Is Your Partner an Alcoholic?

Did you know that alcohol is the number one problem drug in the United States? While this substance is sold at liquor stores, convenience shops, and supermarkets across the country, the effects it can have on some people leave no doubt that alcohol can be just as dangerous as illegal narcotics. For this reason, living with someone with an alcohol addiction can be extremely destructive and unsafe for both the alcoholic and their family. Many people often tire of dealing with drunk driving attorneys and failed sobriety, choosing to divorce their alcoholic partner to ensure their safety and that of their dependents.

Every week, there are an estimated 46,523 divorces filed in the U.S., with the legal proceedings connected to each case lasting roughly one year. Because as many as 50% of all marriages in the nation fail, it is impossible to know how many of these separations may have been caused or affected by alcoholism. However, with an estimated 17 million adults in the U.S. dependent or suffering from alcohol-related problems, the number is likely very high. Accordingly, a number of family law attorneys report that their clients either claim that their spouse is an alcoholic, or are accused themselves.

When preparing to divorce someone who has problems with alcohol abuse, it is important to prepare your case carefully, especially if you are fighting for custody of your children. Because of this, it may be necessary to document any events that are connected to the abuse, such as jobs lost due to absences, DUIs or cases that required drunk driving attorneys, hospitalization and more. A divorce lawyer will typically be able to help you organize and present this information in an effective way to help you gain custody, child support and more.

Addiction is a disease: while it may be tempting to think that an alcoholic partner or relative can stop any time that they want, there is often a genetic and psychological reason that causes a person to engage in their unhealthy habits despite the consequences. Unfortunately, this likely means that no one around them is safe until they accept the help they need. If living with an alcoholic partner has made you fear for the safety of your family, consider contacting a divorce attorney today.