If your wife always seems to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it can be difficult to know how best to help her. While only a trained professional can officially diagnose an addiction, it’s likely that your wife is struggling with an addiction to substances if she’s always high. This can be a frightening realization, but keep in mind that addiction is a treatable condition, and there are resources available to help you and your wife get through this difficult time.

Know the Signs

Some cases of addiction can be subtle, so it’s important to recognize when your wife’s substance use has become a problem. Fortunately, as her spouse, you’re in a unique position to recognize the signs.

Signs that your wife may be suffering from addiction include:

• Sudden weight changes (usually weight loss)
• Skin changes, such as sores and drastically accelerated aging
• Visible needle marks
• Persistent drowsiness
• Decreased hygiene care
• Lack of interest in activities she used to enjoy
• Altered sleeping patterns
• Unexplained mood swings
• Neglecting duties at home or work
• Changes in social circle

Other signs of addiction may be present, so be sure to remain observant and consider whether your wife’s current behavior is out of character. No two cases of addiction are the same, and it’s best to trust your judgment.

Communicate Your Concerns

After recognizing the signs of addiction, you can start to think about how to approach your wife. The thought may be intimidating, but having an honest conversation with your wife about her drug or alcohol use shows that you care and want to help.

When talking with your wife, give her the opportunity to open up without feeling judged or ashamed. Avoid aggression and blame as this can make her defensive and less likely to accept help. Instead, try to focus on how her addiction is affecting her life, and emphasize how her recovery can yield positive results.

You should also be transparent about your feelings in order to foster trust and understanding. Expressing your fears and worries can help your wife realize the impact of her addiction on those around her, and it can motivate her to seek help.

Seek Professional Help

If your wife is open to getting help, you can explore treatment options. Treatment programs can provide medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, and therapy to help your wife develop healthier coping skills. The exact treatment plan will depend on the severity of her addiction, but the bottom line is that there are professionals available to help your wife recover.

Some people with addiction issues may be reluctant to seek professional help. While Florida is one of many states that allow involuntary addiction treatment for those in danger of harming themselves, treatment is almost always more effective when it’s voluntary. For this reason, finding ways to motivate your wife to accept treatment is key.

Be patient, understanding, and persistent in your efforts. Take the initiative in searching for treatment centers and engaging in conversations about potential options. Concerns about cost and time away from work or family can be addressed by researching insurance benefits, talking to employers about taking a leave of absence, and exploring ways to manage childcare.

Ultimately, your wife is the only one who can make the decision to seek help, but there are strategies you can use to support her on this journey — and you don’t have to do it alone. At Allure Detox, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs in Florida to help individuals reclaim their lives, and we want to help your family get on the path to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help your wife recover from addiction.

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