Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Husbands drunk on holiday...

393 replies

Unknown987 · 29/09/2024 16:19

So DH booked a suprise holiday for 40th to a very romantic destination...
Has a horrible history with alcohol. I don't drink and he knows how much I hate his drink. Don't realise how bad it was until after marriage...

I ignore he drinks with friends/cousins as it's out of my face but drinking with me and kids is a no go.
he has been drinking on holiday and when I have asked him not to he always comes back with I'm a grown adult you can't tell me what to do. Which is true but it's respect for your partner. but today he drank beer after beer and is now soo pissed I don't recognise him I can't reason with him. His eyes are bloodshot, he's changed our evening plans and won't communicate with me as he's not in his full senses. He has left the resort alone and has said he knows not to do nice holidays with me in future and will only stick to family ones.
I have asked him to come to the room and sleep it off at least talk to me but he won't. He's gone for dinner and I said I wish I was at home and he said so do I (wish I wasn't there). So I came back to the room and he left.
im so hurt I'm crying.
what now?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
Patienceinshortsupply · 01/10/2024 18:48

What they're telling you OP is that they're not prepared to deal with him. If you bail out, whose going to have to take responsibility for him..... them. Hence their vested interest in keeping you together.

hellokittychan · 01/10/2024 18:50

You’re not responsible for his behaviour, that is ridiculous and infuriating. I wonder if things were reversed if you would be getting the same gentle treatment and he would be being blamed like this? I somehow doubt it.

Dottymug · 01/10/2024 18:50

The more I talk to him about not drinking I'm pushing him to it.
A few posters have said similar and it's utter nonsense. My Dh told me he drank because I nagged him about his drinking. We split up and he just kept on drinking, all by himself, with nobody else there to blame, until he died of it. An alcoholic drinks because they're addicted to alcohol. You can't do anything to change that.

Blondeshavemorefun · 01/10/2024 19:23

Sorry just seen your update and text

He may be bluffing

He prob thinks you won't go through with kicking him out

Keep strong

Mabs49 · 01/10/2024 19:47

If his family drink which it sounds like they do, they will back him up. They’re all in it together aren’t they? Enabling each other, not braving the tough questions.

You deserve to be treated so much better.

MovingonupScotland · 01/10/2024 19:52

Brave it out until you get home, and then get some advice from a family lawyer. You don't have to act on it, but forewarned is forearmed.

He clearly has a big issue with alcohol and it makes you miserable. You can't raise kids in that atmosphere. Alcoholism is evil and will impact on all the wider family for years to come unless you address it. You cannot control his drinking but you can control your response to it, and you can make choices for you and your children.

Good luck. It's tough but you can get through this.

MovingonupScotland · 01/10/2024 19:56

Apologies - should've read the whole thread 🤦🏼‍♀️

It's not unusual for families to bury their heads in the sand like this. It is not your fault. He's made his bed and must lie in it.

You have some tough times ahead but you will all be better off once you're out the other side.

Unknown987 · 01/10/2024 20:29

Mabs49 · 01/10/2024 19:47

If his family drink which it sounds like they do, they will back him up. They’re all in it together aren’t they? Enabling each other, not braving the tough questions.

You deserve to be treated so much better.

Yes he used to. Fil thinks Eve was made to help Adam and that is what I should do.

OP posts:
Direstraightsagain · 01/10/2024 20:36

I was one of the 12% that said you are being unreasonable.

I don’t think his behaviour is great. But sounds like day to day he’s largely given up alcohol for you and significantly changed his lifestyle for you.
You want more. You want him to give up more.
he could have wanted a fun holiday for his birthday, a blow out, few drinks, fun, with his wife etc.. and it’s gone terribly wrong.
I just think you’re incompatible.
My husband is an annoying when he gets drunk, a bit inconsiderate, but it’s only sometimes, the rest of the time he’s wonderful and he accepts moments when I’m not my best self too. So we kind of just compromise … up to you: sounds like you want out… but try and be sure and reflect on his side too.

pointythings · 01/10/2024 20:37

His family sound unhealthily enmeshed, and they sound like they have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. They also sound like the worst kind of misogynist traditionalists. Don't trust them, don't rely on them for anything and take some time to consider what you're going to do next.

Your husband will drink to excess again. I hope you know that, it will hurt less if you do.

Mabs49 · 01/10/2024 21:05

Oh dear. Religious patriarchal dogma as well as a drink problem?

Another red flag OP.

What made you get involved with him?

is he the father of your two girls?

SoMuchBadAdvice · 01/10/2024 21:53

Codlingmoths · 01/10/2024 06:36

Can you give us an example of what might have been her part in this that she needs to change? Because I can’t come up with anything.

Well it depends how literally you take OP's description about how they got to where they are. Without a shadow of a doubt were DH to describe the same night the story would be different again. In truth I wouldn't believe either side's story completely, but I am sure that both sides could have dealt with the situation better, or else they wouldn't be in the mess that they are in.

Now if you come at it that he is a dreadful person that she should never have married in the 1st place then I totally sign up to the 88% who vote for "get rid of him, fight to keep the kids & house & let him die in a pool of misery". (FWIW that 88% includes my vote, I don't think OP's reaction was unreasonable).

However, I feel that this is a functioning family that gains much from everyday life and has just hit a speed bump. If you TL;DR the story:

He arranges a surprise romantic holiday for just the 2 to celebrate event.
She's TT (maybe we all should be, but it's unusual)
He has a few beers (maybe we shouldn't, but it's typical)
They have a row that spins out of control (he drinks more, they eat apart, Mumsnet takes control).
Suddenly we are talking divorce, kids brought up in a broken family.

Is this really a sensible outcome?

I'm responding to a post that want's to blame someone. Is blame really going to result with an outcome that benefits the children?

Pieandchips999 · 01/10/2024 21:54

Well he's made it easier for you by that decision and your in laws being ridiculous. I was going to say he'll only be sorry till he gets away with it again but he's not even sorry!! He's definitely not treating you as an equal. I can't see this changing at all so you need to decide if you want to spend the rest of your life putting up with this nonsense. And also the session that you've made him drink by going on. He's not a naughty toddler reacting to you saying no

hellokittychan · 01/10/2024 22:06

SoMuchBadAdvice · 01/10/2024 21:53

Well it depends how literally you take OP's description about how they got to where they are. Without a shadow of a doubt were DH to describe the same night the story would be different again. In truth I wouldn't believe either side's story completely, but I am sure that both sides could have dealt with the situation better, or else they wouldn't be in the mess that they are in.

Now if you come at it that he is a dreadful person that she should never have married in the 1st place then I totally sign up to the 88% who vote for "get rid of him, fight to keep the kids & house & let him die in a pool of misery". (FWIW that 88% includes my vote, I don't think OP's reaction was unreasonable).

However, I feel that this is a functioning family that gains much from everyday life and has just hit a speed bump. If you TL;DR the story:

He arranges a surprise romantic holiday for just the 2 to celebrate event.
She's TT (maybe we all should be, but it's unusual)
He has a few beers (maybe we shouldn't, but it's typical)
They have a row that spins out of control (he drinks more, they eat apart, Mumsnet takes control).
Suddenly we are talking divorce, kids brought up in a broken family.

Is this really a sensible outcome?

I'm responding to a post that want's to blame someone. Is blame really going to result with an outcome that benefits the children?

She's TT (maybe we all should be, but it's unusual)
He has a few beers (maybe we shouldn't, but it's typical)

I think the dynamics are quite a bit different in this situation. It’s a much, much bigger deal for OP and he knows this.

From the op:

drinking is forbidden in the religion and culture

And yet he’s chosen alcohol over his family. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. His family blaming her and defending him is reprehensible. She should be being praised by them for standing firm against him drinking but there we go…

SoMuchBadAdvice · 01/10/2024 22:15

hellokittychan · 01/10/2024 22:06

She's TT (maybe we all should be, but it's unusual)
He has a few beers (maybe we shouldn't, but it's typical)

I think the dynamics are quite a bit different in this situation. It’s a much, much bigger deal for OP and he knows this.

From the op:

drinking is forbidden in the religion and culture

And yet he’s chosen alcohol over his family. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. His family blaming her and defending him is reprehensible. She should be being praised by them for standing firm against him drinking but there we go…

Edited

Thank you for your restrained response. It's a complicated situation which I will be honest - I haven't got a grip on:

drinking is forbidden in the religion and culture

I've ignored these issues.

I just think - is this event something that can only conclude with the destruction of a family, or is there some better conclusion?

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe · 01/10/2024 23:27

I'm very sorry, OP. I agree that having this brought to a head has saved you time and anguish, tying yourself into knots about deciding on the future of your marriage and whether you are right (you are!).

Your husband's first marriage failed due to his drinking and this is his second failure. He could have looked at his drinking at any point but he's alcohol-addicted and that is what is more important than his marriage, you and his children.

You'll be free of that and of his family who seem to be more interested in being complicit than actually supporting him. It's no longer your 'job', you've tried. Flowers

Unknown987 · 02/10/2024 07:44

SoMuchBadAdvice · 01/10/2024 21:53

Well it depends how literally you take OP's description about how they got to where they are. Without a shadow of a doubt were DH to describe the same night the story would be different again. In truth I wouldn't believe either side's story completely, but I am sure that both sides could have dealt with the situation better, or else they wouldn't be in the mess that they are in.

Now if you come at it that he is a dreadful person that she should never have married in the 1st place then I totally sign up to the 88% who vote for "get rid of him, fight to keep the kids & house & let him die in a pool of misery". (FWIW that 88% includes my vote, I don't think OP's reaction was unreasonable).

However, I feel that this is a functioning family that gains much from everyday life and has just hit a speed bump. If you TL;DR the story:

He arranges a surprise romantic holiday for just the 2 to celebrate event.
She's TT (maybe we all should be, but it's unusual)
He has a few beers (maybe we shouldn't, but it's typical)
They have a row that spins out of control (he drinks more, they eat apart, Mumsnet takes control).
Suddenly we are talking divorce, kids brought up in a broken family.

Is this really a sensible outcome?

I'm responding to a post that want's to blame someone. Is blame really going to result with an outcome that benefits the children?

I love how you have taken time to add drama to the facts I relayed.

the fact of the matter is I am TT and he knew this before we married. He knew I don't drink nor do I want my partner to drink for various reasons. He chooses to drink on a celebration for ME ruining our evening because he can't handle drink and somehow it's my fault?

OP posts:
TulipinUK · 02/10/2024 08:37

Ignore the comments of people who don’t understand. I lived with a binger who couldn’t stop when started and it’s horrendous. Unless they stop it’s always going to be like this and you will never know when the next nightmare days are going to be. Look after yourself and the kids.

keffie12 · 02/10/2024 08:59

@Unknown987 Ignore those backing him. He drinking is a problem because of the trouble he causes when he drinks. As I said before "it's not about how much you drink, or how often, it's about what happens when you drink"

It doesn't matter that he knew you were TT when you married either. I mean from the POV even if you were a "normal" drinker who just had the odd one it wouldn’t mean his drinking wasn't a problem as he would still be causing the problems in drink.

Alot of people are binge drinkers who don't realise they are binge alcoholics"

It's about the first drink. One is too many and a hundred never enough. When a person takes that first drink it sets off a phenomenon of craving.

How do I know all this! I am 21 years sober. I also was a binge drinker who stepped over a line at some stage where I could not stop after the first drink. Fortunately I got off the train pretty quickly once I realised I had a problem. The ex has the same problem though not in a program.

That is why I posted earlier Al-Anon. It supports for you. It doesn't matter if you're with the person or not, if they are alive or dead. If someone's drinking is causing problems for you Al Anon supports you as problem drinking effects all whose life is engulfed with the sufferer.

Yes I attend AA and Al-Anon. Please just read the link for support even if you don't go ahead with it. It's always there

https://al-anonuk.org.uk/

Al-Anon UK | For families & friends of alcoholics

Al-Anon Family Groups are for the families & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems.

https://al-anonuk.org.uk

LBFseBrom · 02/10/2024 09:25

I agree wirh

I knew someone very well, basically a nice man, who was a binge drinker. He got into all sorts of trouble when in drink, including drunk driving. The first time he was caught he was given a fine and short ban; the second time he crashed into another car, thankfully the driver was not injured, just shaken up, however it could have been far worse considering the state of both cars after the crash. That resulted in him going to prison for a few months and losing his licence for a longer time.

He was a family man, very hard working, adored his wife and children and was as good to them as he could be but, when in drink, was impossible (not violent thankfully). After many years his wife had had enough and they divorced, sold the house.

They remained on friendly terms, giving each other support, but no longer lived together.

Sometimes tough love is needed. The op should not have to live in dread of her husband bingeing every time he goes anywhere, even if it is not that often. The way he behaved during their short holiday was abysmal.

It's time to leave him or make him leave.

Mabs49 · 02/10/2024 09:49

People who binge drink like this make a decision to get pissed. It’s never just one drink.

I often think they’ve not fully grown up to take full responsibility for ALL their actions.

Its fine to do this if you don’t live with someone or have dependents.

But if your behaviour is impacting someone else…

FranceIsWhereItsAt · 02/10/2024 12:49

SoMuchBadAdvice · 01/10/2024 21:53

Well it depends how literally you take OP's description about how they got to where they are. Without a shadow of a doubt were DH to describe the same night the story would be different again. In truth I wouldn't believe either side's story completely, but I am sure that both sides could have dealt with the situation better, or else they wouldn't be in the mess that they are in.

Now if you come at it that he is a dreadful person that she should never have married in the 1st place then I totally sign up to the 88% who vote for "get rid of him, fight to keep the kids & house & let him die in a pool of misery". (FWIW that 88% includes my vote, I don't think OP's reaction was unreasonable).

However, I feel that this is a functioning family that gains much from everyday life and has just hit a speed bump. If you TL;DR the story:

He arranges a surprise romantic holiday for just the 2 to celebrate event.
She's TT (maybe we all should be, but it's unusual)
He has a few beers (maybe we shouldn't, but it's typical)
They have a row that spins out of control (he drinks more, they eat apart, Mumsnet takes control).
Suddenly we are talking divorce, kids brought up in a broken family.

Is this really a sensible outcome?

I'm responding to a post that want's to blame someone. Is blame really going to result with an outcome that benefits the children?

'SoMuchBadAdvice' I find it hard to understand how you think that telling the OP, that she and her H, could have dealt with the matter better, is of any help whatsoever to her. In general, people have responded to the OP, trying to give her advice about how she could/should proceed from here, and you saying that the children won't benefit from this, is absolutely ridiculous. How can you possibly think that the children are going to benefit, by remaining in a home where one of their parents is an alcoholic, and the other is constantly on edge, wondering when, (not if), her H is going to get drunk again, and whether he's going to do it in front of the children? I think your user name is absolutely appropriate, you are simply giving 'so much bad advice', so if you can't say something helpful, perhaps it would be better if you simply moved on to another post.

Agapornis · 02/10/2024 14:46

Please get some culture-specific advice, some people here seem to be missing the cultural context. There are (usually local) charities that will help Muslim women in situations like this, especially the family fallout bullshit you'll get. You could also post on the Muslim MN'ers board:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/muslim-mumsnetters

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe · 02/10/2024 16:06

SoMuchBadAdvice, never was there a more apt username. I can't believe that you posted in seriousness but assuming you did, how dare you dismiss the OP and post such patronising twaddle?

LBFseBrom · 02/10/2024 16:14

Agapornis · 02/10/2024 14:46

Please get some culture-specific advice, some people here seem to be missing the cultural context. There are (usually local) charities that will help Muslim women in situations like this, especially the family fallout bullshit you'll get. You could also post on the Muslim MN'ers board:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/muslim-mumsnetters

Edited

I missed the bit where the op said she and her husband were Muslim.