Blog Layout
3 Addictions That May Derail Your Marriage | Allan Brandon Tise PLLC, Attorney at Law
Nov 15, 2021
When you hear of divorce, one of the first things that often comes to mind is infidelity. Infidelity is defined as "the act of being unfaithful to a spouse or other sexual partner." Unfortunately, there are many ways a person can be unfaithful.
Addictions are one of these ways. When someone is addicted, they are usually having an emotional affair with the things they are addicted to. They are willing to place their need to engage in these activities ahead of their marriage. Unfortunately, many marriages do not survive. Here are a few addictions your marriage may be facing.
1. Alcohol
The most commonly addictive substance in the U.S. is alcohol. An estimated 14.1 million people suffer from some type of alcohol addiction or abuse. Several million more engage in drinking behaviors that could become problematic.
Identifying and detecting alcoholism can be difficult. The addict is usually not forthcoming about their addiction. They will very often underestimate or attempt to rationalize the amount they are drinking.
Marriages where one spouse is an alcoholic experience a 50 percent divorce rate compared to an approximate 30 percent rate among couples where alcoholism is not an issue. The increased divorce rate is because of the many problems alcoholism presents. These include:
An alcoholic may also hide their drinking from others by isolating themselves and neglecting responsibilities.
2. Gaming
Gaming is one of the newest addictions to rear its ugly head in marriages. This addiction allows people to escape the stresses of their daily lives by spending their time immersed in virtual worlds.
Unfortunately, while they are immersed in their virtual worlds, they often ignore the people who live in the house with them. One study reported that 75 percent of gamers' spouses stated they would like their spouses to put more time in their marriage and less time in their games. Everyone playing video games does not have an addiction. A gaming addict is a person who:
Research has shown it is not the actual time spent gaming that is the problem. The problem is the frustration and arguments that result when the non-gaming spouse begins to complain about the lack of engagement the gaming spouse offers.
3. Social Media
There are approximately 2.77 billion users of social media throughout the world. Unfortunately, of these, an estimated 210 million people suffer from internet and social media addictions. The average person spends almost 2 hours per day using social media, although teens can spend up to 9 hours per day.
Due to social media and the internet, people are always connected and have unprecedented access to the world. 71 percent of Americans sleep with their device nearby. Social media addictions can cause a person to spend more time online than they do with their spouse. This inattentiveness can cause jealousy and feelings of inadequacy.
Oversharing about marital problems on social media can also create wider rifts. The rifts are often due to unsolicited input and opinions from family and friends.
If your marriage has been damaged beyond the point of repair by one or more addictions, call Allan Brandon Tise PLLC , Attorney at Law. We can help you understand your legal rights, file your divorce, and get the settlement you deserve. Give us a call today to schedule a video conference, phone, or in-office consultation.
Addictions are one of these ways. When someone is addicted, they are usually having an emotional affair with the things they are addicted to. They are willing to place their need to engage in these activities ahead of their marriage. Unfortunately, many marriages do not survive. Here are a few addictions your marriage may be facing.
1. Alcohol
The most commonly addictive substance in the U.S. is alcohol. An estimated 14.1 million people suffer from some type of alcohol addiction or abuse. Several million more engage in drinking behaviors that could become problematic.
Identifying and detecting alcoholism can be difficult. The addict is usually not forthcoming about their addiction. They will very often underestimate or attempt to rationalize the amount they are drinking.
Marriages where one spouse is an alcoholic experience a 50 percent divorce rate compared to an approximate 30 percent rate among couples where alcoholism is not an issue. The increased divorce rate is because of the many problems alcoholism presents. These include:
- Decreased positive communication
- Decreased family participation
- Increased arguments
- Increased financial issues
- Increased acts of infidelity
- Increased acts of violence and more
An alcoholic may also hide their drinking from others by isolating themselves and neglecting responsibilities.
2. Gaming
Gaming is one of the newest addictions to rear its ugly head in marriages. This addiction allows people to escape the stresses of their daily lives by spending their time immersed in virtual worlds.
Unfortunately, while they are immersed in their virtual worlds, they often ignore the people who live in the house with them. One study reported that 75 percent of gamers' spouses stated they would like their spouses to put more time in their marriage and less time in their games. Everyone playing video games does not have an addiction. A gaming addict is a person who:
- Would rather game than engage with you, friends, or their job
- Sacrifices meals, sleep, sex, socialization, and conversations
- Uses bill money to buy games and gaming supplies
- Refuses to reduce their gaming time
- Considers strangers they play with closer than family and friends
Research has shown it is not the actual time spent gaming that is the problem. The problem is the frustration and arguments that result when the non-gaming spouse begins to complain about the lack of engagement the gaming spouse offers.
3. Social Media
There are approximately 2.77 billion users of social media throughout the world. Unfortunately, of these, an estimated 210 million people suffer from internet and social media addictions. The average person spends almost 2 hours per day using social media, although teens can spend up to 9 hours per day.
Due to social media and the internet, people are always connected and have unprecedented access to the world. 71 percent of Americans sleep with their device nearby. Social media addictions can cause a person to spend more time online than they do with their spouse. This inattentiveness can cause jealousy and feelings of inadequacy.
Oversharing about marital problems on social media can also create wider rifts. The rifts are often due to unsolicited input and opinions from family and friends.
If your marriage has been damaged beyond the point of repair by one or more addictions, call Allan Brandon Tise PLLC , Attorney at Law. We can help you understand your legal rights, file your divorce, and get the settlement you deserve. Give us a call today to schedule a video conference, phone, or in-office consultation.
What is alienation of affection in North Carolina? Discover more about this specific type of lawsuit so you can know how to handle this type of situation.
Are you wondering if separation or divorce is the right path for you? Learn more about these options so you can make the best decision for your situation.
Allan Brandon Tise is your trusted child custody attorney serving those undergoing or beginning a child custody battle in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Call now.
This blog discusses six subtle signs you should look out for to protect your emotional well-being and seek necessary legal help for divorce. Read on.
Take a look at what you need to know about primary legal custody in North Carolina and some of the top reasons why a parent might want to go this route.
Alimony provides financial assistance to the lower-earning spouse to help them maintain their standard of living. Explore the various types of alimony.
When courts determine custody of children, they examine many factors. Read about the factors determining child custody in this blog.
Alimony negotiation is one of the toughest parts of divorce proceedings. As the supporting spouse in alimony negotiations, you may have difficulty accepting that you must support your spouse financially, in the future, even though you are no longer married. If you are not careful, the mental and emotional pressure of alimony negotiations may lead you to make mistakes that affect your financial future. To help you avoid jeopardizing your finances, read on to learn about four mistakes you should avoid during alimony negotiations.
If a narcissistic spouse is making your divorce even more of an ordeal, learn about three strategies you can use to stay calm and get through it.
If you've ever experienced an abusive marriage, you know how scary and difficult it can be to try to get out of that situation. Learn how a lawyer can help.
Phone: 910-251-9614 | Email: brandon@tisefamilylaw.com | Address: 130 N Front St., Suite 201 Wilmington, NC 28401
Areas we serve: Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Hampstead, Burgaw, Surf City, Landfall, Porters Neck and Wrightsboro
