Do Addiction Issues Often Lead to Divorce?

When dealing with both addiction issues and divorces, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how many marriages fail as a direct result of the addiction problem – but it is well known that addiction is a leading factor in divorce cases across the country. Because addiction has a way of creeping into every aspect of the addicted person’s life, it tends to affect everything from performance at work, relationships with family, and influences on emotions – all factors that can greatly affect a marriage.

Addiction as a Reason for Divorce

Many former spouses of addicts cite the reason for leaving their relationship as being caregiver fatigue. Dependency can wreak havoc on a relationship as the addicted family member relies more and more on their family members to look after and help them during their addiction. The caregiver eventually can become burnt out, resulting in their own depression and physiological symptoms. In many cases, this leaves the caregiver feeling as though they have only one option: leaving. Usually the decision to leave comes after multiple attempts to solve the addiction which are unsuccessful, which leaves the caregiver feeling as though they do not have another option.

Working through the Problem

Chances are, you married someone you fell in love with – not the addict you are currently caring for. If addiction has driven a wedge into your family, focusing on the good in your marriage can help you remember why you were married in the first place. Getting professional help is a great first step to working through both the addiction problem and your wilting marriage.

If you feel that an addiction problem may be threatening your marriage, get in touch with a certified therapist who can help you to work through both problems as a unified family.