Alcohol abuse is a severe condition to overcome, and the consequences of it are far-reaching. An estimated 30 million people in the United States have alcohol use disorder. Many of these individuals struggle with close interpersonal relationships.
Loving an alcoholic is challenging, and it's critical to learn why an alcoholic cannot love you in return. Understanding the "why" will help you navigate your relationship with an alcoholic and know the best way to proceed. It's essential to help your loved one enter an alcoholic recovery program to get their life and your relationship on track.
Fortunately, you're in the perfect place to learn the reasons an alcoholic cannot love and the risks of this relationship. Continue reading to understand alcoholism and codependency today!
Reasons Why an Alcoholic Cannot Love
You'll find several reasons why an individual addicted to alcohol struggles to love others. Alcoholism is a progressive condition, and it deteriorates the user's life in all categories. Interpersonal relationships are put on the back burner in favor of drinking sessions.
Many people addicted to alcohol become more selfish with their time and energy. They can neglect and abuse loved ones and family members. Seeking help from medical professionals is the best hope for a full recovery and a healthy relationship.
Here's a deep dive into the primary reasons an alcoholic struggles with love.
Alcoholism Gets Worse
Ignoring the condition is the worst thing you can do when your loved one is becoming addicted to alcohol. The condition will get worse regardless of the efforts your loved one makes to put a halt to drinking. The addiction will grow, and your loved one will become dependent on alcohol to function and handle daily tasks.
Alcohol dependence coincides with abuse and neglect. As the individual drinks more, their coping mechanism can be to take out their emotions on the people around them. It's a horrid environment for a healthy and loving relationship.
Alcoholism Is Expensive
Another reason why an alcoholic struggles to love is the cost required to maintain the drinking habit. Alcohol prices are high, and they're getting higher with inflation. The addition will sap your loved one of their health and any money they've saved from years of work.
The addiction will also hamper job performance, causing your loved one to risk losing their sole source of income. The lack of financial security and work will strain the strongest relationships. The result is resentment between both partners.
Alcoholism Challenges Both Partners
Alcoholism's effects don't end with the user. The circumstances and consequences of alcohol addiction present significant stress and strain on both parties. You'll face daily negative emotions from your partner or spouse.
You must also process and accept the risks of dating or being married to someone with alcoholism and codependency. These individuals could put themselves or others in harm's way when binge drinking. The stress you face will build up and deteriorate the relationship you've built with your spouse or partner.
Alcoholism and Codependency
One of the most significant challenges of being in love with an alcoholic is codependency. These individuals are often codependent on their spouse or drinking buddies as alcoholism takes hold. It's natural to want to help your loved one, but your help may be leading more toward their destruction.
Finding a balance between helping your loved one without enabling them is challenging for many spouses and partners. Consider getting help from a therapist to guide you toward a peaceful and healthy resolution.
Building your self-esteem is another crucial step toward helping your loved one. Combine increased self-esteem with setting boundaries to work with an alcoholic in relationships.
Risks of Loving an Alcoholic
Dating or marrying an alcoholic comes with several risks, and it's crucial to know what you're up against. It's beneficial to weigh the risks when you're deciding to stay with an alcoholic. Here's a look at what you can expect and the risks you'll take in your relationship.
Health Risks
A partner who is addicted to alcohol is creating severe health issues that will cause problems in the future. Liver damage and heart failure are two common health risks associated with alcoholism. Accidents and injuries are also more common as reaction times slow down.
Knowing why an alcoholic cannot love will help you assess the health risks without bias. You're risking a long-term relationship with someone who could take their own life through desperation and medical issues. Intervention is the only path toward helping your loved one.
Financial Risks
You're also taking significant financial risks when in a relationship with an alcoholic. If you have a shared bank account, you may find your partner spending your hard-earned savings on liquor. You'll lack the money to cover emergencies or pay your bills.
A partner who can't function without alcohol is also at risk of losing their job. The situation will not improve without therapy and intervention. If enabled, the alcoholic could become destitute and homeless.
Relationship Risks
A partner or spouse who is always drunk will struggle to keep up with you and participate in your favorite activities. It puts an additional strain on your marriage or relationship. You can't count on your partner to care for your children or maintain steady employment.
Some alcoholics become abusive and aggressive when drinking. You're risking your physical and mental health if you enable the behavior.
Seek help from support groups and law enforcement if you're a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of your partner. No one deserves that treatment, and you must prioritize the safety and wellness of yourself and your children.
Pursue Alcoholic Recovery Programs Today
Understanding why an alcoholic cannot love is a crucial step toward learning how you can help your partner without enabling their drinking habits. Alcoholism results in selfishness and aggression, and the situation will grow worse without intervention. You risk your health, finances, and relationships if you can't separate alcoholism and codependency.
Monitoring and maintaining your health is essential for a happy life. Read our Self-Care content for tips and advice to get more from life!
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