Drug abuse can create a problem for your marriage — and, if you know what’s good for you, it will probably bring your marriage to an end. Nevertheless, it takes time for spouses to realize that the addicted spouse isn’t going to change. Yes, miracles do happen, but unless the addicted spouse has the strength to overcome the addiction, things are going to remain miserable for the sober spouse until he or she decides that enough is enough.
Why does it take so long for the sober spouse to end the marriage?
Love is a complicated emotion. Just because a spouse has a drug addiction doesn’t mean the sober spouse is going to stop loving him or her. In fact, an addition could cause the sober spouse to feel even more love — and more responsibility — for the addicted spouse. This can create a complicated relationship of enabling that’s difficult to unwind.
When the drugs become a financial drain, sometimes divorce becomes an economic necessity
Addicts tend to be very poor providers in a marriage. They might be unemployed and spend money needed to maintain the family on their addiction. Or, they might simply represent a dead weight that takes away from family assets rather than adding to them. If the situation gets bad enough, the sober spouse might have to make the difficult decision to cut his or her marriage ties in order to remain financially afloat.
Are you dealing with a spouse who had a drug addiction? Our law firm is available to assess your legal rights and options. We’ll help you understand what your divorce will be like and how you can begin the process immediately.