Alcoholism and drug abuse are two things that can ruin a marriage beyond repair. They are long-term problems that have far-reaching effects into the life of the person who is an addict or an alcoholic, their spouse, and their entire family. Unfortunately, many American families struggle with alcoholism and addiction. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of divorce among middle-aged couples. One of the biggest problems facing families that are affected by alcoholism and addiction is that many people try to keep it hidden, or to pretend that it is not happening in their home. This can be exhausting, and often, spouses of alcoholics and drug addicts arrive at a point where they can no longer deny what is going on inside of their home. The problem then becomes what, if anything, they will decide to do about it.
A lack of love is not often found in marriages that end because of alcoholism or drug addiction. In fact, spouses of alcoholics or addicts often report that they love their spouse very much and wish that they did not have to end the relationship. Spouses of addicts and alcoholics do not often decide to file for divorce early on in the marriage, or even shortly after they realize that their spouse has become an alcoholic or a drug addict. They often spend years doing whatever they can to make the marriage work and help their spouse get treatment, but eventually they realize that whether their spouse becomes sober or not is not up to them. That is often the most difficult thing for the spouse of an alcoholic or a drug addict to realize, but it can also be a powerful catalyst that helps them decide that ending the marriage is the best thing that they can do for themself and for their children if they have any.
Drug addiction and alcoholism are very serious obstacles to overcome, and recovery is a lifelong challenge. Even addicts and alcoholics who express a strong commitment to overcoming their addictions can stumble and fall along the way. The spouses and families of people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol experience the process of recovery, with all of its twists and turns, right along with the person who is recovering. Unfortunately, the intense emotional ups and downs that accompany living with an alcoholic or addict, whether they are recovering or not, can, over time, cause other people in the household to develop issues of their own. Because of this, it may still be necessary to divorce your spouse, even if they are recovering.
If you are married to an alcoholic or a drug addict, it may be difficult to make the decision to end your marriage. Unfortunately, for a marriage to be sustainable, both spouses must be committed to making it work. If you have made the difficult decision to end your marriage, a Texas Family Law Attorney can provide you with the top-quality legal support that you deserve. Texas Divorce Attorney Alex Tyra can help you to understand the divorce process, and he can help you to pursue a resolution of your Texas divorce case that meets your needs. If you have questions or concerns regarding your Texas divorce, please call our office today, at (903) 753-7499.
