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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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My husband is a cocaine addict.

201 replies

Mbshell · 01/03/2018 05:26

Hi there, I’m after some advice. My story is very long and complicated so I’m going to try and keep it as simple as possible by highlighting the main points.

I’ve been with my husband for 16 years married for nearly 10, we have 4 great kids aged 7-16, he is the most amazing person, brilliant father and husband you could wish for. He will do anything for anyone, however, nearly 4 years ago I noticed a few subtle changes. One night I caught him on his phone in the middle of the night hiding it, I thought he must be having an affair ‘obviously’ But It came out he was talking to a dealer who was dropping two bags of cocaine off round my back garden. I actually was sick with rage. I literally couldn’t believe what I was seeing. He was pretty much tea total a complete fitness freak and here he was taking cocaine whilst me and my kids were in bed. I threw him out and he went to stay with his family who live away. I only told a few close family members not my parents as I didn’t want it to make them ill with worry. He confessed to taking it once at a Christmas work party and liked it, because he doesn’t go out drinking he told me he bought it once a month when he got paid and took it on a Thursday night when we were all in bed. Knowing it would be out of his system by the Monday for work. I took him to counselling where the women didn’t think once a month was that much of an issue and told me that life was hard. I thought “yes but most people I know don’t turn to hard drugs”

Anyway he was diagnosed with clinical depression, he was so sickened by what he’d done to us that him made him feel worse! I stuck by him and supported him. Then he got a bad back the drs drugged him full of opiates, it become obviously quickly that he’d gone from cocaine to being addicted to prescription drugs. This caused massive conflict as I was always suspicious of what he’d taken whether it be too much tramadol or coke again. In between I found messages in his friend of him asking if he could get hold of any coke, I went to buy a cat and found a empty bag of coke in the cat carrier. He was adamant it was from ages ago but I knew he was lying. I’d shout at him, he’d get defensive and we’ve had periods where we don’t talk to each other for a week at a time as I’m paranoid of what he’s doing.

After a massive row nye he said he hadn’t felt well for so long, he hated his job, he never felt anything positive and didn’t feel love towards me or the kids, or anyone. About a year ago he started being mentally abusive towards me about people I’d slept with before I met him, hounding me about it even though I’d told him everything before I met him, I’ve been with 12 men not a huge amount, but suddenly it was a massive problem. He left me feeling dirty and ashamed. I knew he was in a bad place so he had a month off work to get himself sorted, the dr prescribed him strong antidepressants and this time he vowed to stick with them. He refused any alcohol even though he’s not a big drinker, and agreed to try and not abuse any prescription drugs, so I finally thought this was it. I had a few weeks where I had my old husband back. I was ill for the whole of January and he cared for me so well, he bombarded me with messages telling me how much he loved me and he was happy in his new role at work. I genuinely thought we’d tirned a corner.

Fast forward to last Friday, we discovered I was pregnant (unplanned) I was freaking out because we were only just getting sorted. He told me everything would be fine and that the baby was made from love and it might be the kick he needed to stick with recovery. Then an hour later he went out to buy me and the kids some dinner and he’d only been gone 30 minutes. He came back off his face! When I questioned him he lied so I told him it was it, that I was gonna get rid of the baby as I could t see my life ever getting better when he does crap like this.

He slept on the sofa, I came down to him still asleep, he’d drank nearly a whole bottle of wine and 4 bottles of beer. I then checked his fb and he’d blocked me and set his profile to single. I was so mad at his behaviour that I threw a mug at him which hit him on the head. I told him to leave.

He went to stay at a friends, I found a empty pen with snot on and two rolled up bits of bloody tissue in my back garden, underneath my bathroom window in the back garden. He was obviously taking it all night and when I walked in threw the evidence out of the window. I told my mum and dad everything about the drugs and literally most people I know, as I’m fed up of always being made out to be the monster for me always kicking him out. Because my husband ( off drugs) is such a lovely bloke, people have trouble believing what I’m telling them. But I feel ike I need all the support I can get.

I messaged him to find out what the hell hes doing? And he has literally changed to someone I don’t know, he is defensive, almost avoiding the coke questions, he refuses to tell me where he gets it from or how often he uses. He says it’s bad anyway so what’s the point in talking about it. He also was more upset that I threw a mug at him as apparently that was unacceptable. He’s looking for a house share and had made contact with the drug counsellor again, (as we have a mortgage which is in his name) I found out he’s legal to pay for it with me and the kids to stay in til our youngest child is 18. It’s all a huge mess at the minute, the problem is I love him so much! Despite everything I know this is not the real him. The thought of him doing anything to upset me when he’s well would make him cry. At the minute I text him to tell him that my world has fallen apart again and I don’t think I can ever trust him again and all he texts me back is “well that was your choice to keep having me back, you didn’t have to. I can’t be arsed with you keep hounding me about it” he finally admitted to taking cocaine and buying it when he went to get dinner, the dealer must live close. The reason he gave was like a celebration about the baby, which Id find laughable if I wasn’t so upset. I just can’t understand. He said an urge will just come over him and he can’t do anything to stop it. Not anything! Not me threatening to leave not him dying nothing!

I don’t know what to do about the baby, I feel that I’ll keep it regardless as it’s not the baby’s fault either, I really hope he can get the help but I can’t have him back living in our house until I know he’s 100% clean when that will be I don’t know. I’m scared in case he can’t be bothered and living on his own might make him worse, I’m also worried that he might go with someone else as that for me would be the nail in the coffin. I can’t stop crying, I can’t eat, or sleep. If this baby survives it will be a miracle.

Sorry it’s so long winded. But any advice would be amazing

OP posts:
Janel85 · 02/03/2018 13:20

You poor thing, you’ve definitely done the rig thing in kicking him out. Doing drugs alone in a house where you have kids is extremely reckless and unacceptable, he obviously has a very serious addiction and the fact that he is on at you for “hounding him” shows that he isn’t in the required frame of mind right now to tackle it. As tough as it is maybe this is the wake up call for him to seek professional help. You have to put your children first.

RoadToRivendell · 02/03/2018 13:21

Sure, he was buying it. I suggest the following: if he's buying it in the middle of the night, he's in the middle of a bender. If he's in the middle of a bender and buying 2 more grams, he's a fairly heavy consumer of coke.

CascadaClassic · 02/03/2018 13:26

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WeirdAndPissedOff · 02/03/2018 13:26

Cascada - your most recent post (at 12.29), and poor attitude show up your "station" in life much more clearly, and it's one I have little respect for.

Op, I think Cascada's made it clear s/he's not worth taking any notice of, but I'd reiterate not to take it to heart at all. Your DP's addiction issues and behaviour are NOT your fault. They're also not your responsibility - you won't be able to help him if he doesn't think there's a problem, and he's shown that he's not interested in engaging, just lying, manipulating and getting angry.
As others have said, you need to get advice from a legal standpoint, start preparing however you can and with whatever support you can get to do this solo, and take care of yourself and your DC. I'd also recommend speaking to your GP about the antidepressants - coming off of them suddenly will make things more difficult for you, and your GP may be able to suggest a different prescription, or a plan to withdraw more slowly. Best wishes, luck etc. Flowers

RoadToRivendell · 02/03/2018 13:29

Cascada you're a bit of a loon, aren't you?

kevinkeeganlovesme · 02/03/2018 13:30

Rather than derailing op's thread maybe we should ignore the obviously stupid comments.

Op, even if it was once a month, that's too much. And at home? I would be fucking livid.

And that's coming from someone who used to do coke regularly so I'm not coming from a pearl clutching angle.

I gave that up when I had ds. I'm utterly shocked and appalled by the amount of friends that still regularly do coke, with their kids in the house. It's become normalised somehow.

MsGameandWatching · 02/03/2018 13:32

I've nothing to hide and my posts reveal exactly what I want them to and always have Smile. Am I supposed to be crushed that you advanced searched me? I didn't bother with you I have to admit, you're not the first weirdo I have dealt with on this board. Keep on posting, no one is taking you seriously, in fact most people are as disgusted by you as I am from what I can see.

CascadaClassic · 02/03/2018 13:36

Am I supposed to be crushed?

Of course not. Words on a screen aren't going to have any impact, compared to what is going on around you.

MsGameandWatching · 02/03/2018 13:38

Well that's good. I'd hate to think anyone was as spiteful and far gone as you seem to be. Not sure I believe you though.

Oooeeeerrrrrindeed · 02/03/2018 13:42

Honestly? You can't lie to youself over who he is. He is no longer the person he was. He is this fucked up mess who prioritisrs his pleasure, his high over everything. You and the children really will not matter to him. If he ever were to quit you'd be constantly waiting holding your breath as when things get tough he'll be straight back to dancing for his dealer's tune again.
Your only chance is to get the hell away before he destroys the lives of your dc through his lies then funding an addiction that will probably kill him or at least take years off his life. Addicts are pretty much ready dead as in the person they were. The addict is toxic. The post addict maybe difficult to get to know when you've lost the original person.

JenMumsnet · 02/03/2018 13:53

Hi all,
Thanks for the reports about this thread.
We know emotions are running high, but can we please keep the conversation exclusively to the thread?
There is no need to harrang posters and bring up unrelated posts that are derailing the thread.

Thank you.

Frizzbeol · 02/03/2018 14:05

OP this was my life 2 years ago. Absolute hell. Found out my partner was massively in debt and it spiralled from there. Looking back now I think it has been going on for most of the time I was with him (a long time!) and I had put up with some absolutely horrendous behaviour and monumental selfishness. The best thing you can do is get him out of the house and keep him out. I know everything is a worry now but you will find a way. Anything has got to be better than living with someone who lies to your face, steals your money and has no regard for his family. Don't be fooled by imagining the type of man you wish he was and the type that he actually is. I would suggest also telling your family about the addiction. I'm convinced that this and only this is what has kept my ex 's behaviour decent post split. He can't hide who is anymore and everyone is judging his actions. If he is any sort of man, he will try and do the right thing by you, his addition aside. Please just focus on you and your children now. You will be amazed at the sense of relief that will come with not living in his twilight world of madness. You will see then what a normal, happy, respectful and loving household really is.

Pinkvoid · 02/03/2018 14:15

As someone who has been in a relationship with an addict I can categorically tell you that he will not change unless he wants to. It doesn’t matter how much you attempt to help him (and it truly does sound like you’ve done everything possible), he won’t change unless the change is wanted.

You are not at fault and whilst I don’t condone the violent incident, I can completely understand why you did it. Dealing with an addict is beyond frustrating and trust me, they will always find someone or something else to blame. It’s never their fault.

You have done the right thing and need to maintain the separation. As for the pregnancy, you have time to consider what is best for you and your DC and I’m sure you’ll make the right decision Flowers.

Tralalee · 02/03/2018 14:25

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Littledrummergirl · 02/03/2018 14:50

Op, after putting up with his disregard for your feelings for so long I would say he got off lightly that you only threw a mug at him.
You need to focus on yourself and your dc for now. He is an adult who is capable of making choices- good and bad- for himself. Whatever he chooses will be for himself and will have little /nothing to do with your actions and reactions.
Protect yourself and cut him loose for a while.

Iooselipssinkships · 02/03/2018 15:16

Cocaine addicts are the lowest of the low and that's coming from someone who fully admits to having taken it in the past and having issues with opiates. I try not to judge addicts because it's no sort of life but when it is put before children and involves stealing/lying/manipulation I have no sympathy. I've been around it, I had my children's belongings stolen and pawned.
When they get off it they're never quite the same because it's addled the brain.
Best thing I did leaving an abusive violent coke head. My life is peaceful, quiet and no drama and I have a DP who is the complete opposite.
I think you and your kids need to move on, I don't think he's going to change and if he did you'd he constantly wondering and worrying if he relapses, which is very common with cocaine. It can take years to get fully clean.
This thread has really helped me because people are understanding about the mug... When ex tried to rape me I kicked him off and got on him with my hands around his throat. I let go because I was scared and paid the price. I always thought I was abusive for this I really did. I thought I was as bad as him. If I ever reacted to violence by swearing and screaming get the fuck off me... I thought I was in the wrong for swearing. I told people he was teaching me to be a better person. I was practically brainwashed and his brain was addled by coke.
Move on, practise grey rock techniques and keep a log of his behaviour so he cannot accuse you of domestic violence. Only speak to him via electronic means so you have a paper trail.
Good luck, you can do this!

LimonViola · 02/03/2018 15:28

Oh you poor love, loose Flowers massive respect for being so open about past issues with opiates too. Massive congrats if you managed to get clean!

"When ex tried to rape me I kicked him off and got on him with my hands around his throat. I let go because I was scared and paid the price. I always thought I was abusive for this I really did. I thought I was as bad as him."

Using violence to protect yourself from violence is never wrong! It's completely understandable and necessary if you can't get away and you are in fear for your safety. I think the difference here is that OP was the one to instigate the violence. she made a non violent confrontation into a violent one. I'm not saying that it's always unforgivable, lord knows people snap, but it's completely awful for people to be glossing over and minimising and 'there there'ing somebody attacking their partner without any physical provocation. That just minimises violence.

Mbshell · 04/03/2018 05:35

Update. My husband went to stay with family who live in mid Wales 2 hours away from me. His dad has offered to pay his deposit and first month on a house share here apparently, so at least he can still attend work and pay my mortgages etc. That’s what my husband told my 12 year old daughter yesterday. My mum the kids and me went for an overnight stay (that was booked in advance for DH DD birthday to Liverpool yesterday) my husband messaged me to say be careful driving as he couldn’t cope if anything happened to us in the mess he was already in. This gave me some hope that the real him is still there and that maybe he’s just lost in addiction. ( I’ve always deep down believed he will do the right thing) he messaged me before bed saying he missed me. I told him to just concentrate on getting well that’s all we needed.

I also asked him if he’d ever cheated as literally that would be the final insult. He was adamant that he’s never, I told him that if he had I might think about not keeping baby “as it would be too heartbreaking to see him live a single life whist I was pregnant at home”. He still said he wasn’t interested in living a single life and just wanted to get well.

Fast forward today, he hadn’t message me once, I asked him later tonight if he’d thought anymore about what to do with keeping the baby. He’d read it and not replied. I then (I know I shouldn’t have) looked on his fb and he’s liked about 10 photographs of this young girl from down theres photos, like all posey ones. I felt like I could throw up. All the pictures he usually likes are ones of sport of friends with their kids and families etc. I just don’t know why he’s doing this to me. I can’t stop crying.

I’m torn regarding what to do about the baby, the only reason I was planning on continuing with the pregnancy was because I thought he’d see the light. He’s gone totally the other way! He’s almost punishing me for something I haven’t done, yet still messaging me confusing me more. I keep thinking if I keep the baby I’m gonna have a long miserable pregnancy watching him do what he wants, especially with other women. He will love the fact that I can’t go out drinking or meeting anyone new. But I don’t think I can have an abortion, I think the baby is the only thing that’s stopping me losing my brain and going crazy!

My sister in law is mad with him, apparently she doesn’t think he’s in a good place, he doesn’t know what he’s doing or what he wants, she has it in her head that he must not be happy with me that’s why he’s taking drugs, she’s told him to be honest. But then has gone nuts because I’ve just sent her screen shots of the stuff he’s sending me telling me he loves me and how I’m his best friend.

Please don’t think I’m a mug! I can’t have him in the house taking cocaine, it’s not acceptable especially when doing it around children, however I think he must have something seriously wrong with him to be doing this in the first place. It’s onky been really bad since October last year, my husband is not a horrible person and is usually a brilliant dad and husband, it’s like his brain has been hijacked. The real him slips back then this ugly twin rests his head. I’m so confused what to do now.,

OP posts:
jessei · 04/03/2018 06:05

This really is a tricky situation! I think deep down you would really regret having an abortion.

He is being a complete idiot. I think all the nice messages he is sending are just to confuse you more. He knows what he is doing. It's like he's trying to keep you helping him and keeping the door open for him all the while he's doing what ever he pleases. To me the nice messages are more concerning than the horrible ones as they are more calculated, he's trying to trick you and your dc. How selfish Angry

This thread has made me really angry for you and your dc!

Personally I don't think you should be offering him any kindness as he does really need to see how serious you are. I've been in a similar situation and it feels bloody impossible. It's the only way you will know if he's serious about you and your family together.

Tiredemma · 04/03/2018 06:12

Addicts are manipulative lying shits. My brother is an addict and whilst I love him with all my heart and wouldn't want to see him harmed in don't way, I would have to think twice about even letting him into my home. He would steal anything not nailed down.
I think you have to accept that the man you loved no longer exists. Do not be emotionally manipulated by him. Your children must come first along with your own health and well-being.
I couldn't live like this and no other decent caring woman should either. Let him crack on with his own life

greenllicic · 04/03/2018 06:23

So sorry that this is happening to you. When my children were small my dh too was addicted to C and he spent every penny we had, lied through his teeth at every opportunity, turned nasty.

It wasn't until I came to the end of my tether and threw him out that he said he would stop. I meant it as I was better without him. He did eventually come of it and we're together 15 yrs later.

You are clinging on to the hope that he will change and he knows this. Maybe until you really mean it he won't accept there's a problem.

Think of your own sanity and MH and finish it for good. He is the only one responsible for sorting his life out.

positivepixie · 04/03/2018 07:27

Horrendous situation for you OP, I really feel for you. From that last post, though, I hear alarm bells that you're using the pregnancy as a tool to make him 'behave'. Sounds like you basically threatened him that you'd have an abortion if he went with someone else. It's absolutely up to you if you have a termination but don't use it as a weapon. As others have said, you need to make the decision based on being a single parent because as it stands, there is no prospect of your DH being the man you love. He really is not miraculously going to get himself well, it will take time and you can't base decisions on when this might be (it might be never).

RoadToRivendell · 04/03/2018 08:04

I'm not impressed that he's been occupied himself by liking young girls' selfies on FB. What the fuck is that all about? This is not the way that married men with five children are supposed to behave.

It's really easy for him to send you grovelling text messages. Don't pay them any attention.

I agree that you need to make your decision about your pregnancy assuming he's not going to be around.

pointythings · 04/03/2018 09:03

Addicts are manipulative. It's part of their addiction. Do not believe a word of his nice texts. Don't buy into the self pity. He knows what he has to do if he wants his family back, and he won't do it.

mathanxiety · 04/03/2018 20:43

Having read your update, I am going to be very blunt.

Stop contacting him.
Stop engaging with him.
You will only get played if you keep on contacting him and responding to him.
You need all your energy right now for your children and yourself.

He is an addict. He is not a brilliant dad and husband. He has put cocaine ahead of all other considerations. He sincerely does not care at all about anything but cocaine.

His family are enabling him by sorting out rent for him.
Don't enable him emotionally.

This is going to end really badly for you and the children unless you start thinking of your own and their best interests, and stop focusing on him.

You have to let him sink or swim on his own. If you try to rescue a drowning man he will drag you down too.

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