In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality. Divorce is a difficult choice to make, and there’s no right or wrong answer.
The Link Between Substance Abuse and Divorce
We can hold it together for a while, but we spend a lot of time in mystifying separation. Divorce is an important aspect of family life in the United States that shapes living arrangements, financial well-being and parenting. Additionally, a third of Americans who have ever been married have also experienced divorce.
Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems
- After all that they’ve been through together, they have high hopes for a rosy future and easier times ahead.
- Family therapy can benefit married couples by allowing them to work together in recovery.
Whether it be family, friends, or support groups, having a strong network during recovery can provide much-needed encouragement and accountability for both partners. Although addiction can have detrimental effects on a marriage, there is still hope for recovery and restoring the relationship. With professional help and support, couples can work towards repairing the damage caused by addiction and rebuilding a healthy, loving marriage.
Understanding Child Custody In Divorces Due To Addiction

Sarah Allen Benton, M.S., LMHC., LPC, is a licensed mental health counselor and author of Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic. First, attending a family education program offered by a center while my husband was attending its residential program. Those three days informed my understanding of what was happening to Bill and us as a family unit. His absence from our home gave me the necessary space to process how addiction had turned our lives upside down so quickly. The time alone gave me space to do my own soul work and attend to my own life. Addiction can also lead to financial mismanagement, complicating the division of marital assets.
What is the highest risk of divorce?
Ultimately, you must decide how far you are willing to go without sacrificing your or your family’s safety, sanity, and overall happiness. The treatment centers in your area may also have support groups or great online recommendations for you. Medical detoxification services are usually available through a PHP but not an IOP. Patients going to an IOP can request a referral for medical Substance abuse detox at a separate location before they begin the rest of their treatment. No one can force an addict to change because they must want to change for themselves. Lisa has practiced law since 1987 but has also been heavily involved in legal education and writing.
How Does Alcohol Affect a Marriage?

In some states, a person might file for divorce because of the fact that there is a substance abuse present. Despite this, every state is different, and it is important to contact an attorney to understand your rights in the case of divorce in your state. They will spend too much money on drugs or even unnecessary items. The addicted person might also waste savings that the couple has planned together, or put the family in debt. It is tough to call it quits on a relationship that you valued, and in many cases, would like to have preserved, if at all possible.
- According to the National Public Radio, alcohol consumption rose 14% during 2020.
- When efforts to seek help and make changes have failed, it might be time to consider your well-being first.
- In addition to professional support, support from family and friends is helpful in recovery.
South Korea had a much later ‘peak’, with divorce rates continuing to rise until the early 2000s. In other countries – such as Norway or Turkey – divorces have stayed high or continued to rise. For the US we have data on marriage rates going back to the late 19th century. This lets us see when the decline started, and trace the influence of social and economic changes during the process. It’s important to remember that people can recover from addiction when they are willing to put in the time and effort to get better.
Why Staying Consistent in Treatment Can Feel Hard at First
Typically, addicts are not ready to face the reality of their situation. One of the most challenging situations a couple can face is when the addict isn’t ready to change. It’s crucial to remember that addiction is a mental illness, not something your partner engages in for trivial or spiteful reasons. As your partner receives the treatment they need, you can also be part of the process to support them and have access to support for yourself. Whether you have a joint bank account or split monthly expenses, finance issues are a potential red flag to look out for if you suspect your spouse is dealing divorce rates after sobriety with addiction.
Relapse After Long-Term
And even in countries where same-sex marriage is legal, same-sex couples face violence and discrimination. In 1970, less than 10% of children were born outside of marriage in most OECD countries. In 2020, this share had increased to more than 30% in most countries and to more than half in some. As we can see, the share of children born outside of marriage has increased substantially in almost all OECD countries in recent decades. The exception is Japan, where there has been only a very minor increase. The chart here shows the percentage of all children who were born to unmarried parents.

