How to Get Help for an Addicted Spouse

You love your spouse and would do anything for him, but his addiction is killing you both. You're already accustomed to doing many things for him, so it's natural for you to want to get help for his addiction. Taking certain steps can make this process easier and keep you safe in the meantime.

Instructions

1. Separate yourself from the problem. If you're going to be any help in the situation, you need to not get caught up in it. This can be very difficult, but it's essential. Remind yourself every day that you aren't the problem, and you aren't responsible for the outcome.

2. Join a support group. Even though you're not the one with the addiction, if you want to help your spouse get help, you have to be willing to get help yourself. Set a good example by joining a support group for spouses of addicted people. Once you're well supported, your spouse will see that no stigma is attached to asking for help, and you'll have a network to fall back on if your attempts to get help for your spouse fail.

3. Be honest. Stop helping your spouse hide the addiction. Let her lay wherever she lands when she comes down from her high. You must not help explain away her strange behavior when she's high or needs a fix. When you stop covering up your spouse's addiction, it will become more obvious to her, as well as the neighbors. This may help convince her she needs help.

4. Gather information. You can't make your spouse seek treatment, but you can make it easier for him to do so. Do some research into treatment facilities that may suit his needs, location and price range. Request brochures and have them handy for the time when he finally asks for help.