Table of Contents
Although socially acceptable, alcohol destroys relationships in many ways when abused.
Recently published data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows a huge increase in the number of adults in the US with alcohol use disorder (AUD). While NSDUH 2019 reported 14.5 million over-12s in the US had AUD, the current survey reports over 28 million people meet the criteria.
When alcohol use shifts from social drinking to compulsive consumption, the consequences extend beyond the individual. If alcohol use disorder develops, reaching out to an alcohol rehab in California can help you get the care you need.
If someone you love is struggling with an alcohol problem, call our free recovery hotline at 866-330-9449 for support.
How Does Alcohol Affect a Relationship?
Heavy or frequent alcohol consumption can impact close relationships in various ways. Over time, it can even sever relationships entirely, from marriages and friendships to business relationships.
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), common ways alcohol harms relationships include:
- Neglecting duties and responsibilities: Alcohol impairs physical and cognitive functioning, leading to neglected obligations within relationships.
- Time spent recovering: Hangovers and recovery can cause missed appointments, broken promises, poor dietary choices, and lack of exercise.
- Legal issues: Drinking can result in DUI, disorderly conduct, or violent disputes.
- Financial problems: Heavy drinking can strain budgets and damage relationships.
- Reckless behaviors: Alcohol lowers inhibitions and increases risky behavior.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that spouses of alcohol abusers often experience:
- Infidelity
- Domestic violence
- Marital conflict
- Financial instability
- Jealousy
- Stress
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Divorce
How Does Alcohol Affect Friendships?
Alcohol is common at social gatherings, but heavy drinking can harm friendships. Addiction often leads to isolation, unreliability, heightened emotions, and difficult social interactions.
Open communication and respecting friends’ boundaries are key. Supporting friends struggling with addiction can encourage them to seek help.
If you are drinking to the extent of developing alcohol use disorder, you may spend less time with friends, especially if they do not drink excessively.
As AUD progresses, friendships may revolve around drinking. Those who comment on your drinking may drift away, while heavy drinkers often form new friendships around alcohol. Selfish or unreliable behaviors can erode even strong bonds.
If someone you love struggles with alcohol addiction, call our team today.
Get Insurance-Covered Addiction Treatment
How Alcohol Abuse Destroys Relationships
Managing alcohol addiction and relationships is challenging. While moderate drinking may not cause harm, over 28 million adults in the US are negatively affected by alcohol abuse. Here are three main reasons alcohol can damage relationships:
- Alcohol is a drug: Alcohol might be legal, but even small amounts can alter perception, mood, and thought processes. Alcohol is a CNS depressant that lowers both mood and inhibitions, which can accelerate conflict between partners.
- Alcohol is socially acceptable: The negative effects of alcohol abuse are often downplayed. Social acceptance does not make problematic drinking acceptable in relationships.
- Psychological effects impact social interaction: Heavy drinking can induce aggression, lower inhibitions, and trigger irrational behavior. These effects may linger after alcohol leaves the system, and long-term abuse can alter brain function and structure.
Some of the most common ways alcohol destroys relationships include:
- Abusing alcohol can change you as a person
- Alcohol can incite arguments
- Alcohol abuse triggers secretive behaviors
- Abusing alcohol reduces your availability
Abusing alcohol can change you as a person
If you or your partner has alcohol use disorder, it can profoundly impact the brain and behavior. Lowered inhibitions after drinking can lead to promiscuity, aggression, and sometimes violence, especially in domestic settings. Risky behaviors like DUI or gambling can further strain a relationship.
Alcohol can incite arguments
Alcohol can increase the likelihood of arguments. The non-drinking partner may worry about the addicted individual’s health, and accusations may be met with denial. Ongoing conflict can damage communication and cause long-term relationship issues.
Alcohol abuse triggers secretive behaviors
Trust is essential in healthy relationships. People with alcohol use disorder may hide their drinking, leading to lies, suspicion, and strain on the relationship. This secrecy can even result in breakups.
Alcoholism and infidelity
Alcoholism and infidelity often go hand in hand. Alcohol reduces rational decision-making, increases impulsivity, and lowers inhibitions. Secrets surrounding alcoholism can lead to rationalizing other harmful behaviors. Therapy and counseling are recommended to rebuild relationships.
Abusing alcohol reduces your availability
Alcohol use disorder can lead to prioritizing drinking over quality time with loved ones. Frequent intoxication can drive partners apart, affecting both romantic and social relationships.
If you are looking for a Huntington Beach rehab, call our team today!
Effective treatment for addiction, founded by people in recovery.
Overcome Alcohol Addiction at Renaissance Recovery
Alcoholism is chronic and progressive, but recovery is possible with the right treatment. Renaissance Recovery Center offers highly personalized outpatient programs, including virtual IOP, for alcohol use disorder. This allows you to reclaim your life without necessarily needing residential rehab.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings using FDA-approved medications. MAT is most effective when combined with talk therapies like CBT or DBT.
Upon completing treatment, we ensure appropriate aftercare is in place so you and your loved ones can enjoy a sober life. To start your recovery journey and rebuild relationships, contact our admissions team at 866-330-9449.
Sources:
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2020-nsduh-detailed-tables
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29394/NSDUHDetailedTabs2019/NSDUHDetTabsSect5pe2019.htm?s=alcohol%20use%20disorder&#tab5-4a
- https://nida.nih.gov/
- https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/niaaa-guide/
THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE
At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible. Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment.
