Dating an alcoholic isn’t something anyone sets out to do, but it can be difficult to know that someone has an alcohol abuse problem, especially in the beginning. Many functioning alcoholics can even hide the fact that they have a problem with the people they live with for a while. It is important that you understand that not recognizing the signs before you have already invested time and emotion in the relationship is not something you need to beat yourself up over. It also doesn’t necessarily mean the relationship is doomed. If you see the signs you’re dating an alcoholic, get the help you need by calling Atlantic Recovery Center today.
Signs You’re Dating an Alcoholic
If you’re looking for signs you’re dating an alcoholic, ask yourself if your loved one:
- Do all your outings involve alcohol? If it is acceptable to drink but the booze isn’t provided, does your date insist on taking their own?
- Does it seem like all their friends drink? Do their family get-togethers always end with someone (or several people) getting drunk?
- Do you find evidence of drinking hidden around their home, such as empty bottles in the trash? Do you often smell alcohol on their breath when you meet up?
- Does your loved one get angry if you bring up the subject of them drinking?
- Does your partner’s personality change when they are drinking?
Each of these can be a warning that you may be looking at an alcohol abuse problem and the more you answer yes to, the greater the chances. If you have determined that you are indeed dating an alcoholic, let’s look at some things you can do.
What You Can Do to Help
One of the first things you can do when you see the signs you’re dating an alcoholic is to learn all you can about alcohol addiction. Understanding addiction will help you understand that your loved one isn’t deliberately trying to make things difficult but they have an illness. Once you have learned all you can:
- Join a support group such as Al-Anon to help you learn the best ways to deal with issues that you may be facing with your partner.
- Talk with your partner. Let them know that you are not judging them but that you are concerned. Reassure them that if they try to get help, you will stand beside them and help them through it.
- Know that you are not to blame for your loved one’s problem and you can’t make it go away. They will find reasons to drink until they are ready to seek help.
- Refuse to allow drinking as an excuse for being mistreated. If you are in danger, leave immediately!
What You Can’t Do
The most important thing you need to remember is that you can’t force someone to quit drinking. If you are dating an alcoholic that won’t admit they have a problem or doesn’t wish to seek help, they aren’t going to quit. You can’t bully an alcoholic into quitting, nor will shaming, giving ultimatums, or threatening to leave. Even if the individual doesn’t want to lose you or your relationship, they need to be ready to quit. Unfortunately, that is something that has to come from inside.
Seeking Help
If you believe you see the signs that you’re dating an alcoholic, and they are ready to seek help, Atlantic Recovery Center is here to help. Contact us 1-866-824-5193 and talk with an intake representative to discuss what options are available. Our intensive program will help your loved one start on the road to sobriety, a journey that will benefit both them and you. We offer both inpatient and outpatient options and have a dual diagnosis treatment program that can help with any underlying mental health issues that need addressing. The future can be bright. It only takes reaching out.