Alcohol Abuse and Divorce
Excessive use of alcohol can put a strain on any relationship, especially a marriage. Sadly, alcohol is the most abused drug in the United States, where 13% of all adults will struggle with an alcohol problem at some point in their lives. Alcohol abuse or dependency is often cited as a cause for divorce. In fact, in couples in which one spouse has an alcohol problem, divorce is four times as likely as in couples without alcohol issues.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Unlike alcohol abuse, in which drinking habits interfere with a person’s everyday life, alcohol dependency, or alcoholism is an even more serious condition in which a person becomes physically dependent on alcohol. Alcoholics may neglect family, work, and social obligations and may suffer from physical withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not available.
Symptoms of withdrawal vary in severity and can include:
- Headache
- Sweating
- Paleness
- Clammy skin
- Eye twitches
- Heart palpitations
- Tremors and shaking
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Convulsions
To keep the withdrawal symptoms at bay, alcoholics will continue to drink. In addition to its physical effects and its effect on a person’s ability to function in everyday society, alcoholism is also linked with higher rates of domestic violence and child abuse.
Contact Us
The decision to file for a divorce because of an alcohol problem is a difficult one to make. If you are considering a divorce from an alcoholic spouse, the Houston divorce attorneys of Garg & Associates can help you through this trying time. To learn more about your divorce options, contact our offices today at 281-362-2865.
