Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Alcohol support

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

DH could drink all day

9 replies

JeannieJo · 26/12/2025 20:00

Help me out here - am I being controlling and unreasonable?

My DH has always had a fairly insatiable appetite for alcohol. He’s always liked a good drink - I probably didn’t notice it for a long time.

He’s always the one throwing it back, gulping the beer, he can never just enjoy a drink. It always has to be two or three or four, he’s always first finished, and looking for the next one. If I have one glass of wine, he’s always finished a pint before I’m even halfway through and on to ordering his next pint. He also gets a bit arsey at times and contrary when he’s drinking. Nothing significant but annoying.

He doesn’t eat very well - he would live on crap if he could. Couldn’t tell you the last time he ate a bit of fruit. Never eats breakfast, often doesn’t even have lunch (his work is really busy through the day and he rarely gets to stop for food - that’s another story). He would probably drink every night of the week if he could.

Last year, I caught him sneaking in bottles of whisky and he was drinking them when I went to bed at night. (His mother was an alcoholic so it does run in the family.)

Last year, he had a number of vacant episodes which were really scary for me - he wasn’t making sense, wouldn’t reply to me talking to him, he didn’t really remember them and wouldn’t go to the doc afterwards. I spoke to him at the time about my concerns this was booze related.

Over Christmas, he’s been drinking beer each night. Two, three, four beers, plus a couple of whiskies the last three nights - no one else is drinking, though I did have a couple of drinks last night at the end of the night after Christmas dinner.

I didn’t feel great today so went to bed for a bit. Woke up at 5 and he’s already on the beer, then he had another, then I said to him I didn’t think he needed anymore and he’s in a total huff.

I don’t want to be controlling but I also don’t think he needs to be drinking if no one else is, plus his history of enjoying it far too much - also worried hugely about his vacant episodes.

I’ve tried to talk to him many, many times about it and told him how much it worries me. He seems to hear what I’m saying but carries on regardless.

Am I the one BU here or is it reasonable that I am concerned and think he needs to stop or cut it back?

OP posts:
JeannieJo · 26/12/2025 20:34

Anyone out there?

OP posts:
Soonenough · 26/12/2025 20:43

Unfortunately I know many people like this . In the pub all day and continue not even stopping for food . But to want to drink and get drunk by yourself in your home is another level of worry for you . He is using alcohol to remove himself from things and if it is in his genes then he is heading to becoming a non functioning alcoholic. So very very hard on family is this horrible disease . You can not do anything to stop him as it has to come from within himself. You should let him know that he is in danger of losing his family and his home . It is so unfair to raise children around this .
Perhaps contact AlAnon for families living with alcoholics they may give you some insight into what you are dealing with , how you can help and how to get help for yourself .

TwilightSkies · 26/12/2025 20:48

He’s an alcoholic. He won’t change unless HE wants to. Does he know he has a problem?

Toothpastestain · 26/12/2025 20:50

You are not being unreasonable.
You need help and supprt. Please contact Alanon.

grinchmcgrinchface · 26/12/2025 20:52

It’s beyond cutting back, He’s an alcoholic. You need to speak to him and see if he will get help.

Justbecauseyoucandoesntmeanyoushould · 26/12/2025 20:54

He has a drink problem without a doubt. Only he can stop. You can't make him and you're not responsible for his actions and behaviours. You can offer support but it is he who has to change.

JeannieJo · 26/12/2025 21:10

TwilightSkies · 26/12/2025 20:48

He’s an alcoholic. He won’t change unless HE wants to. Does he know he has a problem?

He doesn’t think he has a problem. He says he’s drinking as it’s Christmas…

OP posts:
JeannieJo · 26/12/2025 21:12

Justbecauseyoucandoesntmeanyoushould · 26/12/2025 20:54

He has a drink problem without a doubt. Only he can stop. You can't make him and you're not responsible for his actions and behaviours. You can offer support but it is he who has to change.

He’s in a totally bad mood tonight and says it’s my fault and I’m BU as it’s Christmas, buts clearly not just about tonight. I’m sick of it.

OP posts:
JaquiRussell · 26/12/2025 21:28

Of course he's going to say he doesn't think he has a problem.
My ex husband said the same, despite suffering withdrawal seizures after a day or two of not drinking which resulted in hospitalisations. There's no forcing them, he needs to want to stop and do so.

I would seriously recommend Al Anon the support for family members of drinkers. Educate yourself and decide what you want for your future.
It's an addictive toxic substance, it's not going to get any better, unless he gets sober, put it that way.
You are not being unreasonable, you both only get one life. You can only live yours.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page