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AIBU?

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:
Mbshell · 12/01/2019 11:03

Yes about £100,00 but no plans to sell as my mortgage is so low per month it’s cheaper than a council house. The mortgage company have been awful they won’t allow me to go on the mortgage as there has been arreas on the account, so it’s all in his name but I’ve got a standing order going into a empty bank account in his name but that he can’t access if that makes sense.

OP posts:
Hoopaloop · 12/01/2019 11:04

DH and his hobby time 🙄

AnyFucker · 12/01/2019 11:30

No man is worth this. No man. What a fucking awful story of everybody but the person who can solve this trying to fix him

Have you finally realised you, nor anybody else, can turn him back into the man he was before he became an addict

Please protect your children now. If you keep letting him back in their lives, social services will take a dim view. And fgs, stop inflicting him on various other members of your family.

Mbshell · 12/01/2019 11:36

AnyFucker - no I’m at that point now. All my family feel sorry for him, but they are losing the will to live with it all too. It’s not just a case of what a horrible twat he is, the main point is that he was literally amazing. Everyone says it, no one believes me when I see old friends. How someone can go from the most trustworthy, devoted husband and father to what he’s become is scary!

But you’re right, I’ve done a lot of research and I’ve learned that I didn’t cause it, I can’t control it and I can’t cure it! I’m more focused on getting counselling for myself to try to work out who I am now at the end of all this.

OP posts:
Pachyderm1 · 12/01/2019 11:45

Don’t be a dick, @AnyFucker. It takes a village, and most people would happily offer their family members help if their position was as stressful and difficult as OPs.

I’m so sorry OP - I can’t even imagine how difficult and awful this has been for you. You’re doing incredibly well to keep your head above water Flowers

Whisky2014 · 12/01/2019 11:51

Well, I wouldn't be pawning him off to my siblings after he ruined his own fathers car!
Look what happened. This man is not their responsibility. Don't see how anyfucker is being a dick there..

loolooskip · 12/01/2019 11:56

Was amazing. Was.

He's now the person that cares more about getting high than you, your children and his own parents.

ENormaSnob · 12/01/2019 12:00

This man is ruining yours, and your kids, lives. You need rid. Foor good.

You will never come first. He has cheated numerous times and treated you and the kids like shit. Get some self respect and get shut.

LagunaBubbles · 12/01/2019 12:07

Pachyderm Anyfucker is speaking the truth, not being a "dick".

LagunaBubbles · 12/01/2019 12:09

And OP if you think one day you will have you "old" DH back for good then you're in denial sadly.

Mbshell · 12/01/2019 12:16

Sorry I live in hope that he will stop. I mean people do. And his behaviour is all part of the addiction of being a addict. He is deluded half of the time.

That said I don’t agree with it or accept it, hense the reason I’ve not had him home for good etc. And I always have thrown him out as soon as I know he’s using. But I agree it’s got to the point where it can’t continue as he’s becoming more self destructive. Although even if there isn’t a future for us I’d like him to try to sort himself out for his kids.

OP posts:
ShesABelter · 12/01/2019 12:18

Il be honest with you about the people I know who have cocaine habits.

Man one, has been abusing cocaine for years and alcohol. Married with two kids. His wife's finally thrown him out and nothing has changed. It's been eight months now. He wouldn't come back till 6 in the morning. Wouldn't answer her calls or messages. Lied. Slept all day. Didn't act as if he was part of the family. Said he has no feelings for her.

Second one, his wife through him out. They have three kids, not married. She then started taking it and took him back and they do it together. He would disappear for days on end. Spent money they didn't have by borrowing from people. Told her he didn't love her. When on coke binges it numbs them so they feel nothing. That's why alot of people get addicted to it as they have issues with the way they feel whether it be anxious, insecure, been abused. Lots of these feelings are masked and it makes you feel a false sense of confidence, happiness. He became paranoid about her too and still is even though they do it together.

Third one, hed disappear for days. Slept with multiple other women. Never contributed any money. Had men turning up with knifes, baseball bats etc. Stole. She has now got his wages transferred to his bank. She's in control of it completely. He wanted to change and has now been clean for eight weeks. She said he's being clingy and won't leave her alone. But having him get up in the morning at weekends and engage with the family now. Is amazing.

Final one isn't married or even in a relationship and has no children. He's been spending up to 2k a weekend on massive binges. He has been to rehab, his mum took his phone off him so he couldnt contact dealers. He's also tried deleting all numbers. He still finds a way. His parents think he's back on the straight and narrow. He's not. He messaged a friend at 8am on a Sunday Morning asking if he knew anyone who could get cocaine and not to worry it wasn't him being on it all weekend he was just preparing for watching the football later. It was lies. He had been on it since Friday afternoon with no sleep.

The reason for telling you all this is because you can't change someones unless they want to and are ready to change. You can lead the horse to the water but can't make it drink and you will mentally and emotionally yoar yourself apart trying to help someone who isn't ready to change. The best thing you can do is walk away for the sake of yourself and your children. If you are determined to try then he needs to be willing to give you ALL cash and have access to none. However there's no guarantee that he wont revert back to it in the future.

If I were in your situation id decide if I can't handle a pregnancy and extra child on my own with no financial help from him. Because realistically he may end up losing his job because of this. Or he may sniff all his wages and he wont be caring that the court says he's to give you cash when he has an addiction. For your own sake the best thing you Can do is walk away as hard as that may be it's easier than trying repeatedly for months or years to change someone who now has no respect for you or themselves and will lie repeatedly.

bobstersmum · 12/01/2019 12:19

He has to really want to get away from it, if he wants to he can. You need to take away his bank card and credit card. Remove any method of payment. Then temptation is gone. Coke is truly evil, I have no idea why anyone thinks its OK in any amount, it turns the person taking it into a totally selfish emotionless arsehole. He wont realise any of that, he'll feel amazing when he's on it, and the comedown is nasty so he will want more to get back to that high invincible feeling
The longer he doesn't take it the easier it will be to resist. But frankly, with kids to consider I'd kick his arse out.

Iooselipssinkships · 12/01/2019 12:22

I read through this thread again and was surprised to come across my own comment. I'd ask if you could read it again OP. About how their brain becomes addled and how they're never the same, they're not the person they once were. It's like with DV, that nice loving person doesn't exist. I tried telling you.
You really need to let go or this will be your life forever.

AnyFucker · 12/01/2019 12:42

Op, you keep letting him back, discovering he is using again and throwing him out

This will be damaging your children

If he ever gets his feet under your table he will do it again unless he has been totally clean for at least a year

You are his soft landing. You, and various members of the family, have been enabling him.

This has to stop. Have you attended any support groups for the family of addicts ? You need to completely change your mindset.

loubluee · 12/01/2019 12:43

I think it’s easy for anyone to say LTB etc, when it isn’t their own family. When you love someone, most people will try to help as much as they can before throwing in the towel.

I’m so sorry you are going through this OP, I hope you are managing to enjoy your little one throughout all this mess. I also hope that you can get your children some support to change their ways. Again I’m sorry all of this is falling to you. You should be at a time where you are enjoying your baby, not dealing with this from al of your family. It sounds like you are getting some support from family though, which is good to hear, many family’s would have ignored it. Take care x

Mbshell · 12/01/2019 12:47

Yes he told me numerous times he didn’t think he loved me, he said coke makes you think that everything is everyone else’s fault then when he comes down he realises how much he loves me and the kids and feeksvso shit for stuff he’s done that you take more to block out all the horrible feelings, he also admitted taking it when bored. He says you get a thought pop in your head, and you kid yourself into thinking “it will be different this time, a few lines won’t hurt” then you kick yourself each and every time. He said when you’re on it and you need more because you start to feel anxious you’ll go to any lengths to get it and at that point there’s nothing anyone can say or do to stop you. He doesn’t want to be like this, he cry’s a lot and at least he’s at the point now where re recognises he has a problem. In the past he used to think I was just blowing everything out of proportion

OP posts:
PregnantSea · 12/01/2019 12:50

Ok firstly, you did the right thing kicking him out. STICK TO YOUR GUNS!! no more texts telling him how much you miss him. You're separated for now. You can't have this shit around your kids.

He needs to hit rock bottom. Maybe then you will get your old husband back, but be prepared for the fact that you might not. I know it's terrifying but it's out of your control, only he can decide to change. It's really important that you stay strong and don't let him think he can just walk in and out of your life behaving like this or this problem will go on forever.

Also he was right - it is unacceptable that you threw a mug at him. I understand you did it out of frustration but you're giving him ammunition. Now he can tell people that you're abusive. People who do drugs lie and twist things and blame other people. So no more of that.

I'm so sorry that you're going through this, it sounds like hell. Good luck OP, hope it all turns out of for you and the kids xx

AnyFucker · 12/01/2019 12:51

Your posts are full of excuses and justifications for him. Nothing will change while you still think like that.

Dundundun · 12/01/2019 13:00

It’s almost like he thinks “ well I’ve lost everything, I can’t stop using drugs so I may as well carry on, on my downward spiral

Speaking as an ex addict (not cocaine though) this is exactly what he's thinking, I try I fail I fuck everything up I disappoint people at least if I don't try I can't fail and people just get what they expect, no disappointment. I think a lot of people on here are missing the fact that addiction is an illness not a choice. BUT

But you’re right, I’ve done a lot of research and I’ve learned that I didn’t cause it, I can’t control it and I can’t cure it!

This is also 1000% true, you have tried to help, you have tried to support but unfortunately it is up to him to succeed. You have done all you can for now OP, now is the time to focus on yourself and your children and give them some semblance of normality back.

Good luck with your new life OP

Mbshell · 12/01/2019 13:09

@Dundundun I only know this as I’ve done a lot of research. I used to go mental with him. But then I learned it wasn’t about him not loving me, he does love me I know this 1000% it’s just he’s so deep in his addiction that the drug comes first. It’s not a choice as such but he can choose to do something about it.

OP posts:
Mbshell · 12/01/2019 13:15

I used to think if he loved me and his children he wouldn’t do this, I used to think “ how can he take someone’s car and crash it?” How can he spend all our mortgage money? Etc I used to think he was being selfish. But then I think why would someone choose to live like that? It’s a disease of the brain. But one I can’t put up with for obvious reasons. So I tell him now that I love him and it’s not his fault but if he wants to get help his life will get better etc.

I’ve found that since I’ve calmed down and he’s started to trust I won’t go mental with him, he’s more inclined to tell me if he’s used etc. When he disappears. Years ago he’d just turn his phone off and I’d be up all night wondering if he was dead etc.

It’s a long tough process but you do learn to accept it for what it is I suppose, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling devastated that any of this happened to my family.

OP posts:
CarolDanvers · 12/01/2019 13:27

I posted on this thread under another name last year. I think many of us could have predicted this outcome. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with all this but time to get off the rollercoaster now.

Practically speaking you can bet help with divorce fees if you’re on certain benefits.

Stormy76 · 12/01/2019 13:48

This is happening in many families all around the country, the thing to keep in your mind is that an addict will say what they think you want to hear, they will behave (for a while) they way that they think you want them to. It’s a facade, I am sure that he loves you and your children but right now it’s all about the drugs. He still hasn’t hit rock bottom yet because he knows he has you all there.

Reading this was quite sad for me because this has happened with my son, drinking drugs and gambling. He lies, steals, we encouraged him to leave h9me instead of throwing him out......we should have thrown him out but we’re so worried we couldn’t bring ourselves to do it. It destroys everything, it’s like have a grenade thrown into the middle of you home repeatedly, you get up each time and try to ‘fix’ them and clear the damage away but it doesn’t work.

He has been lying to you all along, I suspect that his drug use started much much earlier than he let on ......phoning dealers in the middle of the night is a serious drug problem.

Stick to your guns, do not let him come home for any reason and start divorce proceedings, you need to close this chapter and move on......leave him to sort himself out ....if he wants to.

ShesABelter · 12/01/2019 14:02

Olay I posted tjay last post just after reading the first one. I can see it's now moved on and basically everything I said would happen has. You are now wasting your energy and emotions on a man who doesn't deserve it when it should all be on yourself and your children.

Stop holding hope be will change. He won't. Show him you mean business by divorcing and don't make excuses to yourself of why you can't. You are now in debt and having money issues because of stress he has caused and your poor family was also pulled into the mess.

Walk away. No matter how much you love him it doesn't justify putting up with this shit. I'd be cutting contact completely.

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