Caroline McGraw

What was the moment you knew for sure that your spouse was addicted? Maybe it was discovery of a hidden cache of booze or pills, or the phone call informing you that your spouse was in police custody. Or perhaps it wasn't a single dramatic incident, but rather the slow piecing together of seemingly-unrelated behaviors such as increased irritability and secrecy.  
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 It's the question that sneaks up on you in quiet moments, the one that tugs at your metaphorical sleeve whispering: “What if?” The fear and worry follow you around like a cloud shadowing your days, and you wonder …What if my spouse is addicted? Am I just being paranoid, or is there real cause for concern here? What is addiction anyway? How do I tell if my family member has crossed the line?

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As a residential rehab and recovery center for people struggling with addiction, we hear from many family members. Often the person who contacts us isn’t the one suffering from substance abuse, but their distraught husband or wife.

We've heard so many spouses say, “I'm at the end of my rope; I can't do this anymore. Can you tell me how to help my spouse with addiction?”

No matter how many times we have these conversations, that is a powerful moment to witness. Sometimes, the act of owning up to the truth and requesting addiction help is the hardest part of the whole recovery process.

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What is the relapse prevention? Is it possible? Some studies put the relapse rate for substance abuse at 40-60% Some studies are much higher. 

What's the right way to think about relapse prevention?

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