Is Your Marriage in Crisis Due to Drug Abuse?
The nature of the job makes marriage difficult for most firefighters. In fact, these issues, due to their emotional nature, can often trigger cravings for drugs and alcohol. What can feel like an escape can quickly turn into a problem of its own — one that only makes life harder at home.
Is your marriage in crisis due to substance abuse? Here are some signs that it may be time to get help:
· Your spouse repeatedly complains about your substance abuse. Often, those who are closest to you are able to see the earliest signs of a drug abuse problem.
· You are physically violent and/or verbally assaultive when under the influence. There is no justification for domestic abuse of any kind.
· You cheat, blackout, commit crimes, or otherwise behave in ways you never would while sober when you are under the influence. The behavioral choices made while under the influence may be the focus of the problems in the marriage.
· You make reckless choices (e.g., driving, having unprotected sex with strangers, etc.) when you are drunk or high. Putting yourself and others in danger while under the influence, either through direct harm or neglect, is always a red flag that things need to change immediately.
· You are often under the influence at important family events, like family dinners, birthday parties, and holidays. It’s one thing if you miss family events because of the job; it is another thing entirely if you are missing them because you are too loaded to take part.
· You avoid family gatherings or cut them short if they interrupt your ability to get or stay high. Substance abuse as a priority is always a sign of a problem.
· You have tried to quit or agreed to quit on multiple occasions but been unsuccessful on your own. If you are unable to stop drinking or getting high on your own, it is time to seek treatment.
Though everyone’s situation is different, problems in a marriage that are directly related to drug and alcohol use can indicate a serious substance use disorder. The good news is that treatment can help.
When the Underlying Problem Is Untreated Addiction
Most marriages will continue to struggle, even with counseling and intervention, until both people are doing the work they need to do to address any untreated disorders, including trauma-related issues related to the job and chronic substance use problems. For firefighters facing a drug abuse problem, American Addiction Centers offers the First Responder Lifeline Program, a program that offers:
· Intensive treatment for co-occurring disorders that is designed specifically to meet the needs of firefighters and other first responders
· A treatment plan that is uniquely designed to support firefighters in recovery
· Family therapy support
· A multidisciplinary treatment team that is trained to work with first responders
· Reintegration assistance
How can American Addiction Centers help you to get back on solid ground in your marriage and in your life? Call (888) 731-FIRE (3473) now.
