How Can I Help My Husband Stop Smoking Drugs?

Helping a spouse to stop doing drugs is a delicate task. You are someone he knows he can trust but you are also the same person that can hurt him the most. When attempting to help a spouse to quit smoking drugs you need to approach the subject without judgment, yet stand strong when things get tough.

Instructions

1. Confront your spouse. Have what you want to say to your spouse ready before you talk to him. Sometimes it's hard to remember the things you want to point out when in the midst of speaking to someone. Be calm and nonjudgmental when you talk to him. If he argues, do not argue back simply let him know you want him to understand how you feel. Explain to him the reason you feel drugs are hurting him, how it's hurting you, and what it may be doing to your marriage. Have your reasons written down, so he can look over them once you leave, when he's no longer defensive.

2. Set boundaries. Drug abusers will never quit their habits unless it is their choice. It doesn't matter how badly you want them to quit. But you can help your partner realize what his decision needs to be. Once you have confronted him, give him a few days to think. In a few days time if he has not come to a conclusion on his own that he needs to quit, the only option is to give him an ultimatum, that is, set boundaries. If he refuses to get help let him know that you will live apart from him until he quits his habits. In this way you give him a reason to quit if he can't come up with one on his own.

3. Stick to the boundaries you've set. A classic drug abuser will quit temporarily to get you back into his life. Do not fall for this. It's hard to be so harsh with someone you love but it's the best thing you can do for him if you care. Hold your ground until he has made an active decision to quit by participating in a rehabilitation program. Holding your ground doesn't mean you can't talk on the phone and let him know you care. It's important for him to know that you love him and that you will support him fully when he decides to quit. Avoid arguments by refusing to talk if he tries to convince you to come back.

4. Help your spouse enter a treatment program. If your spouse decides he is willing to enter a program or if you can convince him to attend help him to sign up. You can call [phone] toll-free for information about a rehabilitation center near you. Let him know how proud you are of him for his decision and in support drive him to the clinic on the starting day.

5. Follow up with your own support system. Once he has successfully completed rehab continue being supportive. Rehab isn't the end of a path to sobriety, it's only the beginning. Together create a check system that allows you to help monitor his behavior in a way that fights and arguments won't occur.

6. Stay busy. Do things together that will keep your spouse busy--dinner out or a movie at home. Doing simple things that give you both a good experience will counteract the downtime your spouse has to deal with. In addition, this will help rebuild your relationship, which has been bruised from addiction.

Tips & Warnings

• If physical violence ever seems like it may occur, leave the situation immediately. Remember, alcohol is also an addictive drug.

References

• Drug Rehab Programs
• Helping With Drug Addiction