When Addiction Attacks Marriage, Remember This Story

Many marriages have been threatened by addiction, but there is hope! There isn’t an easy fix for a marriage being attacked by drug and alcohol abuse, but there is hope for redemption through Christ.

Meet Josh and Christina. They got married when they found out Christina was pregnant, but the marriage was anything but good. Josh was a functioning addict living a double life. After DUIs, legal trouble, and losing every job he had, he knew he needed help. Christina tried so hard to be who he needed. They were on a collision course with destruction.

But everything began changing when Christina finally put the fate of her husband in the Lord’s hands. The sweetest part of this interview is how Christina answers me when I ask her what life looks like now. Watch to see what I mean.

Your Turn

If you are the one in the relationship struggling WITH the addiction, a few things to keep in mind are:

1. Acknowledge the problem, don’t hide from it.
2. Seek professional help as soon as possible.
3. Understand that healing takes time and patience.
4. Let community in to build a network of accountability.

If you are the one who is coming alongside your spouse that is struggling, remember:

1. You can’t force your spouse to change, but you can pray for them.
2. You are allowed to seek and need help, too. Lean into community, counseling, and trusted friends.
3. Boundaries can be healthy in the healing process. You are so valuable to God. That means you can and should create boundaries that keep you safe.
4. You can love someone deeply and not enable their sin in your life. You don’t have to make excuses, provide money, or shield your partner from consequences.

Get help, get safe, get sober, and get a deeper relationship with God. From there, the marriage can start healing. Remember that the blood of Jesus covers a multitude of sin. Remember His love is greater than anything in this world.