It’s sad to say, but if you are reading this post, then you already know the answer to the question posed in the title. Living with someone in addiction can make you overwhelmed and desperate for answers. For most people, it’s an entirely new experience and one that you never expected to have to endure. Let us be your guide as you navigate this heartbreaking process, in determining the truth as you ask yourself: Does my husband need drug or alcohol rehab?
The awareness that addiction is in your midst grows slowly over time, and then all at once. You may have felt for quite some time that something was “off” in your home, as your loved one seemed to transform before your eyes. Perhaps your family has now experienced something drastic like a DUI or an accident caused by your husband’s drinking, and you can’t deny the problem any more. However, there are many other smaller signs that could suggest your husband needs help.
For example, have you suddenly noticed that it’s harder to make ends meet? Your husband could be spending more money on drugs or alcohol. Is he moody and irritable, or the life of the party one minute and a nasty drunk the next? Are they starting to miss work because of their drinking? And above all, do you think your relationship could be better if he cut back on his drinking, or stopped altogether?
If the answer to any of those questions is yes, then your husband could probably benefit from examining his relationship with alcohol. But if it helps to look at things in black and white, the National Institute of Health defines binge drinking as 5 or more drinks over 2 hours. If your husband is regularly engaging in binge drinking like that, then it’s likely he needs professional help to cut back. Alcohol detox can be a dangerous process, and for heavy drinkers it’s best attempted under medical supervision.
Modern addiction treatment is two-pronged: First, you work to get the patient clean and sober, and give them the knowledge and tools to stay that way. That happens through detox, educational programming, and sometimes 12 Step work. Second, you work to heal whatever caused them to drink or drug to excess in the first place. That can be achieved through group therapy, one-on-one counseling, or advanced addiction treatment techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprogramming).
Today, the medical community is clear: Addiction is not the result of moral failings or a lack of willpower. It is a brain disease caused by trauma or other mental disorders. People struggling with compassion deserve understanding and support, no matter how much they have hurt those around them.
Those around them deserve support and healing, too, though. That’s why we offer family addiction education parallel to your loved one’s treatment. You’ll get the support you need to do your own healing from the effects of addiction in your home, and will learn what you need to do to support your loved one and protect yourself in the future.
The first thing you can do to start your healing is to pick up the phone, or send us a chat. We’re here for a confidential, no-judgment conversation about what you have been living with and how you and your family can find your way out. Let us show you the way to a new path – for your husband and your entire family.