Marriage can be a protective force against substance abuse. However, the sudden end of this union can be a risk factor for substance abuse. Divorce can cause an unstable home environment to the extent of driving you to drug or alcohol abuse. A spouse may develop feelings of resentment and turn to drugs and alcohol for comfort. Substance abuse and divorce do not have to lead you to a cycle of shame and blame. Join a drug addiction treatment program at Northern Illinois Recovery Center to help you overcome addiction and face divorce with a clear mind.

Divorce can harm an individual recovering from addiction. Some may relapse and begin to isolate themselves to hide their addictive behavior. Others become dishonest and claim to use drugs and alcohol to cope with their marital problems.

What is the Link between Addiction and Divorce?

Divorce is a reality for many Americans, especially for couples struggling with addiction and those in addiction recovery. Research has proven substance abuse to be among the top factors contributing to the end of many marriages worldwide. Substance abuse in one or both partners causes conflict in marriage. Addiction takes time away from your relationship, thus dividing both of you emotionally and physically. Substance abuse also leads to fights, which may develop into domestic violence. By this time, addiction is no longer a disease of one party but of the entire family. If no one bothers to address the problem, you may end up parting ways. Both divorce and addiction foster negative emotions, including:

• Anger
• Depression
• Stress
• Anxiety

How Does Divorce Impact Addiction?

When you get into a marriage, you have high expectations that it will last forever. However, when a divorce happens, you become demoralized and develop the urge to feel better. After a divorce, you may turn to new behaviors such as substance abuse. Alcohol is often the immediate and socially acceptable way to take your mind off the pain. If you continue to rely on drugs to feel better, you develop an addiction. Since divorce can be excruciating, you should be careful of the role alcohol and drugs play in your marriage. Without the proper support system, divorce and addiction can decrease your standards of living.

Managing Addiction During and After Divorce

If you have an addiction problem that you are yet to address, going through a divorce will worsen your situation. The emotional impact of losing your marriage is a trigger that will increase your substance or alcohol abuse. Try to fight the urge to drink so that you can be sober when dealing with divorce. If you find it difficult to quit drug and alcohol abuse, a reputable addiction treatment center in Northern Illinois can offer you the professional help you need to stay sober during these trying times.

Coping with Addiction Recovery and Divorce

If you are recovering from addiction and are now facing divorce, this could affect your recovery efforts. Support from trusted friends and family can go a long way in making sure you do not relapse. A group therapy program in Northern Illinois can also offer you the support you need to cope with challenges that come with divorce while still focusing on your addiction recovery.

Learn More About Addiction Recovery at Northern Illinois Recovery Center

You may find it challenging to leave your children and work behind to go to rehab. However, a few weeks in our recovery center can be life-changing. You will have a chance to focus on your recovery with no distractions. Addiction treatment programs in Northern Illinois will also allow you to work with your family and loved ones to improve your relationships. Our specialists will also treat any underlying health issues through various treatment programs, including:

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Depression treatment program
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Individual therapy programs
• Family therapy programs

Let us help you overcome your addiction to enable you to cope with divorce. Call Northern Illinois Recovery Center today at 855.786.1978