A quick question from the wife of an alcoholic....

[ContessaIsOnADietDammit]

DH has drunk far too much for years, and over the past 2 years has started drinking secretly as well. He had a bad scare just before Christmas and has decided he's reforming, so is doing Dry January. Obviously I have no idea of he's really doing it (I suspect not re secret drinking) but that's the current accepted reality in our house.

I have advised him to go to the GP and book himself in for liver tests/advice on alcohol management. We live 2 doors down from the GP. He is adamant that he will not telephone them but that he will go there in person to book his appointment; similarly he will not use the online booking system.

My spidey senses are tingling. What possible benefit (to him) can accrue from this? Is it simply delaying the tests, or what? He's quite capable of lying to me about going at all; I know that.

Any insights would be welcome

A friend of mine denied he drank too much. It turned out he was drinking so much he went into withdrawl after 12 hours without a drink. This really scared him and he would not see a dr. Eventually there was a health scare and he did but the reality of the withdrawl meant he had to face that he was an alcoholic and not someone who just liked a drink. It was hard and took time.

DH claims he's had nothing for a month (since the incident). He's been more snappy and irritable, so I sort of believe him; OTOH he's been secretly drinking for ages and I haven't always caught him, so.....

I'm watching and waiting, but not quite hoping IYSWIM.

Exactly the boat as you. AH denied a problem for 3 years, he started secret drinking and I found myself constantly looking for his new hiding places just so I could keep track of how much he was drinking.
He's been trying to get sober for about a year but won't go to the doctors for a liver function test. Does go to AA but clearly not working as he bought a small bottle of vodka tonight and is technically not going to be able to drive tomorrow. He drives for a living so huge problem.