Whether you have a newborn and are in the phase of trying out the best nursing bras, or you have a busy bee toddler who loves bugs and climbing, as a parent, you want to feel supported by your spouse. If you have a co-parent who struggles with alcoholism, you are not alone. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 15 million adults in the United States suffer from alcohol use disorder. However, there are some things you can do to help. Keep reading for some tips on what to do if your co-parent struggles with alcoholism.
Do your research.
If you are co-parenting with someone who struggles with alcoholism, it is important to do your research first. This is a serious addiction that can have a negative impact on both the addict and their loved ones. Plugging questions such as, “how to tell if someone is a functioning alcoholic” or “how hard is it to overcome addiction” into Google could help you better understand what your co-parent is going through. Alcoholism is a complex disorder that can affect everyone in the addict’s life differently. You need to be aware of the potential risks involved and understand what you might be dealing with.
Seek outside support.
If your co-parent is struggling with alcoholism, seeking outside support is critical. This is a difficult situation for any family, but there are professionals who can help. There are also support groups for families coping with a loved one’s addiction. Alcoholism can be a very serious disease, and it can take a toll on the entire family. The addict may be able to get help for themselves, but the rest of the family also needs support. There are many resources available to help families dealing with a loved one’s alcoholism. There are professionals who can help you navigate this difficult situation. There are also support groups available that can provide you with the support you need. It is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many families who are dealing with the same situation. Seek out the support that you need to get through this difficult time.
Talk to your co-parent.
If your co-parent struggles with alcoholism, it can be difficult to know what to do. You may feel like you are walking on eggshells around them, or that you can’t talk to them about anything important. It is important to remember that you are still a family and that you should talk to your co-parent about alcoholism. You may want to start by talking about how their drinking is affecting you and the rest of the family. Let them know that you are concerned for their health and well-being and that you want them to get help. If they refuse to get help, let them know that you will be there for them when they are ready, but that until then, you will need some space. Remember that you cannot change your co-parent’s behavior, but you can change how it affects you.
Set boundaries.
If your co-parent struggles with alcoholism, it can be difficult to set boundaries. You may feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells, and you’re not sure what to do or say to make them stop drinking. However, it’s important to remember that you have a right to set boundaries and protect yourself and your children. Here are a few tips for setting boundaries if your co-parent struggles with alcoholism: First, don’t make excuses for your co-parent’s drinking, and don’t help them cover it up. If they’re constantly asking you to buy them alcohol or drive them to the store, refuse. Second, if your co-parent continues to drink, establish rules and consequences. For example, you may decide that they can’t see the children if they’re drunk or hungover. Finally, talk to your co-parent about what you’re willing and unwilling to tolerate. Be honest and open, and try to come up with a plan that works for both of you.
Overall, it is important to seek help if your co-parent struggles with alcoholism. This can be a difficult situation to deal with, but with the support of professionals and loved ones, it is possible to get through it.