Avoiding an Addiction Relapse During Your Divorce
Addiction comes in many forms, whether it involves alcohol, drugs, sex or other excessive behavior. People dealing with addiction can become abusive towards the ones they love and betray their trust. It is commendable if you have recovered from an addiction, but your spouse does not have to forgive you for your past actions. You may end up divorcing despite your efforts to improve yourself. While this may be a devastating turn of events, you cannot let yourself relapse into your addiction.
Addiction and Divorce
Your marriage and your family may have been your primary motivations during your recovery. You want to be someone that your spouse and children can rely on, and that idea gave you the strength to seek help and change yourself. The divorce takes away your spouse as a pillar of support. It is also possible that the divorce court will view your history of addiction as a potential danger to your children, which could affect the allocation of parental responsibilities. Divorce is a stressful and sometimes frightening process for anyone. You may be tempted to return to your addiction because it feels comfortable and will take your mind off your anxiety. A relapse would be disastrous for yourself and your divorce. It would likely limit your parenting time with your children and distract you from what you need to accomplish in your divorce.
Preventing Relapse
You should realize the risk of relapse during your divorce and take steps to protect your health:
- Despite your busy schedule, you need to stay consistent with your recovery programs, such as counseling and support groups;
- Ask your existing support system about additional services available for people in addiction recovery who are going through a divorce;
- Allow your friends, family, and co-workers to help you, which may relieve some of your stress;
- Avoid being alone and brooding about your divorce, which may increase your depression and anxiety; and
- Find healthy activities to distract yourself, such as exercise and visiting friends.
Contact a St. Charles Divorce Lawyer
A divorce attorney is capable of handling the technical aspects of your divorce, but some divorcees need help with the emotional aspects. Our divorce coach at Goostree Law Group works with our Kane County divorce attorneys to provide support and guidance for people who are anxious about their divorce. While not a replacement for an addiction recovery program, a divorce coach can be an additional resource who understands the emotional challenges of a divorce. To schedule a free consultation, call 630-584-4800.
Source:
https://www.advancedrecoverysystems.com/dealing-divorce-rehab/