Relationship distress with Spouse

The couple, both in their mid-forties, are professionals working in the software industry, with the husband holding a senior position in a multinational company and the wife also employed in a similar field. They had a love marriage and have been together for over 15 years. The early years of their marriage were harmonious, marked by mutual respect, emotional closeness, and shared responsibilities, including raising two sons. However, over time, the husband developed a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption, often triggered by frequent corporate parties and international work travel. His personality is described as submissive, with difficulty asserting boundaries, which contributed to his inability to resist peer pressure. Despite the wife’s repeated efforts to address the issue and her initial tolerance due to their lifestyle and social standing, the situation worsened. As their children grew older, emotional distance between the couple increased. A family intervention was held to address the husband’s addiction, but no significant changes occurred until his health began to deteriorate. Medical evaluations revealed liver damage, prompting doctors to advise a significant reduction in alcohol intake. For nearly three years, the couple lived under the same roof but led emotionally disconnected lives, with no intimacy or meaningful communication. Eventually, they sought professional counseling, where they engaged in therapeutic sessions to address their issues. Through this process, both partners acknowledged their roles in the breakdown of the relationship and committed to rebuilding their bond. They are now living together again, having made conscious efforts to restore trust, improve communication, and support each other’s well-being.