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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Thread 2: Husband's now not-so-secret drinking problem

335 replies

Stickywhitelovepiss · 14/12/2019 14:41

A thousand thanks to those who posted on my thread over the last 6 months.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3606514-Hand-hold-DH-missing-after-accident?watched=1&msgid=92322070#92322070

Short story is that husband got arrested for suspected drink driving in the middle of the day six months ago, and had muggings here believing it was all one big misunderstanding. Results have only this week been communicated - he was over the limit and is being charged accordingly.

Turns out he has been harbouring a secret drinking problem for way, way longer than I knew. In the last 6 months his drinking has escalated massively (or at least become more apparent to me), and I am under no illusions now that he is an alcoholic.

Rationally, and having read up on all the conventional wisdom on this front, I know I need to have him leave till he either sorts himself out, or we call it a day after 12 years.

Emotionally, it is tearing me in two.

I won't be making any sudden moves before Christmas, but please keep talking to me in the meantime. I'll be going to an Al-Anon this week, but right now it's you lovely nest of vipers that is keeping me sane...

OP posts:
Onalake · 16/01/2021 18:20

I followed this post from the beginning op, as I was/am in a similar boat, including drink driving, although my dh was convicted.

Mine stopped drinking during the first lockdown as we didn't live within walking distance of shops and I refused to drive him or buy him alcohol. We have since moved, and soon after moving, unbeknownst to me, he began drinking again. I thought I was going mad when I would ask him if he had been drinking when he was slurring or repeating things, and he denied it. I stupidly believed him and really thought he was having a stroke.

I caught him hiding a vodka bottle one day, and he admitted to drinking up to 180 units a week. He had one night when he was drunk and got argumentative and made me cry, but when he had sobered up promised again that he wouldn't do that again.

Time will tell, but I don't trust him as far as I could throw him and don't know if I will stay or go.

Sorry for hijacking op, I am empathising, but it was good to get that off my chest

If you need to vent feel free to pm me x

MrsRockAndRoll · 17/01/2021 14:56

I remember your thread Op, he's very lucky both in the verdict & you supporting him. Take care ThanksThanksThanks

Stickywhitelovepiss · 25/02/2021 16:14

Well, that didn't take long - he's back off the vodka wagon as of about two weeks ago.

Spectacularly outed himself to my Dad's side of the family (my Dad and SM being the two people in the family in the know) when I called him in for a birthday call to my little nephew at 5pm, and he emerged from the bedroom (where he was WFH, while I worked in the living room) absolutely steaming. Super obviously so. I had no idea.

Probably a bit of blessing in disguise.... I've spoken in depth to my Dad (my wonderful, wonderful Dad), and my brother has reached out as well.

I've also starting to clue in some of my closest friends - on the basis that the less secrecy from here on in the better. No one has run screaming yet - just supported me. My poor Mum though, she'll be heartbroken for me - still working up to that conversation. She will be behind me no matter what.

Right now, I'm working up the courage and the strength to do what, in my heart of hearts, I know has to be done. I don't want to initiate this during lockdown, so may be a few weeks yet before I actively look to make a break - when I can draw on some proper family support that isn't over video call.

Please can I ask MN to hold my hand yet again, and prevent me from caving yet again...? Please be patient with me as well - I'm working up to things, but it's literally tearing me in two...

OP posts:
Stickywhitelovepiss · 25/02/2021 20:12

Anyone...?

OP posts:
BrowncoatWaffles · 25/02/2021 20:57

Oh Sticky, I’m so sorry. I remember your thread from earlier in the year. Hopefully Boris’ plans for things opening up in the next couple of months will give you time to get help and do what you need to.

mrurddhasabitpart · 25/02/2021 21:26

I'm so sorry sticky. It's so hard when you love someone. To see the truth. To act upon our own resolve. I don't have much advice, and whilst different, I share a similar story and I'm not out either. But I'll hand hold. For me, and I suspect a bit you- I KNOW I'd have had the strength by now if I'd had my family, properly, over the last year. It's hard when your support network is there but not there, and the person who IS there, always, is the one from whom you need to get away. Despite loving them. It's a split and it's hard and I hope you can navigate through. Thanks

AttilaTheMeerkat · 25/02/2021 21:34

An alcoholic can go onto lose everything and everyone around them and they can still choose to drink afterwards. You in turn sadly are still on the merry go around that is alcoholism with all the inherent chaos that goes with it.

Alcoholism as well thrives on secrecy, telling others will help you.
It is not called the "family disease" for nothing and you are still as caught up in this almost as much as he is and you've learnt you cannot rescue and or save him.

Your own recovery from his alcoholism will only properly start after your marriage ends. His primary relationship is still with drink, it’s not with you and has never been with you. Alcohol is a cruel mistress and you're still playing out the usual roles associated with such spouses; those of codependent partner, enabler and provoker (because you never forget).

You started this particular thread in December 2019 and its now February 2021. Will you still be there in December 2021; you could well be but I hope you make the break before then.

Hard as it is to read I would urge you to read the 3 act play that is alcoholism link below:-

www.soberrecovery.com/forums/friends-family-alcoholics/68440-alcoholism-tragic-three-act-play-there-least-4-characters-1-a.html

CraftyYankee · 26/02/2021 00:36

What is stopping you from leaving and going to your family?

(Apologies if it's in the thread somewhere, I did read it all back when first posted but have only read the updates right now.)

Thebestposter · 26/02/2021 04:21

Hi @Stickywhitelovepiss I had this in my near family. Remember the three c’s. You didn’t cause it can’t control it can’t cure it.

In my instance the partner leaning was a good thing for the drinker. They even said that afterwards. Do use al-Anon. I only went once fore guidance but felt quite lifted.

Thebestposter · 26/02/2021 04:23

Oh and you realise the drinking never stopped don’t you?

My relative said that they thought if they stopped drinking all the other problems would go. Took rehab to realise not.

pointythings · 26/02/2021 09:46

I remember your thread and your situation and I'm sorry but not surprised it has come to this. Use lockdown time to get your information together and get some online support from Al-Anon or a similar group so that you can work towards detachment and strong boundaries. Life with an addict is hideous. Once you've taken the plunge and separated, you'll be surprised how much better you will feel without him in your life.

Stickywhitelovepiss · 26/02/2021 10:12

Thank you guys... It's hugely appreciated.

I can't go to family, as my nearest and dearest are all shielding to lesser and various degrees - we are taking Covid extremely seriously, and I couldn't risk introducing illness into the mix. Would also be very difficult to be in someone else's home for lockdown - however much I love them! Once we - or at least they - are all vaccinated, it provides a clearer path forward. We are about an hour's drive from each other, so can be on hand on support then.

I also don't think it would be wise to be the one to leave the property.

There is time to think, to plan, and to line up somewhere else for DH to be. I know this means delaying pulling off the plaster for a bit, but I am geared up to knowing now that this is really the only thing that can be done.

OP posts:
Stickywhitelovepiss · 26/02/2021 10:13

I am devastated, but not surprised either - I just so, so wish I didn't have to make this choice.

OP posts:
Utilityroomenvy · 26/02/2021 11:01

He hasn’t kept up his end of the bargain so it shouldn’t come as any surprise that you want him to leave. Lockdown shouldn’t prevent that either - people are permitted to move house during lockdown. I would tell him ASAP so he can start looking for a place. I’d even get practical about it by dividing up belongings so the message is well and truly received. You’ve put your life on hold for long enough due to his selfishness. Time to take charge.

JimLaheysWhiskeyBottle · 26/02/2021 13:37

I'm so sorry to read your update. You must be devasted.
I also have an alcoholic husband. We have been together 21 years, I'm only 37. In all honesty leave. You will regret staying.

I love my husband, he can be a wonderful man, kind, loving, generous. But not all the time. Alcoholism ruins his personality and I feel that I have lost my youth supporting him.
My boundaries are eroded, my self esteem is rock bottom. You will be the last in his list of priorities and that is a shitty feeling. Drink will be first, his own needs will be second then your needs will be last. It doesn't happen quickly, none of us would stay if it did. It happens slowly, you don't really notice it until its too late.
My husband is supposed to take 3 tablets of antabus every day to stop him drinking. Sometimes he does for a few weeks, but then he doesn't and the cycle starts again. He just fancies a few beers at the weekend, healthy living starts tomorrow, clean eating etc etc and the stream of bullshit and false promises begin again.
I still can't believe that somebody who is supposed to love me, lies to me with such ease.
I don't talk to anyone about it in real life, I probably should but I wouldn't know where to start, plus I don't live in the UK.
Leave before it's too late. You sound like a wonderful, strong woman. You too have a choice in this. It will be very very difficult to leave, but it will be nothing compared to life is like living with someone who values alcohol and their own needs above and beyond yours.
Good luck with everything. Feel free to pm me if you need to talk. It might not sound like it from my post, but I'm a nice person!

MrsRockAndRoll · 26/02/2021 21:06

Sorry to hear this. Glad you have support - sending you a HH

Sssloou · 27/02/2021 09:18

@pointythings

I remember your thread and your situation and I'm sorry but not surprised it has come to this. Use lockdown time to get your information together and get some online support from Al-Anon or a similar group so that you can work towards detachment and strong boundaries. Life with an addict is hideous. Once you've taken the plunge and separated, you'll be surprised how much better you will feel without him in your life.
I also posted on this thread under a different user name and like many of the other posters I am sad but not surprised at where you find yourself right now. That’s not a criticism of you but a reflection on how alcoholism progresses.

In just over 3 months time you will be TWO YEARS since you started the thread. That’s the point where you consciously became aware he had an extensive, secret, dangerous, problematic and long term drinking issue. Not sure that you took it on at the time - maybe it was a “boiling the frog” scenario. In that time he has lied and lied and lied to you - just as he has each and every day throughout your 12/14 year RS.

Where do you want to be in June?

Know that he will still be drinking heavily and lying to you. He is not emotionally connected to you - the mind of an alcoholic is preoccupied and obsessed with hiding, lying, craving - there is no mental capacity for authentic connection with another.

Also know that alcoholism is a progressive disease. Even if he doesn’t drink more and more his physical and mental capacity will continue to deteriorate and the the wheels will fall off his life - he will lose his job etc because he will make mistakes or be be drunk at work. There will be falls, incidents etc etc.

Are you still going to be enabling his alcoholism because putting and roof over his head and colluding with his secrecy through your own understandable shame and disappointment is exactly this. Look at all of the subtle ways you have adapted your life to accommodate his drinking so that HE never has to feel the consequences of his actions,

The question for you is are you at the end of the line - or do you want more or the same getting progressively worse and worse?

At his level of drinking he must have some serious and chronic health issues just about to pop - are you happy to be his carer for the rest of your life? And have your own life blighted by the physical limitations his illness will put on your current lifestyle and plans for the future?

He will lose his job, rack up debt - are you planning to work to fund him for the rest of his life as his nurse with a purse?

I also think that it’s really important to leave alcoholics sooner rather than later when they have more mental and physical capacity to turn around their life rather than when it has eroded to such a debilitating level. See leaving him as a gift of opportunity to him - a wake up call that he can take or not.

What research and planning do you have to start before you can implement changes?

What emotional and professional help do you need to access to support you through?

Lockdown is no excuse to hold you back.

You have mentioned avoiding telling your DM frequently - I would start there - this seems to be an obstacle for you and maybe represents your own subconscious denial and hiding of the problem.

Tell her. I bet she already knows or suspects.

Lean on your family and friends and TELL them what you want for YOU - emotional support to leave him - not tea and sympathy and attempts to fix HIM. Sunlight is the best disinfectant - you will feel such relief and real clarity once you get this out in the open.

You also say that you have not seen family or friends for the last year - it would be good for you to make arrangements to see friends one in one etc even if you don’t tell them immediately as you need to start building up your social life / friendship connections.

Have you been to Al Anon or have you any personal therapy in place?

Get all your legal stuff sorted before you tell him otherwise he will disrupt everything.

What small step can you take today?

Stickywhitelovepiss · 28/02/2021 18:36

Thank you all - I am here and very much listening.

It's been a long and utterly emotionally overwrought weekend on several, as you can imagine.

I'll provide a proper update into next week, once I've got a few ducks in a row...

In the meantime, a sizeable proportion of friend and family base are now in the know (not yet my Mum, she is too lovely to worry before I know what I'm doing myself). Some long, indepth (plus utterly snotty and undignified) conversations with my Dad and best friend, which have helped massively...

@Utilityroomenvy - Yes, he could move out tomorrow if I pushed. It's more that I'd not have anyone to see me through and help keep me strong - at least not face to face, or just for a much needed hug...

@JimLaheysWhiskeyBottle - Thank you for your hugely empathetic post. Can I ask why you are also struggling to leave? Are there children in the mix with you...? You are younger than me xx

@MrsRockAndRoll - Thank you, and very gratefully received!

@Sssloou @Thebestposter and @pointythings - You are echoing my entire thought process at the moment.

For those I haven't yet responded to directly, I am most definitely reading and listening xx

OP posts:
Stickywhitelovepiss · 28/02/2021 18:38
  • On several fronts
OP posts:
pointythings · 28/02/2021 19:10

You're sounding composed and resigned now. That is a position of strength, although I know it probably doesn't feel like it. You know what your path out of this is now and you have the will to follow it. Keep posting on this thread, we are all holding your hand. Flowers

Sssloou · 07/03/2021 18:26

@Stickywhitelovepiss how has your week been?

Stickywhitelovepiss · 08/05/2021 10:06

So, there are updates.

He's now been sacked on the basis of capability - I've seen all the HR correspondence, and it sounds like it's an accumulation of performance concerns (I'm sure there are sobriety concerns too) and just inability to function / cope in the workplace. Clearly, he's not been functioning as well as I thought he had for some time.

The switch has finally flipped in my mind, and I'm now seeing him as he is and not through rose tinted spectacles. I'm fucking done.

I've been working my way up to it for some weeks and engaging with solicitor, but I'll be formally filing for divorce this week.

Thanks Mumsnetters for helping me see the light on this. It hurts like fuck, but it has to be done.

OP posts:
pointythings · 08/05/2021 15:02

I'm glad in a way that it has all crystallised in your mind. It means that the end of all this and the start of your new life without him is that much closer. It will be better. Take it from one who's living that life every day. Take time to grieve over what you've lost, move forward with the divorce with absolute determination. You're strong, you've got this. Flowers

Ohdobequiet · 08/05/2021 20:16

So sorry op. You’ve more than tried.

MrsRockAndRoll · 08/05/2021 21:57

Well done on. Ding strong, do you have support?

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