Wife of an Alcoholic – Codependency
When discussing alcoholism, the most common topics are the causes of addiction, the consequences of alcohol disease, and how alcohol affects the alcoholic's daily life. The family, which is also emotionally and financially burdened by a loved one's addiction, is not always remembered. What about the wife of an alcoholic? The characteristics of her behavior often align with codependency syndrome. This pattern of behavior is equivalent to enabling the husband or partner's alcoholism. This is not intentional. The wife of an alcoholic desires improvement but is simultaneously afraid of other people's opinions. Therefore, she does not acknowledge her husband's alcoholism. She covers for him, handles all matters, and takes over all responsibilities. She helps her partner regardless of his condition. Because of this, the person even more so doesn't feel that his behavior is inconsistent with general norms. She blindly believes in change, although nothing is happening that could cause it. The wife of an alcoholic, or partner, stays by the man's side, adapting to his lifestyle. Aggression after alcohol – that is aggressive behavior of an alcoholicWife of an Alcoholic – Behavioral Characteristics:
- guilt feelings
- excessive worrying
- exaggerating or minimizing
- sense of responsibility
- controlling the husband/partner
- susceptibility to manipulation
- lowered self-confidence
- anxiety and fear
- taking over all responsibilities
- avoiding contact with the environment
- belief in changing the husband/partner's behavior
- tolerating behavioral variability (intoxication or sobriety)
- justifying the husband/partner while simultaneously hiding the problem.
Wife of an Alcoholic – Where to Seek Help?
Daily life as the wife of an alcoholic can be emotionally and psychologically exhausting. Despite help from family and friends, this does not guarantee improvement in the addicted person's behavior. Only the specialized knowledge of a psychologist and regular therapy can change the attitude of an alcoholic's wife. Thanks to this, there is a greater likelihood that not only will the woman know how to proceed, but the husband or partner will also recognize addiction as a disease and begin treatment. Otherwise, it may lead to divorce. Sources: Ryś M., Rodzina z problemem alkoholowym jako rodzina dysfunkcyjna, http://bazhum.muzhp.pl/media/files/StudianadRodzina/StudianadRodzina-r1998-t2-n2(3)/StudianadRodzina-r1998-t2-n2(3)-s65-74/StudianadRodzina-r1998-t2-n2(3)-s65-74.pdf/StudianadRodzina-r1998-t2-n2(3)-s65-74/StudianadRodzina-r1998-t2-n2(3)-s65-74.pdf). Futterman, S., Personality trends in wives of alcoholics, https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1954-04566-001.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
