Marriage is meant to be a sacred bond—a partnership rooted in love, trust, and mutual support, a symbol of the even deeper relationship between Christ and the church. But when addiction and marriage collide, the foundation can begin to crack. Whether you or your spouse is struggling with alcohol use disorder, drug addiction, or mental health concerns tied to substance abuse, it can feel like you’re both drowning with no life raft in sight.
If you’re reading this, you might be exhausted. You may be living with an alcoholic spouse, worried about their health, the safety of your home, or the emotional toll on your family. You might even be the one secretly battling alcohol dependency, hoping to change but unsure where to begin.
No matter where you are in the struggle, the Bible—and your faith—has guidance. And there is help.
Get Help Today
Help and healing are possible through our Christian rehab programs.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how a Christian rehab center can aid in your recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
What the Bible Says About Addiction in Marriage
The Bible doesn’t shy away from brokenness. It reminds us that even the strongest believers can stumble—but that grace and restoration are always available.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8
This verse reminds us that alcohol addiction and substance abuse don’t just affect the body—they impact the soul, relationships, and emotional well-being. If your spouse’s drinking has led to secrecy, lies, or even domestic violence, Scripture urges us not to ignore the problem but to seek safety, wisdom, and healing.
Here are some words of wisdom about marriage directly:
1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 – Commitment and grace
“Love is patient, love is kind… it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”
This is a powerful reminder that true love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a commitment to walk through suffering with grace. It can encourage spouses to hold space for both compassion and boundaries. Still, loving someone doesn’t mean enabling their behavior. It means seeking truth and choosing action—even when it’s hard. For many, that includes setting boundaries, joining support groups, or turning to a faith-based addiction treatment center like LINKS.
2. Ephesians 4:31–32 – Forgiveness and compassion
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
A foundational verse for working through resentment and past mistakes, especially when an alcoholic spouse has caused emotional or relational harm.
3. Matthew 18:15 – Confronting issues directly
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.”
Encourages open, honest communication in marriage when one partner is engaging in alcohol misuse or destructive behavior.
4. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – Partners lifting each other up
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Reinforces the idea that marriage is a team effort—and recovery can be too.
5. Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trusting God when you don’t have the answers
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”
This is especially meaningful for spouses who feel helpless or confused in the face of addiction. A reminder that seeking guidance from God is always the first step.
6. James 1:2–4 – Finding purpose in trials
“Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials… because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Helps reframe the hardship of addiction in marriage as an opportunity for growth, spiritual maturity, and deeper reliance on God.
7. 1 Peter 4:8 – Love covers over sin
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
While not advocating passivity in the face of harm, this verse reminds us that love—rooted in Christ—can be a force of true healing. See also 1 Peter 3: 1-12.
There is no shame in seeking help. It takes strength to admit that alcohol abuse or alcohol dependency is tearing at the seams of your marriage. LINKS, the Christian rehab program at Northbound Treatment, can walk alongside you as you rebuild what’s been broken.
Coping with an Alcoholic Spouse
If you’re navigating an alcoholic spouse, coping can be hard. You already know the emotional weight it carries: fear, resentment, confusion, guilt. You may have tried to stop their drinking by pleading, negotiating, or even hiding bottles—only to feel powerless when drinking habits return.
You’re not alone. There are millions of spouses, partners, and family members dealing with alcohol abuse, and many don’t realize that faith can be a powerful part of the recovery process—for both partners.
Faith-centered recovery doesn’t ignore the pain. It meets it head-on—with the love of Jesus Christ, the power of prayer, and a supportive environment where change is possible.
When You’re Ready to Take the Next Step—LINKS Can Help
LINKS is a faith-based addiction treatment program located in Orange County, California, that helps individuals overcome alcohol addiction, substance abuse, and co-occurring mental health issues by placing Jesus Christ at the center of recovery.
Our comprehensive services include:
Medically supervised detox for alcohol and drugs
Residential and outpatient treatment options
Christian counseling and pastoral care
Support groups for individuals and families
Dual diagnosis treatment for mental health and addiction
Help for rebuilding broken relationships and spiritual healing
What sets LINKS apart is our integration of evidence-based care and biblical truth. We don’t just focus on stopping the drinking habits—we work on restoring hearts, rebuilding marriages, and helping people rediscover their identity in Christ.
Hope for the Future
Addiction doesn’t have to be the end of your marriage. Through God’s grace and the right support, it can be the beginning of something new. Whether you’re searching for ways to stop drinking, help an alcoholic spouse, or heal after years of alcohol abuse, LINKS is here to walk with you.
You don’t have to choose between addiction treatment and your faith. At LINKS, they go hand in hand.
Call (866) 434-1330 today to learn how our Christian addiction recovery center can help restore your marriage—and your life.
Get Help Today
Help and healing are possible through our Christian rehab programs.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how a Christian rehab center can aid in your recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
FAQs About Addiction and Marriage
How do I know if my partner’s drinking is a problem?
If your partner’s drinking is causing emotional distance, conflict, secrecy, or harm in your relationship, it may be a sign of a drinking problem. Frequent arguments, broken promises, or emotional instability around alcohol can signal deeper issues with alcohol misuse or dependency.
Can heavy drinkers change without treatment?
While some heavy drinkers try to quit on their own, most people need structured help to make lasting changes. Without guidance, the cycle of alcohol misuse and heavy drinking often repeats. That’s why the best path forward is to seek professional help through a faith-based treatment program like LINKS.
How can I set healthy boundaries with an alcoholic partner?
Setting healthy boundaries means protecting your well-being while refusing to enable your partner’s behavior. This might include not covering for them, not allowing alcohol in the home, or seeking counseling. Boundaries aren’t about punishment—they’re about survival and clarity.
What role do peer support groups play in recovery?
Peer support groups provide community, accountability, and hope. Groups like Christian 12-Step programs help both spouses and those struggling with addiction find strength in shared faith and experience.
Can family therapy help if alcohol has hurt our marriage?
Yes, family therapy is often crucial. It helps both partners address resentment, rebuild trust, and communicate in healthier ways. At LINKS, Christian-based family therapy is part of our comprehensive approach to healing marriages impacted by alcohol misuse.