.
Unfortunately, men face a stigma that can deter them from accepting that they need help, especially if they are using addiction to deal with the stressors of life. If you think that your husband may benefit from going to an addiction treatment center, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are many ways to find the right facility for him, including contacting his healthcare provider or local community resources. We offer many treatment options here at Buena Vista. However, know you are not alone in this. There are many spouses who have a husband struggling. If you think your husband is struggling, give us a call at (480) 741-9414 or complete an insurance form. We can help you through this process.
