Infidelity and Addiction

In the beginning of a person’s early recovery they are often looking for ways to avoid the feelings. If the person can find a healthy outlet then there is no issue here and everyone is happy. If they reach into the tool box and begin working with those things that have been given to them from either treatment or other support system it can be a positive thing. If however they do not they may be inclined to go backwards. In the case of Infidelity and addiction we have the reality that when a person is using they have lowered inhibitions. In the light of this they may also be separated from their partner because of the drug or alcohol use and will often find another person to spend time with. Sometimes they use this person as a using and drinking buddy and then it may become more. Later you realize that the infidelity is with the drugs and alcohol and that if and when you become ready to quit you are left with a partner you don’t know. Intimacy is one of the most difficult topics to face in a relation ship. It is also one of the most difficult issues to face in recovery. 30-60% of married individuals will participate in some form of infidelity, there are no specific signs of cheating, in the past men were more likely than women to cheat, now as women are entering more of the roles of independence they are leaning toward becoming more like men in this arena, and it is not abnormal to have fantasies involving someone other than your spouse or partner. It was implicated that infidelity and addiction and the addition drugs and alcohol will exacerbate the solid foundation of any relationship. The distortion of the addictive relationship will be addressed later.

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