Changes in your personality can cause you to interact differently with the people around you — and not always for the better. Relationships thrive when you can effectively communicate with each other, but it can be hard to do that when you’ve been drinking.

How Alcohol Affects Relationships

Leonard (1984) noted that the high level of aggression among intoxicated dyads appeared to be determined by the high level of aggression established early in the interaction, which was then subject to further escalation over time. People in relationships often share homes and short- and long-term goals, engage with one another daily, provide emotional, mental, and financial support, and care for one another. When your partner struggles with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), it impacts the entire family unit as well as the day-to-day functioning of the household. For example, if you abandon important roles and responsibilities as a result of alcohol misuse, family members are left to pick up the slack and take on extra household, secure childcare, and handle increased financial responsibilities. The destructive impact of alcohol abuse on relationships is undeniable, but there’s always hope for healing and recovery. Taking that first step to address the issue might feel overwhelming, but it’s an important move for both the person struggling with alcohol and their loved ones.

Substance Use Treatment

Someone who usually doesn’t express their feelings might become overly emotional after drinking. Attending events held only where alcohol is available or spending time only with others who drink alcohol could be an early sign of alcohol use disorder. For example, someone who is developing a problem with alcohol would forgo a Little League game in favor of a college game and tailgate parties.

• However, alcohol rehabilitation facilities and therapists can provide hope and renewed perspective through programs designed to provide guidance and recovery.
• For example, drinking alcohol relaxes you at first because alcohol enhances the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and diminishes the effect of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.
• Risk factors for developing AUD include genetic, physiological, psychological, and social elements.
• Those who seek professional help for their substance use issues may initially go through an acute program such as alcohol rehab to get medical assistance through withdrawal symptoms.

Ways Drugs & Alcohol Can Affect Relationships

There are numerous treatment options available to meet your needs, but many people begin with a medical detox program to help them manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be serious. A detox program can provide medical support and medications to alcohol and relationships keep you as safe and comfortable as possible as your body withdraws from alcohol. Alcohol addiction leads to compulsive alcohol use, so alcohol can quickly become the most important thing in your life. If you develop1  an alcohol use disorder, your desire to drink will likely become stronger than your desire to prioritize your relationship because alcohol cravings and the inability to cut back on drinking will take center stage. If you’d rather go out drinking than spend time with your partner, alcohol is probably ruining your relationship.

• Keeping a distance will also prevent your loved one from influencing you to allow the addiction to continue or crossing boundaries.
• For instance, studies have shown that alcohol can disinhibit restraints on aggression, leading to increased impulsivity and violence.
• Sometimes, a codependent relationship can grow between a person with an alcohol use problem and their partner.
• If you’re in a relationship with someone experiencing substance codependency and are wondering why an alcoholic cannot love, learn more about their substance use and its impact on your relationship and mental health.

Know the Signs

Couples therapy sessions can also help you develop coping skills and find ways to manage stress without turning to alcohol. In fact, numerous studies5 have found that couple’s therapy effectively treats addiction on its own and as part of a treatment plan that includes other services, like individual counseling. Neuroscience research4 provides additional insights into just how damaging alcohol abuse can be. One study analyzing nearly 50 years of research with individuals with a history of alcohol abuse found that alcohol interfered with areas of the brain responsible for https://ecosoberhouse.com/ planning, problem-solving and impulse control.

Many individuals with alcohol addiction need external treatment and supports to find sobriety and address harm that may be related to alcohol and relationships in their life. Addictions are mental health disorders, and while individuals affected by AUD didn’t choose to be addicted, they can take responsibility for their health moving forward. Through treatment programs and therapy services, they can make the Alcohol Use Disorder commitment to improve themselves and mend broken relationships.

Repairing Bonds Through Recovery

Being dishonest with your partner can fuel a sense of distrust, and lead to other unhealthy habits in your relationship. This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of mental health disorders.