Over just a few short weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything. The decision to issue statewide stay-at-home orders was vital to preserve public health. But the orders did not come without consequences. The Right Step Hill Country is here to help you if you are quarantined with an alcoholic spouse and are suffering from the effects of alcoholism.
Shelter-in-place orders resulted in increased use of alcohol. Sales increased 55 percent in the month of March over the same period last year. Quarantining with an alcoholic spouse puts increased pressure on the entire family, which causes less than desirable outcomes.
Quarantined with an Alcoholic Spouse
Data shows that we have been drinking more during the pandemic. While this makes sense as a way of stopping the spread, it also comes with downsides. It may result in more people quarantining with an alcoholic spouse. Studies show that spouses of alcoholics face emotional, social, and physical problems, especially the potential for violence. Quarantine also limits the ability of spouses to cope. You simply have fewer opportunities to escape.
Making matters more complicated is the emotional impact of the pandemic on your alcoholic partner. Worries about health and finances can exacerbate drinking problems and intensify some of the negative psychological aspects of the addiction. At Right Step Hill Country, our addiction treatment staff is experienced in treating not only the challenges of people with alcohol-use disorders but also treating the impact alcoholism has on families.
Facts About Alcoholism
We already know that drinking alcohol is, quite literally, an American pastime. Almost 9 of every 10 adults report having some form of an alcoholic drink at some time in their lives. Many studies report instances of binge drinking as well. Around 14 million people in the United States suffer from an alcohol-use disorder and need substance abuse treatment programs.
Alcoholism can have a huge impact on your life. Here are some signs to look for if you think you might be struggling with alcoholism:
- Taking unusual risks
- Structuring life around alcohol
- Shirking responsibilities
- Developing a tolerance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
If you are seeing these signs in yourself or a loved one during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is worth considering getting help from an alcohol addiction treatment center.
Seeking Treatment
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about our lives in a very short period of time. At least for now, at a time of stay-at-home orders, access to treatment resources may seem a bit uneven. But your time quarantined with an alcoholic spouse may give you an opportunity to explain to them a little about how treatment can help them.
Treatment typically begins with a thorough evaluation and medical workup. Doctors will want to know about your history with alcohol. Based on the evaluation, counselors will develop a detailed treatment plan.
The first step of the plan typically involves spending a period of time at a drug and alcohol detox center, where you are medically supervised as you cease drinking. The idea is to give you the support you need should you experience painful withdrawal symptoms. After detox, you will enter an individual therapy program and maybe even a group therapy program as you work on coping skills.
The final stage of treatment is an aftercare program, which provides you with support resources targeted at reducing the risk of relapse.
Caring and Compassion During COVID-19
It is ok to try to use the time productively when quarantined with an alcoholic spouse, but you also must take care of yourself. If during this period your spouse decides it’s time to seek help, then it could well be time to call on the team at Right Step Hill Country. Our staff of clinical professionals applies blend evidence-based practices applied across a full range of addiction services, including medical drug detox centers, alcohol addiction treatment centers, and comprehensive aftercare programs. We are here to support your needs. Call 1.844.675.1628 today to learn more or schedule a consultation.