Addiction and Divorce
Addiction – a Strain on a Marriage
When examining addiction and divorce statistics, it is easy to see how one spouse’s addiction can strain a marriage. Whether that addiction is to gambling, alcohol, or drugs, addiction and divorce is a serious matter. In the United States, the rate of divorce is very high.
Typically, between 40% and 50% of first marriages end in divorce. Additionally, around 20% of people in the United States have been divorced at least once in their lives. Divorce and addiction both affect younger people at a higher rate. The average age of an American who gets a divorce is 30, while those between the ages of 25 and 34 have the highest rates of drug addiction.
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How Addiction and Divorce Statistics are Connected
There are 24 million Americans who are either married and dealing with an addiction, whether their own or their spouse’s. There are many reasons why addiction and divorce are related, such as the following:
Loss of Trust
Marriages are often based on trust, and trust can very easily be broken due to an addiction. The addicted person may lie about where they have been, what they are doing, and also how they spend their money.
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Financial Problems
Often an addicted spouse will make poor financial decisions. They will spend too much money on drugs or even unnecessary items. The addicted person might also waste savings that the couple has planned together, or put the family in debt.
Addiction may cause them to fall behind at work, lose their job, or even commit crimes leading to fines or even jail time. The consequences of addiction can be huge, and it makes sense why addiction and divorce statistics are often connected.
Distress and Abuse
Being married to an addict can result in not only physical abuse but also emotional distress. If you are married to someone struggling with addiction, you may feel immense pressure to take care of your spouse or “fix” the problem. You may try to hide the problem from others.
Perhaps you are afraid to speak to your spouse about their addiction because they might act dangerously. This threat can be very real. Unfortunately, there is a connection between domestic abuse and drug addiction. Moreover, domestic violence is the cause of death of about 1,000 women every year in the United States.
Addiction and Divorce Statistics with a Settlement
Statistics show that most people consider divorce for an average of two years before finally beginning the process. If you do decide to end your marriage, then there will be a settlement. This typically involves:
- Custody and child support if you have children
- Alimony
- Division of assets
After the terms of the settlement are determined in court, if the parties do not agree, then the judge will make a determination. He or she can take addiction into consideration. If children are involved, a judge might give custody of the children to the spouse that is not suffering from an addiction. They even have the power to deny any visitation to the addicted parent.
No-Fault Divorce
All 50 states permit no-fault divorce. This is when the dissolution of a marriage does not require a showing of wrongdoing by either party. In some states, a person might file for divorce because of the fact that there is a substance abuse present. Despite this, every state is different, and it is important to contact an attorney to understand your rights in the case of divorce in your state.
Is Divorce Inevitable with Addiction?
Divorce is a difficult experience for the entire family. Addiction is a heavy burden on any family too. If the addict does not seek treatment, sometimes divorce is the only option. Seeking treatment may provide your family with a way to avoid divorce. Although it is not guaranteed, for some married couples, treatment becomes a solution to marital difficulties.
Regardless, seeking professional treatment is always the best course of action when it comes to addiction. In addition to professional support, support from family and friends is helpful in recovery. Addiction therapy allows you a safe place to detox and receive therapy and medical care that you need in order to save your health and possibly your marriage.
Family Therapy
Many treatment centers also offer family therapy. These family therapies might include support groups for couples or even children of addicts. Addiction and divorce statistics show that when someone is surrounded by those they love and trust, they are likely to be more successful when it comes to sobriety.
Often family therapy can also help couples solve other problems in their marriage, which might make the marriage stronger than before. Don’t give up. You are not alone. Professional help is available for your family.
Mental Illness and Addiction and Divorce Statistics
Over half of all people diagnosed with a substance use disorder also suffer from a mental illness of some kind. This is called a dual diagnosis. By addressing both the mental illness and the addiction, you have a higher likelihood of treating your addiction and possibly save your marriage too.
Addiction and Divorce Statistics with Treatment
It is important not to give up, even if you or your loved one are not immediately successful in treatment. Only around 8% to 12% of all people who go to treatment are successful for the first time. However, after time, that number increases dramatically to 50%.
Many times treatment is not effective because the underlying causes are not addressed, including co-occurring disorders. Thus, it is essential to seek holistic treatment options.
Treatment Options
Whether it is alcohol, drugs, or gambling, addiction and substance abuse often lead to divorce. It is incredibly important to find treatment in order to achieve sobriety. The treatment option best suited for you depends on the severity of your addiction as well as other factors, but there are a few main options: detox, inpatient programs, outpatient programs, and support groups.
Although everyone should go participate in support groups following initial treatment, not everyone requires a medical detox. Detox and inpatient treatments are often best suited for individuals with severe addictions. These patients may require intensive 24-hour treatment, especially during the detox period.
Outpatient programs offer a less intensive but still effective treatment option for those with mild to moderate substance abuse disorders.
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Get Help to Save Your Marriage
If you or someone you love is addicted, try treatment before you decide on a divorce. Treatment is the best hope for attaining sobriety, and it might help save your marriage. Today is the best day to learn all about our free insurance verification for treatment, as well as how we can help you.
Contact us at Resurgence Behavioral Health to learn about all of our addiction treatment programs and how they can work for you.
