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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

Husband is spiralling out of control

135 replies

Scaredstressed · 09/09/2024 12:01

Hey, so I am not entirely sure why or how I have found myself here but I need a sanity check from someone outside of the situation.

My husband and, by extension our entire family unit, has been through a lot of stress over the past couple of years, which has resulted in him developing depression. It's been really difficult to live with as his moods are just awful.

Around 2 months ago, I felt something was massively 'off,' and whilst it's not my finest moment, I checked his phone to find drug orders. I confronted him about this and he admitted he has been regularly (2-3 times per week, including just at home with our family) taking MDMA for 10+years and hiding it from me. Obviously, my world was pretty rocked at this revelation and his being able to keep a secret like this for 10 years (to give context, I do all the laundry and cleaning etc and have never found anything remotely suspicious). I knew he had been heavy drinking to cope with stress but had no idea this was going on. We chatted it through, I decided to support him and we committed to therapy.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and we were at a small gathering of friends. To cut a long story short, that evening I also found out he's been taking coke. We had a disagreement, decided to come home to talk about it and laid it to bed...that was all done.

Then the following week, he went to a networking do and disappeared for the best part of 24 hours. When he came home (again wrong of me) I checked his wallet and found cocaine. I threw it away. The following week, he seemed 'off; again. I asked him to do a drug test and he was fine with it until I showed him I had already bought them, at which point he flipped out and became aggressive...the eventual result was that he was positive and had taken cocaine at work two days before.

His therapy has made things worse. In therapy he has created an entire fake persona for himself, making up literal rubbish about being scarred from his childhood (getting in trouble for smoking a fag etc or being told off for not being home on time). I am trying to be patient with this, however, I feel he may be exploiting me - I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and he knows any mention of childhood trauma really gets me on side. I understand trauma is caused in different ways and has different effects on people but I really feel these are normal childhood things being used to excuse his behaviour.

Since therapy began, his drinking is heavier. I am talking 10-12 beers and a third to a half of a bottle of spirits or two bottles of wine every day. Last week he had a seizure after drinking - I told him and he stopped for one day.

He is now becoming aggressive and verbally intimidating. Last night he called me a 'fat bitch,' 'poison,' a 'psychopath,' 'c*nt,' 'manipulative' and he says I am the cause of all his problems (even though he has been taking drugs for 35 years). He said he wanted to go to couples counselling (something which I have asked for and he has previously refused) and when I asked why he had changed his mind, thinking he really may want to save our marriage, he sneered and told me he wanted to see the counsellor tell me how ridiculous I am.

I am a smart, funny, well-educated woman and I cannot believe I am in this situation. He keeps begging me not to leave and telling me I promised to support him in sickness or in health but I cannot live in this misery. My friends tell me to leave but I can't find the strength.

So basically, I am here looking for people's opinions, am I completely ridiculous or is he being an abusive AH? Because right now I feel gaslit to the point of absolute insanity and am so ashamed that I can barely turn to anyone in real life anymore.

Please help me.

OP posts:
Gymnopedie · 09/09/2024 20:26

Next time he starts on 'in sickness and in health' remind him that he vowed to love and to cherish you.

You may feel you don't have the strength to go but if you don't your strength will become even less as he eats away at your self esteem. There will never in the future be a better time to leave than now, so do it.

Cosycover · 09/09/2024 20:27

Scaredstressed · 09/09/2024 18:58

I have already reached out to social services but I am so embarrassed. I am a good mum and my children are well-looked after and loved. I provide so well for them. I started crying on the phone as I’m convinced they’ll take them away. The lady was very reassuring but I am just mortified that it’s ended like this. 8 weeks ago, my life was perfect 😔 I guess I just didn’t know the truth. I want that back so much 😢

So you need to keep being a good mum and providing well for your children by leaving this man. There is no other option. They have basically been left with one parent and you need to step up for them now. Get him away from them and don't let him back.

gmgnts · 09/09/2024 20:30

The amount of alcohol he consumes every day - and a seizure, to boot? - means that he is a hopeless alcoholic, with a drug dependency problem as well. Yes, he is abusive. You need to pluck up courage to leave. Couples counselling will get you nowhere.

sammyjoanne · 09/09/2024 20:31

I would not stay with him because of what his family would think if you left. I would leave and give the family a good heads up about his drinking and drugs problems started way before he met you, and that he just hid it well for years and how hes treated you since then and you cannot put up with it anymore. Then just block the lot of them, before they cast their pointy fingers at you.

EvenMoreFuriousVexation · 09/09/2024 20:33

I’m being made to feel like I am crazy and he’s told me what he does is completely normal

Well yeah, it's normal for an addict/alcoholic...

https://al-anonuk.org.uk/getting-help/find-a-meeting/

Click on the "Online" tab on the attached page - there are zoom meetings most days and times. You will find understanding and fellowship there.

Your husband has been taken over by his disease and his disease is doing most of the talking for him. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do to help him. If you leave he may reach his rock bottom and finally decide to seek help. If you stay and continue enabling him, he will most likely never reach that point.

Successful addicts are incredibly good at covering up their usage, right up until the point where they're not.

Your primary concern now has to be the safety and welfare of your children. Your husband has a (toxic, enabling) family who will pick up the pieces when you leave. Your children only have you.

Find an Al-Anon meeting - Al-Anon Family Groups

https://al-anonuk.org.uk/getting-help/find-a-meeting

Gettingbysomehow · 09/09/2024 20:36

The only answer is that you need to leave now and take your children. This is a truly shocking way to live and he will never change not after all these years. You are totally enabling his behaviour by staying.
You need to show you mean business.

Scaredstressed · 09/09/2024 20:38

sammyjoanne · 09/09/2024 20:31

I would not stay with him because of what his family would think if you left. I would leave and give the family a good heads up about his drinking and drugs problems started way before he met you, and that he just hid it well for years and how hes treated you since then and you cannot put up with it anymore. Then just block the lot of them, before they cast their pointy fingers at you.

I tried to warn them. They think I should ‘do the right thing’ and ‘stand by him.’ They’ve even blamed me for not telling them about his MH issues even though he wanted to keep it low profile. His brother basically said I was a terrible person for even thinking about leaving him when he’s having these problems. But how far am I and the kids meant to suffer to protect his addiction and keep him comfortable? He’s in complete denial and is doing nothing help himself. I’m even having to make excuses now he is missing client meetings.

OP posts:
Scaredstressed · 09/09/2024 20:41

Gettingbysomehow · 09/09/2024 20:36

The only answer is that you need to leave now and take your children. This is a truly shocking way to live and he will never change not after all these years. You are totally enabling his behaviour by staying.
You need to show you mean business.

I’m still in absolute shock and grieving for the marriage I thought I had. I feel like a rabbit in the headlights, completely frozen. To add context to this, I am seriously unwell at the moment, and day-to-day things are a challenge: I have been trying to focus on my recovery from a serious illness. Which makes me even more bitter - he abuses his body, whereas I look after mine and have ended up in pain every day for a year, battling a horrible condition. He’s also used this as an excuse for his using, which basically shows the depths to which he will sink. But seriously, I don’t even know how I’d pack up the boxes to move.

OP posts:
LyingWitchInTheWardrobe · 09/09/2024 21:00

Of course his family think you should 'stand by him'. They don't want to deal with the shitshow that he's made of his life.

Don't be emotionally blackmailed or coerced by them. Their opinion doesn't matter and, if they think they know so much then they can take over the care and fail just the same.

You and your children are all that matters now; protect them and yourself.

Scaredstressed · 09/09/2024 21:01

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe · 09/09/2024 21:00

Of course his family think you should 'stand by him'. They don't want to deal with the shitshow that he's made of his life.

Don't be emotionally blackmailed or coerced by them. Their opinion doesn't matter and, if they think they know so much then they can take over the care and fail just the same.

You and your children are all that matters now; protect them and yourself.

Exactly. And god forbid they’d have to face up to the fact that all their kids are messed up.

OP posts:
Secondstart1001 · 09/09/2024 21:14

@Scaredstressed yoiu seem to have had a stressful few years which you could cope with and make allowances for your husbands “depression”.
Findong out he is a long term drug addict is a lot to process as there is the long term deceit as well as questioning the whole basis of your marriage.
You seem quite overwhelmed with the situation as you are also recovering from a long term illness. I think you need to do things in your own time, no big rush, don’t think of packing boxes. I think you need to preserve your mental health right now. annoying as your in laws are, can you use them for childcare so you get time to yourself? It’s not a race to Ltb .., some women will just go for it and others will take their time, Don’t put yourself under pressure, allow time to process the situation. Don’t engage with your H in terms of arguing ect, conflict will not help you but creating some careful boundaries will. Look after yourself 💐

Isometimeswonder · 09/09/2024 21:19

Nothing will change unless he changes.
He won't change unless he wants to.
Right now he doesn't want to.

kiwiane · 09/09/2024 21:28

When you’ve left him you will look back and wonder why you stayed so long. You deserve a calm peaceful life to recover your health and to bring up your children in a safe home.
Good luck with the next steps - my advice would be to ask around and find a really good family lawyer who’ll help you through the next stage.

newyear2024 · 09/09/2024 21:29

OP if you don't leave him you are in for a long, long road of trying and failing to help him. Believe me, it's a long and miserable journey trying to help an addict. Especially when they are no where near being accountable.

Victim blaming is text book - takes away accountability for the addict and gives them a reason to stay high. You've been through so much yourself in life and your answer isn't to take MDMA in a house with your kids. Addicts are incredibly selfish and manipulative. You will be doing him a kindness in leaving him, as it may well be a push to get clean losing his family and comfy life.

He will promise you the moon if you stand by him, then he will continue using and just be more careful at trying to hide his use. You will constantly be checking his phone and pockets and drive yourself crazy trying to find the evidence. It's impossible and given your own childhood trauma it's not bloody fair, you've survived alot worse than kicking this man out and prioritising yourself and your kids x

Scrambledchickens · 09/09/2024 21:47

Leave
he won’t stop using
lots of other behaviour goes along with both those drugs, get an sti test
He will lie and lie and lie, don’t believe another word

Scaredstressed · 09/09/2024 21:55

Scrambledchickens · 09/09/2024 21:47

Leave
he won’t stop using
lots of other behaviour goes along with both those drugs, get an sti test
He will lie and lie and lie, don’t believe another word

I have had serious health issues for a year due to some neurotoxic medicines given to me during surgery and an accidental codeine overdose in the hospital. I’ve had so much blood drawn I am amazed I have any left! Aside from the regular HIV testing which goes alongside that, I think my infection markers would be up if there was anything like that.

OP posts:
Disturbtheuniverse · 09/09/2024 22:08

Your post brought up such terrible memories for me. My partner was also depressed but within weeks, due to stresses, his abuse suddenly shot up. He called me exactly the same words your husband called you 'psychotic', 'manipulative' etc. and he was also terrified of me leaving him. I'm sorry to say it escalated even further with threats of violence and I had to leave with DC. Best thing I could have done. It is hard having to navigate shared custody but knowing I am out of that constant feeling of being trapped is bliss.

For your own safety and that of your DC, leave if you can. I left and collected my stuff later (the police got involved which scared him enough to behave).

It is hard, I am two people every day. A confident, educated professional woman on the one hand, and a survivor of abuse on the other. I can't quite reconcile them yet but I tell myself that at least I am not a victim anymore.

Scaredstressed · 09/09/2024 22:12

Disturbtheuniverse · 09/09/2024 22:08

Your post brought up such terrible memories for me. My partner was also depressed but within weeks, due to stresses, his abuse suddenly shot up. He called me exactly the same words your husband called you 'psychotic', 'manipulative' etc. and he was also terrified of me leaving him. I'm sorry to say it escalated even further with threats of violence and I had to leave with DC. Best thing I could have done. It is hard having to navigate shared custody but knowing I am out of that constant feeling of being trapped is bliss.

For your own safety and that of your DC, leave if you can. I left and collected my stuff later (the police got involved which scared him enough to behave).

It is hard, I am two people every day. A confident, educated professional woman on the one hand, and a survivor of abuse on the other. I can't quite reconcile them yet but I tell myself that at least I am not a victim anymore.

This resonates so clearly with me; thank you. I just feel like, whichever way I turn, I’m a failure.

OP posts:
ThreeLocusts · 09/09/2024 22:38

OP no no no you're not a failure. Christ on a bike, what a manipulative dissimulating dysfunctional man you're dealing with. Of course you didn't see this coming; who would expect something like that?

And I'm so sorry about the medical fuckups, sounds awful. And about your history of abuse and how H is exploiting it.

I hope you can pay a moving company if you you can't deal with the packing, or pay some students cash in hand, but one way or another get that man out of the family home. Just plead surprise at his drug use, and sod his family.

Globules · 09/09/2024 23:38

Another one here saying you're not mad. And that it's time to leave.

In addition to the great advice you've already got here, I just want to say the Christian aspect is going to be significantly influencing your in laws. I believe divorce feels so much of a bigger thing to professing Christians, as it's breaking a sacred promise made before God. They will likely heap on the guilt , because they will find it hard that they have failed to raise a son who can stay married.

Ignore them. He's a mess that you can no longer stay married to after all these discoveries. You've been kind and given him more chances than he deserves. He's still using.

It's time to end things. Follow the great advice on this thread as to how to leave safely and ensuring your interests are protected.

All the best.

TeaMistress · 10/09/2024 00:10

Oh my dear. You sound as though you are at breaking point. Can your family offer you any support? You absolutely need to get yourself and your children away from your abuser. Do you have any male relatives who can help you move house? I think you urgently need legal advice in respect of a non molestation order / occupation order and divorce proceedings. Your abuser doesn't matter and neither do the opinions of his family.

Bertgotkinky · 10/09/2024 00:54

Scaredstressed · 09/09/2024 20:38

I tried to warn them. They think I should ‘do the right thing’ and ‘stand by him.’ They’ve even blamed me for not telling them about his MH issues even though he wanted to keep it low profile. His brother basically said I was a terrible person for even thinking about leaving him when he’s having these problems. But how far am I and the kids meant to suffer to protect his addiction and keep him comfortable? He’s in complete denial and is doing nothing help himself. I’m even having to make excuses now he is missing client meetings.

You have stood by him but enough is enough. There is only so much “standing by him” you can do and right now his failure to help himself is worsening this already awful situation. He blames everyone bar himself. Does it really matter what his brother or his parents think? His brother and parents are not living this you and your children are. He is (allegedly) a grown man well right now he needs to man up and sort himself out. You do not need to be around his errant behaviour and nor do your children. You know what to do. You just need to be bloody strong and leave him to it. No one benefits from this unless you take yourself and the children out of this situation. If he continues down this road of self destruction you don’t need to be around to watch him do it. It is going to get a lot worse before it gets any better. You and your children are priority number one not him.

twilightermummy · 10/09/2024 01:05

You need to leave safely. Please contact women's aid to help you do this. Do not let on to him that you're leaving and don't tell his family members where you're going to.

Do not take him back when he says he's been on an addiction course and is off everything. Don't do any counselling with him. If he does an anger management course, it means nothing. Abusive men just learn how to temper their anger and control victims in different ways.

It doesn't matter how intelligent you are or how well you provide for your children, this can happen to anyone. This isn't your shame and you don't need to explain yourself to the people around him. His family clearly don't want to deal with the mess that you're dealing with.

He's a liar and he's lied well. You can never trust him again.

Please leave and don't look back!

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