Signs Your Spouse Needs to Go to Rehab

When you take your wedding vows, you always hope that things are going to work out. However, in order to have a lasting marriage, you will likely have to face adversity and hardship together as a couple.

There are undoubtedly times that you need to be there for your spouse as they face medical struggles. Drug and alcohol abuse are two common scenarios where hard conversations need to be had in order to keep your marriage strong.

They’re being secretive

It’s not out of the ordinary for you or your spouse to enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage, but there are some situations when drinking crosses the line into something more serious. If your spouse seems to be coming home drunk a lot, or is hiding how much they’re drinking, this might be a sign that they have a more serious issue.

Often, they might know that they have a problem, and so by covering things up, and hiding bottles around the house, they try to keep their problem from you. It’s best to get things out in the open, and have a transparent conversation with your partner if you think that they are acting suspiciously.

You see other signs of substance abuse

While some signs may be able to be hidden, other physical evidence of substance abuse is much harder to cover up. Consistently smelling like alcohol or marijuana are two such factors that your partner may have difficulty hiding from you. Other physical signs of substance abuse include marked changes in behavior such as dilated eyes, lackadaisical behavior, or extreme bouts of high energy.

Sometimes someone who is addicted to and abusing drugs may develop nose bleeds, or track marks from inhaling or injecting different substances. If you suspect your partner may be abusing a specific illicit substance, it's a good idea to read up on common side effects of drug use, so that you can be on further lookout.

Their personality has changed

Of course, sometimes behavioral changes are easier to notice than physical side effects. After all, depending on how long you dated before getting married, and the length of your marriage, your spouse is probably the single person that you know the most intimately. If you notice them withdrawing from activities and friendships that they normally showed excitement for, that could be a sign that something is wrong.

In some cases, your spouse may even withdraw from expensive hobbies as a way to fund their addiction. General household responsibilities and work performance are two other aspects of your spouse's life that are likely to suffer if they have a serious substance problem. Take note of any of these changes, and if you notice a pattern, talk to your spouse about your concerns.

Dealing with substance abuse in your marriage can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be the end. If you walk the path with your spouse, and find ways to support them, you both can come out the other side with a much stronger marriage. Finding a local rehab solution is often best, as it allows you to stay near your spouse as they go through their journey to recovery. There are plenty of reputable rehab centers in Ontario and throughout Canada that can give you and your spouse the care and attention you need.

With time, care, and effort, you'll be well on your way to restoring your marriage to its initial strength.