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Home > Challenges to Healthy Relationships > Addictions
Addictions
Addictions present major challenges to maintaining a healthy relationship. Addictions not only adversely affect the person struggling with the addiction, but also can create negative consequences for their relationships with significant others, spouses, and families.
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Addictions
Addictions present major challenges to maintaining a healthy relationship. Addictions not only adversely affect the person struggling with the addiction, but also can create negative consequences for their relationships with significant others, spouses, and families. Addictions discussed here include: alcohol, substance abuse, gambling, and pornography. You can also get resources on finding help.
Alcohol
Research shows that alcohol abuse increases the risk of divorce and violence and that it is related to lower marital satisfaction. Alcohol abuse can increase marital distress, result in more outbursts of anger, and is associated with negative affects on the mental health of the non-drinking spouse. The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center has compiled frequently asked questions on alcohol abuse and the effects alcohol abuse can have on the health of a relationship. For more resources on alcoholism, or what to do if you, or a loved one needs help with alcoholism, please see our additional resources.
NHMRC FAQ on Alcohol Abuse (PDF - 51 KB)
If Someone Close has a Problem with Alcohol or other Drugs Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
Alcohol Dependence (PDF) - A fact sheet produced by the National Institutes of Health
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) - Part of the National Institutes of Health - In addition to conducting and supporting research, NIAAA also presents research findings in several formats (summaries, fact sheets, brochures, etc.) to the public via its Web site.
National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) - Data from this large-scale longitudinal study is available by visiting this Web site.
Alcohol Policy Information System - The Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS) is an online resource that provides detailed information on a wide variety of alcohol-related policies in the United States at both State and Federal levels.
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Substance Abuse
As with other addictions, substance abuse by one or both partners can take a toll on a marriage or relationship. For more information on how substance abuse can affect the health of a relationship, please select from the resources below.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - SAMHSA maintains a valuable Web site with statistics, programs, FAQs, information on recovery communities, self-assessment tests, help for families, and more. SAMSHA also administers a crisis hotline (1-800-662-HELP or 1-800-662-4357).
National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol Information - On this site, you'll find research, resources, and other publications and information on drugs, alcohol, and prevention of abuse.
National Institute on Drug Abuse - This Web site disseminates recent research and publications on various aspects of drug abuse, including treatment and prevention.
Substance Abuse and the Family (PDF)  - A Fact Sheet published by the National Council on Family Relations.
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Gambling
One of the most prominent forms of entertainment in American culture is gambling. Researchers estimate that probably more than eight million American adults have a serious gambling problem. Problem gambling may have destructive and long-lasting financial effects. Gambling can cause harm to marriage and family relationships because of both the financial problems gambling brings and, if a spouse has an addiction to gambling, the time and attention it takes away from family. For more information on how gambling affects marriage and relationships and for resources on where to go for help, please see below for our Frequently Asked Questions on gambling.
NHMRC FAQ on Gambling (PDF - 39 KB)
Are you a Problem Gambler?
National Council on Problem Gambling
Gamblers Anonymous
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Pornography
As with any addiction, pornography dependence can be distressing to a marriage. If you feel you may be struggling with pornography or other sexual addiction, there is help available. There are national organizations dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome these addictions. As well, Smart Marriages (www.smartmarriages.com) maintains audio transcripts from its national conference, several of which have addressed the effects of pornography or sexual addiction on healthy marriages and how to overcome these addictions. You can also search our library for further resources and additional related research.
AAMFT Consumer Update: Sexual Addiction - A fact sheet from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
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Finding Help
There are a number of organizations dedicated to helping people overcome their addictions. Below represents a partial, non-exhaustive list of large, nationwide organizations providing help. As a Resource Center, the NHMRC does not endorse any particular organization or program, but merely intends to provide information to help individuals find out more about resources available to them.
National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) toll-free telephone number for alcohol and drug information/treatment referral assistance. Telephone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). When you call this toll-free number, a recorded message (English or Spanish language) gives you the following options: 1 - Speak to a representative concerning substance abuse treatment or to request printed material on alcohol or drugs or 2 - Local substance abuse treatment referral information in your state. You can also visit their Web site for similar information.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Al-Anon / Alateen
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
The National Women's Health Information Center
Gamblers' Anonymous
Sexaholics Anonymous
S-Anon
Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)
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