One of the most trending topics right now is Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom’s marital struggles due to Lamar’s alleged drug abuse problem.
According to reports, Lamar went to rehab after battling his addiction to crack cocaine for two years. After his season with the L.A. Clippers ended, he relapsed, and the reality-TV star kicked her basketball player husband out of the house after he refused to go back to rehab,
Having a partner who drinks too much or uses drugs can be detrimental to the relationship, as well as individual lives. The affect are often felt by children, relatives, friends, and co-workers.
How Substance Abuse Hurts Relationships
Couples in a relationship where substance abuse is a concern generally:
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- Are unable to promote the healthy growth of the relationship
- Fight/argue much more often
- Suffer from physical abuse/domestic violence
- Suffer from mental health/emotional health issues that impact other aspects of their lives
Couples dealing with substance abuse often have a very difficult time getting out of a downward spiral of abusing to cope and coping with the abuse.
Is Substance Abuse Hurting Your Relationship?
There are several tell-tale signs that drinking or drug use by a partner is harming the relationship, and that professional intervention/treatment is needed:
- One or both partners constantly being drunk or high
- Arguing about substance abuse
- Staying out late
- Engaging in other types of high-risk/dangerous behaviors
- Coercing partner abuse substances as well
- Not taking care of responsibilities
- Consistently making excuses for partner, such as to their boss or co-worker
- A partner reporting that he or she drinks or uses drugs to reduce tension or stress
- Domestic violence
- Isolation from other family members and friends
If you or a loved one notices any of these signs, it’s very important to discuss treatment as soon as possible, since, generally, the problem rarely improves on its own.
Drug Abuse: What to Do
If you suspect that someone you know is abusing drugs, including alcohol, illegal substances, prescription or over-the-counter medicines, call 800-662-HELP to find a treatment center. In addition, the abuse must be directly addressed, as difficult as doing this may be.
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Can Treatment Really Help?
Research has shown that couples often need to work together in order for the treatment to be successful. It is also very important to note a few treatment realities:
- If the issues are not treated, it can set the stage for more serious, even dangerous, problems.
- Many couples continue to argue after the substance abuse has stopped (often due to extensive damage to the relationship caused by the abuse).
- Eliminating drinking or drug use is only the start.
