You are likely here because you want to inspire your partner to cut down on their drinking or quit altogether. After all, you’re either upset, scared, or nervous about the situation, a previous experience, or your partner’s health. You are not alone; many people worldwide share these concerns. You may also be here because you’ve tried so many different ways to express your fears about your partner’s drinking, or you have tried to get them to quit, and nothing seems to be working.
Ways to Respond Productively
Talking about someone else’s drinking with them is a difficult conversation and requires a touch of delicacy. You love your partner and want to see them at their best, and of course, you want to inspire them to live a happier, more fulfilling lifestyle. You may feel that some of their habits are counterproductive.
Avoid Aggression
Inspiring your partner to avoid drinking should never be done with force or aggression. Yes, talking about the topic may seem difficult at first, but there are ways to support your partner and guide them in the right direction without making them feel vulnerable or putting you in a risky situation. Understand that there is help out there for you and your partner, and there are ways to respond that can be effective.
Plan Ahead
For example, if you want to discuss drinking with your partner, choose your time carefully. You may want to talk with a counselor or therapist before you talk with your partner. A mental health care provider can help you focus on what you want to say and how to say it. Bear in mind, however, that your partner is the only one who can reduce or stop drinking; it’s their life, after all. Be sure that you focus on your own self-care and do your best to avoid putting yourself in a risky situation.
Moving Forwards
Your partner’s life involves drinking for one reason or another. Sometimes a simple explanation sheds light on why they began drinking in the first place. Living with someone who has a drinking problem can be challenging. The best advice you can get is to speak to someone who understands alcohol use disorder at its core and can guide you on how to bring up the topic of getting them help or going to treatment.
At The Guest House, we understand that it can be challenging to be with a partner whose alcohol use causes you concern. If you have questions on how you can inspire your partner to cut back on or stop drinking and how you can move beyond the stigmas of alcohol use disorder, we are here to help you. We can help you and your partner determine the best course of action for your situation and find the best treatment available. Call us at (855) 483-7800.