My Husband is a Binge Drinker. What Should I Do?

by Miss C.
(Warren Michigan USA )

I told him that he has a drinking problem. His friends are all scared to tell him. So now I'm the bad guy. He doesn't want anything to do with me now. What should I do? I love him. I just want him to get help. He refuse to go to counselling. He said he will detox himself.

Answer

Unfortunately when it comes to someone with a drinking problem - that person actually has to want to stop themselves, if they're ever going to change their behaviour.

So unless your husband is ready to accept that he has a problem, and is willing to do something about it, what you can do is unfortunately limited. And if your husband is feeling like he's being nagged, he may just continue to drink out of spite.

My suggestion would be that you surround yourself with people who know and understand what you're going through by trying out a couple of Al Anon meetings. These are purely for family members and loved ones of alcoholics, and will help you understand and deal with what's happening.

The sad reality of living with an alcoholic or being in a relationship with one - is that were are powerless to control them or their drinking, no matter how much we love them.

If things continue to get worse and you feel like you've reached the end of your tether, you may want to consider doing an alcoholism intervention. It can be a very effective and powerful method for getting someone you love into treatment, but you need to make sure you plan it properly if it's going to work, and getting professional help to do it is probably also a good idea.

As hard as it is, now is the time to try and stay strong, and not lose your own identity in everything going on. Surround yourself with good people and get yourself to an Al Alon meeting, because the strength of others can really help you get through this.

Best of Luck and God Bless.