Living with an alcoholic

Living with an alcoholic can create a ripple effect of stress and instability that impacts every member of the household, especially children, who are more susceptible to emotional and psychological harm. If you’re dealing with the added weight of abuse caused by a loved one’s drinking, the situation can feel overwhelming and isolating.

In this guide, we’ll help you identify the signs of a destructive relationship with alcohol, offering insights to better understand your situation and encouraging you to take steps toward finding support and relief.

How can I tell if I’m living with an alcoholic?

It’s easy to assume that recognising an alcoholic in your household would be straightforward. In some cases; the signs are hard to miss. However, there are many instances where someone can conceal their drinking habits quite well, making it much more difficult to tell if there’s an issue.

If you’re unsure whether you’re living with an alcoholic, understanding some of the less obvious signs can help you figure out what’s really going on.

Mood swings and behavioural changes

If a loved one, regardless of age, is showing frequent mood swings, irritability or withdrawal from family activities, these could be signs that alcohol is playing a more significant role in their life. For instance, a teenager who starts isolating themselves after school or a partner who becomes more argumentative in the evenings might be struggling with alcohol dependency.

Physical signs of alcohol misuse

Look for physical signs like bloodshot eyes, trembling hands or unusual breath odour, which can be a clear sign in adults and elderly individuals. If an older family member you’re caring for is using alcohol as a form of self-medication, they may also exhibit frequent falls or dizziness, which might otherwise be mistaken for ageing.

Secretive behaviour

This is particularly common with adolescents but can apply to adults too. If someone in your household is being unusually secretive about where they’ve been, how they’ve spent their money or is sneaking alcohol into the house, it may be a sign of a deeper issue.

Increased tolerance and cravings

Someone who needs to drink more to feel the same effects or who is showing signs of restlessness, agitation or even desperation when they haven’t had a drink may be developing an alcohol dependency. This could be true for a spouse who drinks regularly or an elderly relative who uses alcohol to numb physical or emotional pain.

Neglecting responsibilities

Whether it’s a teenager starting to neglect schoolwork or a partner failing to take care of basic daily tasks, these could be signs that alcohol is taking precedence over their usual responsibilities.

What effect can living with an alcoholic have on me?

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in someone you’re living with and now find yourself at a crossroads, wondering whether you should confront them about their behaviour, remember that this isn’t just a one-sided addiction. Alcoholism can deeply affect your life and the lives of other sober members of the household, even if you’re not the one drinking.

Here are some ways living with an alcoholic can impact your life:

Mental health struggles

Living with someone who has an alcohol addiction can create a constant state of anxiety or stress. You might find yourself walking on eggshells, unsure of what mood or behaviour to expect. Over time, this can lead to feelings of helplessness, depression or even resentment as you’re forced to bear the emotional burden of the situation.

Strained intimacy and sex life

Alcohol addiction can lead to a breakdown in both emotional and physical intimacy. If your partner is drinking excessively, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy sexual relationship. Alcohol can cause erectile dysfunction or lack of interest in sex, creating distance between you and your partner, which may make you feel rejected or unloved.

Financial strain

Alcohol addiction can also take a toll on household finances. The cost of alcohol, combined with potential job instability or missed workdays, can cause financial stress for the sober members of the house. You may even find yourself dipping into savings or struggling to pay bills because of money spent on alcohol.

The threat of violence

Even if the person has never been violent or aggressive before, alcohol can change people. When intoxicated, someone may lose control of their temper or act in ways they wouldn’t when sober. The possibility of unpredictable outbursts or aggressive behaviour can leave you feeling unsafe in your own home.

Isolation

You might find yourself pulling away from friends or social activities because you’re too embarrassed to have others witness the drinking. This isolation can further affect your well-being, leaving you feeling alone in handling the situation.

If you’re noticing these impacts on your own life, it’s important to prioritise your well-being, too. Recognising the ways alcoholism is affecting you can be the first step in seeking support, either for yourself or your loved one.

Does my loved one need an intervention?

Deciding whether your loved one needs an intervention can be a difficult and emotional decision. If you’ve already confronted them about their drinking and noticed little to no change, it might be time to consider an intervention. Confronting someone directly is often the first step, but when there’s no improvement, an intervention may be the structured push they need to recognise the seriousness of their situation.

In some cases, the issue might be so severe that waiting for them to acknowledge the problem isn’t an option. If their health, job or relationships are already at risk, immediate action could be necessary. This is where an intervention can act as a lifeline, guiding them toward professional rehab sooner rather than later. Ignoring the problem in its severe stages can lead to further deterioration, so stepping in early might be the best chance to prevent more damage.

Where can I find intervention help?

If you’re feeling lost and unsure where to even begin, know that support is available. There are professional services that specialise in interventions and can guide you through the process. Planning is key but if it all feels too overwhelming, reach out to Oasis Runcorn for further advice.

While we don’t offer direct intervention services, we have a wealth of knowledge and resources that can help you figure out the best approach. You’re not alone in this and taking that first step to ask for guidance can make all the difference.

Where can my loved one get help for alcohol addiction?

If you’re living with an alcoholic spouse, parent or loved one struggling with alcohol addiction, delaying action can cause even more harm for both of you.

At Oasis Runcorn, our alcohol addiction programme is tailored to help your loved one take back control of their life while giving you the support and reassurance you need. The effects of living with an alcoholic spouse or parent can be overwhelming, and each day that passes without seeking help can allow the problem to grow deeper. That’s why it’s so important to act now before things spiral further out of control.

If you’re trying to cope with the stress of living with an alcoholic, Oasis Runcorn is here to offer support. Reach out to Oasis Runcorn today, and together, we can guide your loved one toward recovery and help restore a healthier, safer environment for you both.